FAQ's
How do I sign-up?
Online registration begins on May 1st. You will sign up on the swimtopia website.
How do I pay?
We accept debit or credit card payments on the Swimtopia website. If you want to use a check, please bring a check to practice.
What is included in the sign-up fee?
The sign-up fee includes all practices, meets, a team t-shirt for the swimmer, access to the swimtopia app, and the end of the season party.
What is the fee for multiple children?
The first child is $100, 2nd child is $80, 3rd child is $60, 4th child is $40, etc.
Family maximum of $300.
How well does my child have to swim?
Each swimmer is required to be able to swim the length of the pool (25 meters) unassisted. No stroke knowledge is required.
What is Gator Camp?
Gator camp offers a brief introduction to swim team. New swimmers will be asked to show their readiness by swimming the required 25 meter length. Gator Camp will be held the Tuesday and Thursday after Memorial Day.
Who has to come to Gator Camp?
Any swimmer who is new to the Alma Gator program is required to attend Gator Camp.
If your child is a returning swimmer, he/she may come to the 8:00 am practice during the Tuesday/Thursday of Gator Camp. The only thing needed is goggles and a towel.
When will I know if my child made the team?
At the end of Gator Camp on Thursday, the coach will let you know if your child needs another year of development before joining the team.
What if we cannot attend Gator Camp?
Your child will not be allowed to participate in any practices until he/she has been evaluated. Please contact the managers to schedule an evaluation time.
When do practices begin?
Our first practice will be the Monday following Memorial Day. There will be no practice the week of July 4. Practices will run through the third week of July.
What do we bring to practice?
Your child needs to wear a swimsuit and sunscreen and bring goggles, water, and a towel.
When are practices?
Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Alma Aquatic Park at 8:00 and 9:00 am.
What practice time does my child attend?
The Senior Group will come to the 8:00 am practice. These swimmers have stroke knowledge and are able to practice without any breaks. These swimmers are strong competitors and finish at the top of their race.
The Junior Group will come to the 9:00 am practice. These swimmers are usually first or second year swimmers. They are still learning the strokes and how a swim team works.
Please ask the coaches if you are unsure of what group you are in. A coach may advise a child to attend a different practice any time during the season. Please take the advice of our coaches.
Is my swimmer considered a junior or senior swimmer?
For meets, junior swimmers are 10 yrs old and under, but they may swim at the 8:00 am (senior) practice depending on skill level and endurance.
Senior swimmers are 11 yrs old and up.
Does my child have to come to every practice?
It is not required to attend every practice, but it will only help your child to become a stronger swimmer.
When are the swim team meets?
Saturday, June 16 - Clarksville
June 20 - Russelville
June 27 or July 18 Fort Smith unknown location
July 11 - Alma
July 25 Meet of Champs at Russellville
What time do the swim meets begin?
Friday meets begin at 5:00 with warm-ups at 4:30pm for the junior swimmers. Senior swimmers begin at 7:30pm with warm-ups at 7:00pm.
Saturday meets begin at 8:00am with warm-ups at 7:30am for the junior swimmers. Senior swimmers begin at 10:30am with warm-ups at 10:00am.
Is my child considered a junior or senior swimmer for swim meets?
Swimmers in the 10 and under age group are considered juniors.
Swimmers in the 11-18 age group are considered seniors.
Does my child have to compete?
Your child does not have to compete but the fee is the same for a non-competitive swimmer.
Can anyone compete?
You must be registered with the Alma Gators Swim Team in order to compete in any meets.
What if I only want to compete in one meet?
You can chose which meets your child competes in. The fee is not any less if your child competes in one or all of the meets.
How do I sign my child up for the swim meets?
Swim meet sign ups will be done on the Swimtopia website. Instructions on how to do this will be posted soon.
What do we bring to a swim meet?
You will want to bring some kind of shade, lawn chairs, cold drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and a permanent marker. ALWAYS remember goggles, water, and a towel!
How do I mark my child's arm for the meet?
Write their name on one arm and race numbers on the other arm with your permanent marker. This process helps the swimmer keep up with their event numbers and also helps the volunteers in the bullpen as they are lining swimmers up for races. You will list the the event number first, then the heat number, then the lane number. (Ex. 4-2-6)
See the team managers and/or swim meet helper if you have any questions.
What if a meet is canceled?
You will be notified if a meet has been cancelled. It is common for us to get to a meet, have everything set up, and then the meet be canceled because of weather. This is just part of the season!
What if my child is signed up for a meet and cannot make it?
Please let the coaches know as soon as possible. Their absence could affect a relay team so we need to be able to make changes as quickly as possible.
What places are awarded at meets?
A heat ribbon goes to the swimmer who comes in 1st in each heat. These ribbons are handed out immediately. Medals or ribbons are given to the overall placement of 1st through 6th place. Medals and ribbons will be given to the coach/manager and will be passed out as soon as possible.
What if my child quits during the season?
We hate to hear that your child wants to no longer participate in the swim team. There is a $25 non-refundable fee if your child quits after the first full week of practice. If your child makes it past the first swim meet, the rest of the fee is non-refundable.
Do we take team pictures?
Yes. Pictures will be scheduled later in the season. More details will be available as the season progresses.
When is the End of Season party?
Yes! The entire water park will be open for us! Swimmers and immediate family members are welcome! The party will be the week following the meet of champs and held during normal practice times.
