Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Are swimmers required to go to a certain number of practices each week? 
Answer:  Swimmers can attend as many practices as they would like each week.   We encourage 2-3 practices per week for Rookie and Age Group, 3-4 practices per week for Junior, and 4-5 practices per week for Senior during the school year and 6 or more practices per week during the summer.

Question: Can I join the club at any point in the season?
Answer: You may join the club at any point in the season. We strongly encourage swimmers to swim the entire season to attain the highest level of success. Swimmers joining the club after the start of the season (with the exception of the winter season) will still be responsible for paying for the entire season except under special circumstances (i.e. moving to the area).

Question:  What is the USA Swimming membership? 
Answer:  USA Swimming is the National governing body for swimming in the United States.  USA Swimming in Minnesota alone registers over 8,000 athletes each year.  USA Swimming provides insurance for swim clubs and also sanctions swim meets.  

Question:  How much does it cost to participate in a swim meet? 
Answer: The cost is highly dependent on the number of events the swimmer swims.   It typically cost $4.00-$5.50 per event. 

Question: What kind of equipment does my child need for practice?
Answer: Each child needs a pair of goggles, swimsuit (one piece for girls and jammer style for boys), and a swim cap if they have long hair. Each swimmer that registers with Granite City Aquatics for the first time will receive a free latex swim cap. Additional swim caps will be available for purchase at practices and meets. Latex caps are $6.00 and silicone caps are $15.00 (tax included). Granite City Aquatics will provide kickboards and pull buoys.

Question:  How do I know when my child is ready for the next training group? 
Answer: Most group moves are made at the end of the season.  At the end of each season, we meet as a coaching staff to discuss which swimmers will be moving into the next training group.  Swimmers that are ready to move-up are usually the fastest swimmers in their group and consistently lead their lane at practice.  Move-ups are based on swimming ability, and emotional, social, and cognitive readiness.   Parents will be notified when their child is ready to move into the next training group. 

Question:  How will I be notified of updates? 
Answer:  Granite City Aquatics will send out a monthly newsletter through e-mail.  Each monthly newsletter will contain an abundance of valuable information.   Additional updates throughout the month will be sent through e-mail.

Question:  How many coaches will there be at practice each day?
Answer:  There will always be one coach for each training group.  

Question:  When is a good time to talk with a coach? 
Answer: Laura has office hours Monday-Friday from 9 am-12 pm when she is available to answer questions. All phone messages and e-mails will be returned during this time frame. Coaches are also available to answer questions before and after practice each day. Laura can be reached at (320) 281-5123 or by e-mail at granitecityaquatics@gmail.com.

Question:  Will my child have the same coach each day? 
Answer: Each coach will work primarily with two training groups.  Please see a Granite City Aquatics coach to learn which groups each coach works with on a daily basis. 

Question:  How do I know when my child is ready for a swim meet?
Answer:  Most swimmers are ready to begin competing right away.  Coaches are always more then happy to help pick out events for your child.  We encourage new swimmers to try 1-2 events at their first swim meet.