Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Swimmer evaluations are listed for summer but not spring. When are the spring evaluations?
A: The spring season is very short. Due to the short season and the lower volume of swimmers, we perform swimmer evaluations at the beginning of the season during practice. Please read the Practice Groups page to better understand the appropriate level for your swimmer.
Q: What meets are held in the Spring Session?
A: Spring session is a practice only session. It is available for kids to develop their skills and physical abilities. Therefore we do not compete in the Spring Session.
Q: My child swam in the Spring Session and we now want to sign up for summer but the registration says it is full. Is there a way to get them signed up anyway based on swimming the spring season.
A: This is a reasonably common request. We have always suggested signing up for both sessions if you think they may want to swim Summer as well. You can always cancel the first week of Summer. While we do not like to manage cancellations, we also want to make sure every opportunity is given to those committed to swimming.
Q: What should I do if my swimmer missed the placement evaluations?
A: If you are already registered, please come either Monday or Tuesday (11th/12th) between 7:30-9:30 am or 4:30-6:00 pm. Please be aware, you do not need to come if you are not already registered as this is a mandate for evaluations.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: We do not provide refunds after the first week. Please be sure to determine if it is not right for you during this time. The reason for this is we have a waiting list and need to offer those waiting to join the opportunity in the beginning of the season.
Q: My child will miss some of the session due to vacation/camps/activities. Is it possible to prorate the fees to reflect the partial season attended?
A: Covington Critters is a summer team and understands the need for flexibility to allow families time for vacation and other activities kids are interested in doing. However, we still must hire coaches for the entire season. We do not provide prorated fees or refunds based on partial season participation.
Q: My child will miss some of the practices/meets. Do we need to commit to attending all of the sessions to be on the swim team?
A: We encourage swimmers to attend as many sessions as possible to gain more experience in the water. We are focused on skills and a great summer experience. As such, we do not require full attendance to be on the team. However, the time your swimmer misses, is valuable to both their skills and the bonding that takes place as part of a team.
Q: Do you offer a family/sibling discount?
A: No. We provide the same level of attention and training to multiple children from the same family as we do multiple children from different families. Therefore, we do not offer a "quantity" discount.
Q: We have several kids and lots of other activities. Do you know of any carpools?
A: Getting your kids to and from the pool is up to you. That said we are certain you are not the only one in need. Come to the introduction meeting and see if you can find other parents who can share this task with you.
Q: Does Covington accept kids who don't know how to swim?
A: No, we do not take beginner swimmers. Our novice group is comprised of swimmers who are already water safe, and can safely negotiate 25 yards of swimming by themselves. You should probably seek out a lesson program as opposed to a swim team.
Q: Are swim fins needed for all groups?
A: Swim fins are needed for all groups except Critter Group.
Q: When should I talk with the coach or my swimmer during at the pool practices?
A: Please be sure to let our coaches do their jobs. Parents should not be making eye contact with their swimmers during practice times or providing instruction on the side. It creates a distraction, and prevents the coaches from maintaining order.
We are happy to have parents watch, but please do so on the bleachers on the far side of the pool. If you have a question for any of the coaches please approach them after your swimmer is done with his/her practice session. Thank you for your cooperation.
Q: I want to give for the Coaches' gifts, but I am not sure how much to give.
A: It's up to you. Some think $20 while others think $20 per child is appropriate.
Q: We missed the awards picnic, a meet or some other activity and would like to pickup my child's ribbons / team photo, where can I do so now that the season is over.
A: Maridee usually leave the files on her doorstep. Feel free to stop by her house to pick them up. Please do not come late.