Who We Are:

  • RSST is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth swim team competing in the Frederick Summer Swim League.
  • Our mission is to enhance personal fitness, improve swim stroke technique, cultivate a sense of teamwork, and provide a fun environment for youth swimmers.
  • The team is led by parent volunteers and a paid coaching staff, supported by an extensive junior coaching staff to assist younger swimmers.
  • The season lasts two months, ending with a league-wide All-Star meet and a team banquet.
  • Practices are held daily, and meets are typically on Saturday mornings, with occasional weeknight meets.

Swim Team Eligibility:

  • Open to both members and non-members of The Ridge Swim Club.
  • Swimmers must be under 19 years old on June 1 of the current year and able to swim 25 meters freestyle independently. Freestyle may be swum in any style (e.g., front crawl, backstroke).
  • There is no age minimum, but swimmers must demonstrate their ability to swim 25 meters during an assessment.
  • Considerations for younger swimmers (under age five) include their ability to enter the water eagerly and independently, make continuous progress across the pool, take direction from a coach without parental involvement, and work cohesively with peers.

Is My Child Ready for the Swim Team?

  • Evaluate whether your child can:

    • Enter the water eagerly and independently
    • Make continuous progress across the pool
    • Take direction from a coach without parent involvement
    • Work well with a group of peers

  • Skill, attitude, and willingness are key factors for success. If unsure about readiness, consult with us. The Ridge Swim Club and local health clubs offer various swim lesson programs to prepare swimmers.

Registration:

  • Online registration is generally from April 15 to June 1 and may close early if the team reaches capacity.
  • 2024 Registration includes a fee structure: $125 for pool members, $185 for non-pool members, with a $30 non-refundable registration fee and a $25 late fee if applicable.
  • Multi-swimmer discounts apply only when registering swimmers in the same family together on one registration.
  • For insurance liability, swimmers cannot participate until all fees are paid, and registration is complete.
  • No refunds are provided for registration and late fees; swimmer fees may be prorated and refunded until time trials, except for documented medical conditions.

Parent Volunteer/Meet Agreement:

  • Parent participation is crucial, as RSST is a volunteer-run organization with a paid coaching staff. All parents must fulfill their volunteer commitments as outlined in the team handbook or pay a fine.

Communication:

  • Keep your contact information up-to-date and regularly check emails and the team website to stay informed about events and updates.

Team Suits & Apparel:

  • Required items include a practice suit, RSST team suit, team swim cap (provided with registration), goggles, and swim fins.

Parent Meetings:

  • Mandatory meetings are held at the start of the season for new parents. Additional meetings may be held to include at the end of the season for a Board vote when necessary.