FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do the coaches expect from the swimmers?

The Needham Summer Swim Team is a recreation league that attracts a wide variety of swimming abilities.  For some, this is the first experience with competitive swimming, others are seasoned veterans of the summer team, and still others are also swimming at the U.S. level.  For this reason, expectations are also going to vary.  One thing that we do expect is that everyone will try their hardest.  We want each swimmer to start off the season with a positive goal. We also hope that everyone will share a common goal of constantly improving while having a fun, successful summer.

What about swim meets?   

All swimmers will participate in each of the meets. They will not always have the opportunity to choose the events they wish to swim, but may make requests (at least two days before).  If a swimmer is unable to attend a meet, a coach needs to be notified as soon as possible.

Home meets begin at 5:30 (with a warm-up at 5:00).  All swimmers should be at the pool at 4:45 for the home meets to ensure that swimmers are ready to enter the water at 5pm.  Most away meets begin at 6:00 (with a warm-up at 5:30).  Each meet follows the same structure and order of events, and if the meet is held in an official sized swimming pool swimmers will have their time recorded. Click here for the order of events.

It is completely normal to be nervous before a swim meet, especially if it is a swimmer's first one! Remember that the goal of our team is to have fun and be safe.  In particular, it makes the coaches especially proud to watch swimmers try difficult events, like butterfly! 

What if I don't want to swim an event?    

Sometimes a swimmer may compete in a stroke he or she dislikes or we may even move a swimmer up an age group.  Be a team player!!  

What does the Championship Meet entail?

The Summer Suburban Swim League hosts a championship every year meant to celebrate the swimmers of each team and give them the opportunity to compete against members of other teams who are equally compatible to their swimming ability. All swimmers are eligible and expected to participate in the Championship Meet! This year the meet will take place on August 12th. In order to participate, swimmers need to attend 5 out of 10 meets over the course of the 2023 season. More details on the Championship Meet will be provided as we get closer to the end of the season!

What is the Mile Swim?

Five girls and five boys, selected by the head coach, compete in the Mile Swim. Traditionally, the Mile Swim takes place in a lake or pond as an open water distance event.  In 2022 and 2023, the event was held as a Mile Swim Relay. 

To compete, swimmers must have competed in 3 dual meets.  Swimmers must be at least 11 years of age to compete. The mile swimmers are determined during practice based on the coaches judgement and the swimmers capabilities. Needham has historically done very well at the Mile Swim, and it is one of our biggest events of the season.

What are practices like?

Because the skills of each swimmer vary, the practices will also vary. In general, the 8 and unders do a lot of stroke development work and spend time learning the more difficult competitive strokes. 9-10’s do stroke refinement and also work on improving upon the skills they have already acquired. Older swimmer practices are focused more on perfecting stroke technique and working on building endurance. 

Practice is imperative to gain competence in the competitive strokes and also to improve and become faster. If you do not come to practice and work hard, then you will not swim faster at the meets. However, if you think the practices are too hard or not challenging enough, please talk to a coach. We want everyone to improve and swim the best they can, but we do not want anyone to feel that practices are too difficult or too easy. Adjustments to lane placement can be made if needed.  The coaches want swimmers to practice in a skill appropriate lane to ensure a positive swimming experience. 

Do I have to wear a cap and goggles?

We recommend goggles for all swimmers, regardless of age. Swimming for an entire practice without goggles always leaves swimmers with red, aching eyes. Avoid this discomfort by purchasing a simple pair of goggles. Speedo makes excellent goggles that are well made and last. “Speedo Vanquishers” tend to fit well for boys and girls about age ten and up. Younger swimmers are better off with smaller frames. Speedo goggles tend to last longer than other brands. Don’t forget, we practice outside…consider picking goggles with a darker lens.

Bathing caps are helpful for swimmers to keep hair intact and reduce drag. While caps are not mandated for practice, we do require swimmers to wear caps at meets. 

Do I need to purchase a team suit?

A team suit  and team cap is provided as part of your team registration fee! The team suit and team cap should be worn primarily for swim meets to preserve the integrity of the suit. It is important to remember that no suits or caps from other teams will be allowed during competition. We will be hosting team suit try ons on June 1st at the RRC.

For swim practice,  we recommend a training suit for swimmers -- either a one piece or jammers -- from an athletic brand, such as a Speedo or TYR. Training suits from these brands are more durable and better fitted for competition. Swimmers should avoid practicing in loose or baggy swimsuits as they can make swimming more challenging, especially for inexperienced or younger swimmers. 

​What about swim shirts?

Swim shirts are a wonderful way to protect against skin damage. That being said, they also add a lot of weight to swimmers who are trying to complete their practice. Consider your swimmer's endurance and ability during practice, it may be best to reduce drag and avoid the swim shirt if possible!