What do we need the first time we come to a practice?
You will need a swim suit, towel, and goggles, and athletic shoes. Wearing a swim cap is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory.

What strokes does my child need to know before joining?
None. The Learn to Swim program is designed for younger children that are still learning or need to learn the strokes.

What is happening during practice?
Feel free to ask any established Extreme parent if you have any questions during practice. Your child's coach will be happy to visit with you before or after practice. You can also visit USA Swimming FAQs for parents found on the Your Child's Training section to read more about what to expect.

What do we need to bring to a swim meet?
Swimmers - A good attitude, a bag with 2 towels, goggles, suit, swim cap, flip flops or sandals to keep your feet safe, and a water bottle. It is always good to have 2 of everything. You never know when you will need a spare.   
Parents - Meet information with warm-up times and events, directions to pool,  a pen, sharpie marker, highlighter, and purchase a Heat Sheet.

What are Time Standards?
USA Swimming publishes sets of time standards. Swimmers use standards for setting goals.  Standards can also be used to offer swimmers a general idea how they match up with other swimmers in their age group. Just because a swimmer has an "A" time as a 10 & under  doesn't mean they will have an "A" time as a 13-14 year old.
Time standards from USA Swimming

What is the Long Course (LCM)?
Long course swim meets take place in 50 meter pools of which many are outdoor pools. The long course period runs from April to August. Time standards for long course are different than those for short course.

What is the Short Course (SCY)?
Short course swim meets take place in 25 yard pools and are held indoors. The short course period runs from October to March. Time standards for short course are different than those for long course.

Parking?
Team members should park in the lot to the North of the pool by the football stadium and baseball field. You should not park to the East of the building. Parking there could result in a ticket.
 

Why do swimmers shave for big meets?       

They shave their entire body so they can move through the water faster.      

Lack of hair has nothing to do with speed for swimmers (or very little). When you shave your body, you are not only removing hair, but the layer of dead skin cells on the top of your skin as well. The idea is to remove all of the gunk and buildup on your skin so that when you enter the water, it feels different. Basically, all of the stimulation gives your body a shot of endorphins when you dive into the pool (kind of like steroids, without the drugs). That is why people swim faster after just shaving.