*Registration ONLINE!  Spring season dates:  February 6-March 29
Required Evaluation Days for NEW swimmers:  January 16-17, 4:30-5:00  OR January 30 or 31 4:30-5:00 or 5:15-5:45
  (choose one day/time to attend for evaluation)

*Required Group Evaluation/Placement for NEW swimmers as follows:  
(any of the 3 days above- pick one day/time)
-Returning Swimmers register online and resume practices on February 6th / 7th
-Swimmers ages 4-8 will do an evaluation practice for group placement and skills assessment.
-New swimmers may (and are encouraged to) pre-register online for the season to hold their spot in the class; the evaluation day will confirm placement in group (payments for swimmers not the skill level following the evaluation day will be refunded promptly)

 
The Novice Program is a pre-competitive swim team group for children between the ages of 4-12*, designed as a transition from swimming lessons into the world of competitive swimming.  The focus will be placed on teaching Freestyle and Backstroke through the use of drills and motor skills, improving kicking technique and learning body and head position and balance in the water. Progress in this group will be measured on developing skills and technique rather than on speed in the water.
*Fall Season- must be 4 years as of January 31 of current year (4.5+ years of age)
*Spring Season- must be 4 years as of June 30 of previous year (4.5+ years of age)

Pre-requisite: Able to swim some freestyle and to flutter kick on front for 25 yards; able to flutter kick on back for 15 yards. All skills performed without assistance from instructor. (25 yards = 1 length of pool)
A child must have the emotional & social maturity to be independent of parent(s) &/or caretaker throughout the time allotted for the practice. 

Group Objective: Learn Freestyle & Backstroke through the use of drills and motor skills and Develop Competitive Swimming Base Skills of Breath Control, Balance, Body Position in the water and Kicking.

Program Advancement:  Placement in the Developmental Competitive Track (8 & Under Division or Age Group Development Division, depending on age).

Swim Meets:  With Coaches’ recommendation, for swimmers that can swim freestyle with breathing and backstroke without turning on to stomach (25 yards for 5-8 years; 50 yards for 9-12 years).

Season Dates:
-Fall Season-  August to November 
-Spring Season-  February to March/April 
-Summer Season-  June to July

Practice Days Offered:
2 Day Option: Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs
4-7 years-   4:30-5:10 
7-12years-   5:15-5:55
*A 6:00 practice group for the 9-12 year olds may be added, based on enrollment and demand; TBD week of February 6
-Due to the on-going learning stroke progressions, the child should maintain weekly attendance throughout the duration of the season for maximum development and improvement.

Practice will not be held the following dates:
-Mon/Tues, February 20-21  (Mardi Gras)

Required Group Evaluation/Placement:
(choose one day/time to attend for evaluation)
-Swimmers ages 4-8 will do an evaluation practice for group placement and skills assessment.
-Swimmers may (and are encouraged to) pre-register online for the season to hold their spot in the class; the evaluation day will confirm placement in group (payments for swimmers not the skill level following the evaluation day will be refunded)