FAQ
Main »» About Joining The Orcas| When can I join the Orcas? |
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| A swimmer can apply to join the Orcas at any time. Just use the Get More Info link on the left side or email us (administrator@swimorcas.com) and we will set up an appointment to see your swimmer. We take time with your swimmer evaluating their ability in order to place them properly for their success and enjoyment. NO SWIMMERS ARE TURNED AWAY because there are NO BENCH SITTERS on the ORCAS TEAM!!! |
| What does my swimmer need to know or be able to do to join the Orcas? |
| We have a swim school for beginners so anyone can join the Orcas. To join the team, a swimmer must be able to swim a length of the pool in a controlled manner, breath comfortably to the side, and do a somersault. We can teach the rest! |
| At what age is it best to join the Orcas? |
| The younger child is easier to teach so the earlier the better. As a child grows older, it is more difficult to teach them new skills. We can do this!! We find some older swimmers reluctant to begin because they do feel that they are good enough or as good as their friends. Just give our professional staff a few weeks and they will be coming home proud of themselves and ready to conquer the world. |
| Do all swimmers train to be come OLYMPIC champions? |
| Actually, very few do. We have swimmers that simply swim for exercise, swimmers that what to be the best in Rochester, swimmers that want to be the best in Minnesota, and swimmers that simply want to be the best. Swimmers decide just how far they want to go as they progress and learn the most important lesson of youth sport, setting goals and sticking to them. Parents and Coaches contribute together as a part of the team most concerned with each individual swimmer. It is so much fun watching it happen! |
| Must my swimmer compete? |
| Not in the beginning. Your swimmer will be ready to compete before we allow them to race. We have “novice meets” for those that are new to the sport. This kind of meet allows a swimmer to learn how to handle competition in a fun and supportive way where everyone wins. Afterwards, swimmers compete in “swimming meets” that are held at local and regional facilities against swimmers of their same abilities. MOST IMPORTANT, swimmers should compete only when they are ready and when they need an opportunity to see their progress. Competition and its role in the sport has more to do with recognition of progress then winning or not. |
| Evaluation |
| We evaluate each new member before you join. It takes 10-20 minutes complete and we will know where your child will belong in our program. We have different groups for swimmers with different skill levels. Evaluation allows us to place each swimmer properly. |
| Will I be with swimmers my age and ability??? |
| Yes and no…eventually yes! We do not want a new swimmer who lacks some skills placed in a position where they feel they cannot do what the others do. We will help them learn the skills first. We also want “peer” groups to learn and have fun together. This is a special part of our program and we always treat each child as an individual! |
| When can my swimmer begin??? |
| Swimmers are allowed to immediately join the Orcas during these times: September – November and April into Mid-May. We sometimes allow swimmers in during the remaining months if they are prepared to “jump” right in. Swimmers are not always taken in during the other months because of the nature of the individual concern we have for each child. Joining during the middle of a season places your swimmer at a disadvantage to the others. We may wait until we begin a new session giving your swimmer the BEST chance to improve. We “TRY OUT” swimmers all season and schedule your swimmers entry into the best swimming program on the planet when it is best for them!!! |
| Do I have to come every workout??? |
| No. Swimmers improve like students and other athletes, the more you come and learn the more you progress. We have no requirements for attendance other than what you desire. When a swimmer moves into the upper groups ( Junior / Senior ), goals determine what you need to do and MOM and DAD are a part of the equation! |
| If my swimmer has competition background and is ready for Senior or Junior Levels can they “jump” right in? |
| Most can. Swimmers must be able to train AND compete at the time they begin. This means they must be able to get into the water and train and compete with the current swimmers in those groups. We are a team and we treat each swimmer as a team member while training them according to their personal goals. |
| Do we pay less if we do not want to come each day? |
| If you are in the younger groups ( Green – Bronze ), there are 2-3 day options. After you progress into the Silver – Senior levels there is only one cost. You may attend as many sessions as you desire. |
| Why is there not an option for paying for fewer days? |
| At earlier levels of our program, there are different levels of schedule options. Once a swimmer travels into the upper levels of swimming skill, they need a “coach” that knows what to do for them. Fees pay for the quality of your coaching staff. Once your swimmer moves into the upper levels of our program our fees cover the cost of having the BEST coach on deck for each child when they choose to attend. THE ORCAS FEES are 30-40% cheaper than other community USAS programs and offer much much more!!! |
| Why the BEST coaches? |
| At the higher levels of swimming involvement it is really the coach that makes the “teamwork” and we have a great team. We employ professional coaches who are trained and have college education geared towards working with children in swimming & youth sports. When the group is full, we will not overfill allowing each child proper attention. We employ professionals that know how to coach, teach, motivate, and most importantly CARE for your children. At the higher levels, swimmers need a “real” coach dedicated to making sure each child progresses. Each group is supervised by at least one FULL TIME professional coach. That is why we are as successful as we have been in making our kids happy, we simply know how. |
| What equipment will my swimmer need? |
| A proper swim suit for training and goggles! If a swimmer joins the Gold team and those above, there is additional equipment they will need. A couple of items used by Senior Swimmers cost moderate amounts. We have all of the equipment at “wholesale” in stock as well—suits too!! |
| What do I as a parent need to do when my child joins the Orcas?? |
| As in all youth sport organizations, we host events and activities to provide the children with experiences here in our community and to raise money to keep YOUR COSTS down. The Orcas are one of the most respected parent organizations in the Mid-West/USA for hosting competitive events. Parents are required to help/volunteer whenever we host an event to help us keep costs to a minimum. It is not much time and it is time with your kids…so it is always fun! |
| Can I compete for my High School if I am a member of the Orcas?? |
| Of course!!! 95% of the Orcas swim for their High School teams and they have traditionally been the finest swimmers on the high school teams. We have fine High School coaches and many of them work together with us in the best interest of the children. Swimmers do not pay regular fees when competing for their High School team. |
| Is it all work, when do we have fun?? |
| We have fun every day…we grow every day…we try new things every day! Being a part of the Orcas team means growing as a young person, learning to set goals, believing in yourself, and doing it with your friends and an adult that knows and cares about you. Young people want to succeed and be special and we are masters at making that happen and helping each swimmer feel special in an individual way! |
| What are some examples of social events?? |
| Lock-ins at the pool, travel trips to six flags, sleep-overs, movie & pool fun nights, mini golf outings, get-togethers, meals, parties, skating nights, trips to sporting events, “away” competition/meets in interesting places (Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Des Moines, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Key West, and more), parent get-togethers and other activities all designed to bring our kids and their families together in a healthy environment! |
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