Sign of Summer: RSTA Swim Team Registration Starts Next Week

Winter is on its way out, so it is almost time to think about summer.

The Reston Swim Team Association is gearing up for the 2014 summer swim season.  RSTA has nine teams, each capped at 110 swimmers, so prospective and returning families should keep in mind a few key upcoming dates.

Registration Deadlines

Online swimmer registration for returning families will open on Tuesday, March 4.  Swimmers in good standing from last summer (those who participated in at least three meets) have first chance at registration.  Swimmers who participated in one of RSTA’s Winter Swim programs may begin registering on Tuesday, April 8. Finally, families new to RSTA may register beginning on May 6. Spots on teams fill quickly, so those interested in participating are encouraged to register early.

New Swimmers

All new swimmers under the age of 11 must attend and pass a new swimmer evaluation session to register for a summer swim team.

“In these evaluations, we’re not testing for speed or stroke accuracy,” says RSTA President Karen Marginot. “We’re testing for safety in the water and willingness to participate on a swim team.”

In addition to assessing whether the swimmer is at a level to be successful on a team, the evaluation sessions simulate the environment of a swim practice and will give younger swimmers an idea of what it will be like to be on a team. The evaluation session will last about one hour. Registration for new swimmer evaluations will open in March and will be held only on the following dates and locations:

• Sunday, April 6th 9:00-10:00 AM at the Reston Community Center

• Friday, April 25th 8:00-9:00 PM at the Reston Community Center

• Friday, May 2nd 8:00-9:00 PM at the Reston Community Center

• Saturday, May 10th 10:00-11:00 AM at the North Shore Pool

Coaching Applicants

Each RSTA team operates with a head coach who is assisted by five other assistant coaches and team lifeguards. All positions require current American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR/AED certification. Head and assistant head coaches must be 18 years of age, possess current pool operations, and have completed a water safety instructor course. For information on coaching positions available for 2014 and a link to submit an application, visit http://rsta.org/coaching. Applications to coach are open now and are due no later than March 16.

For more information on RSTA programs, visit www.rsta.org.

Photo courtesy of RSTA.