Welcome to the Woodley Gardens Swim Team! The pre-team program for our swim team is referred to as the Ripples!! Below are some FAQs to assist new and returning families with specific information regarding the Ripples. 

What is the difference between pre-team and 8 & under? 

Pre-team members are usually between the ages of 4 and 8. They are beginner swimmers who either cannot swim a full length (25 meters) of the pool or who can swim one length very slowly/with poor technique. 8 & under swimmers are usually between the ages of 6 and 8. These swimmers can swim a full length of the pool in freestyle and usually backstroke comfortably. These swimmers are comfortable in deep water for a full practice swimming multiple partial/full lengths of the pool. 

Do pre-team swimmers have to register for the swim team? 

YES, if your child is participating in the Ripples program, they must be registered. Registration MUST be completed through the Woodley Gardens Waves website (woodleywaves.org) by June ??. If your child’s registration and payment is not completed by June ??, we will not be able to provide your child a trophy at the Swim Team Banquet. 

When does pre-team/Ripples practice? 

Ripples may participate in as many or as few practices per week as they desire. Practice will begin after evaluations on Monday, June 3. Following June 3, practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Morning practices are held from 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Practices are also held on Monday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:15 - 6 p.m.

How are the pre-team/Ripples levels determined? 

Each pre-team swimmer must be evaluated. Evaluations will beginin June 3. The coaches evaluate each child during the pre-team evaluations. Children are divided into three skill level groups (group 3 is the lowest level and group 1 is the highest level). The coaches continue to evaluate your child throughout the summer and will make adjustments as needed. The coaches also work hard to try to maintain a reasonable coach to child ratio. If your child is on the bubble between two groups, they may flow back and forth as space is available. 

If the coaches determine your child is ready for the “well”/8 & under, please know this means they may participate as a member of the swim team (NOT pre-team/Ripples).

Why must parents be at the pool during practice?  

A designated, responsible adult must be at the pool during all practices. Coaches are not permitted to leave the pool to tend to any one child’s needs. This means if your child is injured, needs to use the restroom, or doesn’t want to swim that day (the water can be cold in June), a designated adult must be available to tend to your child. Also, there is always the potential for practice to end early due to weather or pool incidents.

What do I do when I arrive at the pool for practice?  

When you arrive at the pool, you should check in with a Pre-Team Coordinator/Coach. The Coordinators are parent volunteers. The Coordinator/Coach will help check your child in and ensure your child joins the right practice group. The Coordinator/Coach will provide you with any important updates and are also available to answer any swim team questions. 

What are parent volunteer points and do I have to participate? 

The swim team relies on parent volunteers to ensure season success. If you only have a child on pre-team and no other children on swim team, then you do not have to complete the easily attainable points of volunteer activities. With that being said, you are welcome to participate in and volunteer for any swim team activities. We do encourage pre-team families to volunteer as it is a great way to meet other families and get to know the community. 

Does my child need to purchase a swim team uniform and cap? 

If your child is planning to participate in an official swim meet, it is a good idea to purchase a swim team uniform and cap although it is not required. The official swim team uniform for 2024 is any black or black/gold suit for girls and jammers for boys. 

Does my child participate in time trials? 

No. Pre-team members do not participate in time trials although they are invited to come out and cheer on the older swimmers. 

What are swim team buddies?
Pre-team/Ripples members are not assigned a buddy as many pre-team/Ripples swimmers do not participate in a majority of the swim meets. 

What is the Annual Ripples Funfest? 

Not all Ripples will be ready to participate in an official swim meet. Therefore, the swim team hosts a special mini-meet funfest for all pre-team participants. The children will have the opportunity to compete against one another in various pool lengths and have some fun. We end the event with a pot-luck of snacks and goodies. The event will be held at 9:15 a.m. at Woodley Gardens Pool on TBD. 

How will I know if my child is ready to participate in an official swim meet? 

It is highly recommended that before you sign your child up for a swim meet you attend one in advance, so you can see what all it entails. If you think your child might be ready to participate in an official swim meet (B Meet), please check in with your child’s coach. They will be able to provide some guidance as to your child’s readiness. If you sign your child up for a B meet, please let the Pre-Team Coordinator know in advance. The Pre-Team Coordinator can help ensure the coaches know a first-time swimmer will be participating and can help ensure your child gets where they need to be during the meet. 

What is the difference between an A and B meet? 

A meets are competitive meets with a limited number of swimmers competing from each team. Swimmers for A meets are selected by the Coaches. Any swimmer ready to participate in a meet can sign-up and participate in a B meet. By the end of the season, we hope your Ripple has participated in a B meet!

Lastly, all pre-team/Ripples participants and families are invited to participate in all swim team events – parties, picnics, meets, pep rallies, swim team banquet, etc.

WELCOME TO THE WOODLEY WAVES FAMILY!!!

Updated March 2024