General FAQ
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How do I join HTX Swims
All new swimmers will need to do an in-water evaluation to determine the best group placement. Once completed we will assign your swimmer a group, practice time and cost for the session. Email info@htxswims.com for evaluation information.
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When is a good time to join HTX Swims
You can join HTX Swims at any point in the year. We typically have a larger set evaluation date in the fall (August) and do ongoing evaluations throughout the year.
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Who can Join HTX Swims?
HTX Swims offers site-specific programming for swimmers ages 3 to 18 and beyond.
Lesson Program age ranges from 3 to 10.
USA Bridge Program ages range 5 to 12.
Competitive Team Ages range 6 to 18.
Masters Team Ages range 18 and Older
Practice FAQ
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Does my swimmer need to attend every practice?
Each lesson or training group has a recommended practice number swimmers should strive for each week. As swimmers progress through the program so do expectations around attendance and involvement. As coaches, we understand that school, family commitments and other activities are important roles in the development of our young athletes, we do ask that any missed practice/meet is communicated as much as possible with your lead coach.
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How do I prevent "Burn Out"
HTX Swims doesn’t subscribe to the theory of burnout. Using 15 years of data of coaching inside the loop we find new swimmers who do not initially stay in the sport have an attendance lower than 50% during their first months of swimming and first session. Setting a routine of practice days and non-practice days helps swimmers settle into the routine of practice. In addition friendships and connection to teammates is a large part of the first month(s) of any season and what ultimately keeps swimmers in the sport.
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When should my swimmer arrive for practice?
It is a good idea to arrive at least 15 minutes before practice. This ensures your swimmer has plenty of time to get their equipment set up before practice begins. Our listed practice times are the time we dive into the water, not arrival times. Please have your swimmer at the pool and ready to dive in at the appropriate time. The coaching staff will be at the pool 15 minutes prior to each practice if you are needing to drop your swimmers off. Swimmers should not be dropped off any earlier without first talking to a coach.
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What if my swimmer arrives late or has to leave early?
We really encourage you to have your swimmer stay for the entire practice period. However, we understand that this is not always possible. If you arrive late, please have your swimmer ready to swim as soon as possible. Once ready, send your swimmer to his/her coach for instructions on what the group is doing. If you need to have your swimmer leave practice early, make sure the coach knows before practice starts. This way we are able to account for every swimmer and ease transitions of swimmers arriving/departing.
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If my swimmer misses a practice can they swim with another group as a make up?
If a practice is missed for any reason (other than HTX Swims notice), have your swimmer attend their next scheduled practice. Swimmers are not allowed to swim up or down groups to make up missed practices.
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Can parents watch practice ?
Parents are a huge part of the success of a swimmer’s development. Depending on location we will have specific days/times for you to watch practice. These are specific to the rental agreements we have in place with each facility.
It is important that during practice times you only observe your swimmer. Parent interaction with the swimmers should be at a minimum during the practice, so the coaching staff is able to keep the full attention of the swimmers in the group.
Swim Meet FAQ
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Where are swim meets held?
The majority of meets our swimmers will attend are held in Houston and the surrounding areas. There are a few meets offered outside of these locations.
HTX Swims competes in USA Swimming sponsored meets. GULF Swimming is the local swim committee (LSC) that sanctions the greater Houston meets. When attending GULF-sponsored meets we will be assigned a location based on team size, team location and volunteer-based (officials)
For invites, dual meets or non-GULF Swimming sponsored meets HTX Swims seeks out partners for meets based on the type of meet, location, and season plan.
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How often are meets held and do we have to attend every meet?
On average, your swimmer will have one meet per month that they are able to attend. While swim meets are an important part of the development of a swimmer, the number and type of meets attended varies from swimmer to swimmer. The coaching staff will assist each swimmer with determining which meets to attend. As swimmers progress within HTX Swims so does the expectations of meet attendance.
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How much does it cost to attend a swim meet?
Each meet has varying costs. The host team sets the entry fee for their meets. These fees typically vary per event, depending on the host team, type of meet, and facility.
HTX Swims does charge a $10 surcharge per meet to help offset coaches’ travel, relay entries, and out of town meets.
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Do we have to stay for the entire meet?
While we want your swimmer preset for the entirety of the meet, we understand families have other commitments. When you declare your meet attendance, you will be able to leave notes about which days of the meet you can attend, and the timeframe of availability. The coaching staff will do their best to choose events around these notes. When no notes are left swimmers will be entered in all sessions of the meet.
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What does my swimmer need to bring to a meet?
Swimmers will need their HTX Swims team suit, team cap (bring an extra pair), goggles (bring an extra pair), towels, HTX Swims shirt, and HTX Swims jacket/parka/ or hoodie to wear while not swimming. For nutrition ideas please see our resource page.