What is the Speedy Team?
The Speedy team is for our youngest swimmers (approx. ages 5-8) who may still be getting comfortable in the water and learning proper strokes. The team focuses on building confidence, improving technique, and introducing kids to competitive swimming in a fun and comfortable environment.
Meets: Meets are held at 9am on Saturday mornings in June. Swimmers arrive at 8:30am for a brief warm-up. The meets generally last 1 to 1.5 hours. Speedy meets do not have heats or scorekeeping. Swimmers are given the opportunity to swim the four strokes and receive ribbons with their times noted on them. Our coaches encourage swimmers to try all of the strokes when they are ready. Speedy meets do not have disqualifications (DQs).
Volunteers: Speedy Team families are asked to volunteer to time at one meet. Two timers are assigned to each lane. The best of the two times is noted on the swimmer’s ribbon.
Safety Test: The safety test will take place after the first two weeks of practice. All speedy swimmers new to the Hammerheads must swim one length of the pool unassisted in order to continue on the team. There is no stroke requirement. Swimmers will be given a second chance, if needed. Refunds are given for swimmers unable to pass the safety test.
Speedy vs. Regular Team: Young swimmers may participate on the regular team in the 8 & under group. Swimmers able to swim legal strokes are encouraged to join the regular team. There are key differences between the two teams.
- Regular meets take place on Monday & Thursday evenings in June and run 4-5 hours, including warm-ups.
- Families are required to volunteer for three shifts through the season.
- Stroke and turn judges monitor the events, and swimmers receive DQs for technique infractions.
- Although regular meets are competitive, the coaches create a fun, exciting, and low-pressure environment for our swimmers!
