How do I become a member of the Mallards Swim Team?
Am I able to register before tryout/practice?
When are the tryouts?
When and where does registration take place?
What are the fees for competitive swimming?
At what age should my child start pre-competitive swimming?
How much swimming experience does my child need to tryout for pre-competitive swimming?
My child is already a competitive swimmer and is interested in joining your club. What do we do?
What is the difference between the pre-competitive and competitive swim programs?
Will we need to purchase equipment?

How do I become a member of the Mallards Swim Team?

In September we invite everybody to come to our tryouts, which are conducted at the pools for FREE. To save your precious time, please register for tryouts online. You’ll be able to meet and talk with coaches and Mallards’ members about various program of the Team and swim! During the tryouts, the coaches will assess the swimmers level and ability of each swimmer and then make a recommendation as to whether the swimmer would be a good candidate for either non/or competitive swimming.
We strongly recommended using this opportunity to estimate your own level.
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Am I able to register before tryout/practice?

Yes. If your child has previous experience in swimming please contact our Head Coach.
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When are the tryouts?

The tryout date and time appear on our website at www.mallardsswimming.com.
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When and where does registration take place?

Registration takes place on a same day after tryout/practice. Swimmers will be advised about the registration procedure and the fee schedule.
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What are the fees for competitive swimming?

The fees vary depending on which of our groups you will be joining. At the time of the tryout, our club handbook is distributed. The handbook outlines the fee structure for the club and covers many other aspects concerning competitive swimming.
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At what age should my child start competitive swimming?

Seven years old is a good age to start competitive swimming. This, however, is just a guideline because each swimmers technical and physical ability is different. A tryout is necessary to determine whether your child is ready to start.
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How much swimming experience does my child need to tryout for competitive swimming?

Ideally, an entry-level swimmer should be between the ages of 7-10 and have passed Aqua quest 9 or higher. If you are slightly older, you are still welcome to tryout.
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My child is already a competitive swimmer and is interested in joining your club. What do we do?

If you are an experienced competitive swimmer, please speak to our head coach about the possibility of joining one of our groups. In September we determine if there will be any openings. Generally, once the season has started, it may be difficult to accommodate additional swimmers in the groups.
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What is the difference between the pre-competitive and competitive swim programs?

The pre-competitive program is designed for very young swimmers who are interested in competitive swimming but may not be sure if it is really for them. The pre-competitive program offers an opportunity for the swimmers to improve their strokes and be exposed to the type of training that would take place in competitive swimming. Our pre-competitive program is offered one hour/week. A few times a year, the swimmers are provided the opportunity to participate in "fun meets" where they can actually try some racing.

The competitive program is designed for swimmers who would like to train at least three times/week. The number of times each of our groups practice is fixed rather than flexible. If you become a member, attendance is a very important aspect of the training. Your goal should be to attend all scheduled practices.
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Will we need to purchase equipment?

At the entry level, you will require a Mallards bathing suit, a Mallards bathing cap, a Mallards T-shirt, goggles and fins. Your coach will advise you if you require any specific training equipment.
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