Exeter Eagles Swimming Frequently Asked Questions
Are there mandatory practice and swim meet attendance requirements?
- No. You may participate as much or as little as you’d like. While attendance is not required, we strongly encourage swimmers to attend as many practices and meets as possible. We understand that summers and family schedules can get busy, but consistent participation helps swimmers reach their personal goals. The more your swimmer attends, the more they’ll gain—from skill development to friendships and fun memories!
Do parents have to stay on deck during practices?
Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to remain on deck during practice. If you choose to step away, please understand the team is not able to provide childcare or supervision outside of the water. Guardians are responsible for their swimmer(s) before practice, after practice, and any time they are not actively participating in coached instruction.
For swimmers ages 10 and up:
Some families are comfortable allowing older swimmers to arrive/leave independently. If you choose this option, please ensure your swimmer knows the team expectations and facility rules, and that they have a clear plan for where to go immediately after practice. The team cannot supervise swimmers once they are out of the water.
Please avoid approaching the coaching staff during practice unless they approach you first. While not all coaches are lifeguard certified, there is always at least one lifeguard-certified staff member on deck during practice. Be sure to follow facility rules regarding locker rooms and pool usage. Many Exeter Swim parents enjoy spending summer mornings on the pool deck connecting with other families while practices are underway.
Do we practice in the rain/cold?
- This is left up to the coaches, and in some cases, if the water is too cold, the team may only do dry land for practice.
When does weather affect our swim season?
- Practices may be delayed or canceled due to:
- Lightning (sighted or nearby)
- Heavy rain
If lightning is seen or thunder is heard overhead, practice will pause for approximately 30 minutes. Swimmers will be directed to the pavilion during this time. Light rain without lightning is fine. However, heavy rain that prevents swimmers from seeing the bottom of the pool may result in delays or cancellation.
How do we know if practice gets canceled?
- There will be texts and emails sent out. As long as you provide your cell phone # and/or email when you register the swimmers.
What is the mini team?
- The Eaglets is our mini team for swimmers ages 5–8 who can swim approximately 10 meters (about ⅓ of the pool length) unassisted. For more information, visit the Eaglets Page.
What should we bring to practice?
- Swimmers should arrive dressed in a competition-style swimsuit and bring:
- Goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Water bottle
Please label all items with your swimmer’s name.
Why are fins required for mini team members?
- Fins help beginner swimmers learn proper body position and kicking technique while providing added buoyancy. This support allows swimmers to build endurance and confidence, helping them move safely and smoothly until they’re strong enough to complete a full practice without fins.
Are team suits required?
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No, team suits are not required but recommended. To participate in ODSL regular and end-of-season meets, swimmers need to wear USA swimming approved swim wear.
What are Time Trials?
- Time Trials simulate a real swim meet. They help swimmers learn how meets are run and allow coaches to establish seed times for the first official meet. Time Trials are also a great opportunity for parents to learn how volunteer roles work.
What should I know about swim meets?
- Arrive early and on time. Check-in times for swimmers and volunteers will be posted.
- Swimmers are encouraged to participate in team warm-ups.
- If your swimmer is signed up for a relay, please stay until relays are completed.
- Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water and snacks (concessions are available).
- Bring quiet activities for downtime—but cheering on teammates is encouraged!
- Pack extra goggles, caps, towels, and outerwear as needed.
- Bring chairs or picnic blankets for spectators.
What are relays?
- Relays are fun events at the end of a meet where four swimmers take turns swimming different legs of a race. Sometimes everyone swims freestyle (Free Relay) and sometimes each swimmers swims a different stroke (IM Relay). These are created by the Coaches and swimmers are assigned according to their age.
Do parents or coaches register the swimmer?
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You register your swimmers for individual events. The coaches may approve/disapprove. The coaches will register your child for the relays. If you miss a meet sign up deadline, send the head coach an email or text immediately. Your swimmer may be added if the meet hasn’t been synched with the other team. If it is your second offence your swimmer will not be added to the meet.
What if you sign up for a swim meet and have to cancel?
- Please let the coaches know ASAP. If your child is in a relay for that meet another child may take their place. Most of the time if this happens last minute that relay will be scratched because there isn’t enough time to find a replacement.
What strokes do the swimmers use during swim meets?
- Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley (are swam at meets in this order). Our coaches may also put your child in a relay with 3 other swimmers. This could happen at every meet.
When do swimmers receive ribbons from meets?
- Swimmers that place 1st-6th in their event will receive ribbons. They will be distributed most likely the day after swim meets if it’s during the week or that following Monday if they take place on Saturdays. There is a ribbon box at practice to retrieve your ribbons.
What are Divisionals?
- The Old Dominion Swim League (ODSL) Divisional Meet is an end-of-season championship for teams within the same division, held just before the All-Star Meet.
- Swimmers who have qualified for three or more All-Star events are not eligible to compete in Divisionals. Swimmers may not enter events they have already qualified for at All-Stars. This structure allows swimmers to compete against others of similar skill levels, and for some, Divisionals serve as a final opportunity to earn an All-Star qualifying time.
What are All Stars?
- The ODSL All-Star Meet is the league’s premier end-of-season championship, held annually in Loudoun County, VA. Swimmers qualify by achieving an All-Star cut time during a regular-season meet or at Divisionals. Required cut times are announced early in the season. Swimmers may compete in up to three individual events for which they qualify.
What league are we in?
- We are proud members of the Old Dominion Swim League (ODSL).
Are parents required to volunteer?
- Yes. Each family is required to complete approximately 18 volunteer hours per season. Volunteer roles are essential to running a successful swim program, and there are a variety of positions available to fit different schedules and interests.
For more details, please visit our Volunteer Information page:
https://exetereagles.swimtopia.com/volunteer-info
When volunteering am I able to watch my child swim?
- Yes, you can watch your child swim. If you volunteer in concessions you will not be able to see from where the stand is. You may step away to watch you child during their race times.
