Swimmer Eligibility
Eligibility to Participate
Residents and a limited number of Non Residents of Loudoun Valley Estates may enroll their children aged 5-18 years old (as of June 15).
Torpedoes Eligibility
Evaluations will be held on the first week of practice. This is required for all new swimmers on the team as well as prior year minis looking to join the team.
- For 8 and under swimmers, they must swim one length of the pool freestyle or backstroke unassisted.
- For 9 and older swimmers, they must swim 2 consecutive lengths of the pool freestyle or backstroke without assistance or touching the bottom.
If a swimmer is not qualified for our competitive team, they may participate in the Mini Torpedoes if they meet the eligibility guidelines for that group.
Mini Torpedoes Eligibility
Mini-Torpedo is not an a introductory/learn to swim program but our goal is to help swimmers progress towards joining the swim team by the end of the season. We're excited to work with your child and expect them to have a basic level of swim skills to start their journey with us.
Please read these criteria carefully to understand if your swimmer is eligible:
Ages 8 and Under
To successfully pass the tryout to be classified as a Mini, the child must be able to swim 1/3 of a lap of the pool unassisted, primarily above water, without stopping or grabbing onto the side of the pool or the lane lines, and also be able to demonstrate their ability to put their face in the water.
Ages 9 and over
While minis was originally intended for swimmers under age 8, we want to encourage the swimmers ages 9 and over who want to learn and ultimately join the Torpedoes team. To successfully pass the tryout to be classified as a Mini, the child must be able to swim 2/3 of a lap of the pool unassisted, primarily above water, without stopping or grabbing onto the side of the pool or the lane lines, and also be able to demonstrate their ability to put their face in the water.
Additional Criteria for all Minis
- Be comfortable in the water without a parent
- Be comfortable in a group instruction environment, and should already have had formal group/private swim lessons
- Submerge completely for 5-10 seconds
- Float on front or back for 5-10 seconds unassisted in 5 ft water
- Be fully potty trained
Note:
- Swimmers who are not ready for the Mini Torpedoes program are encouraged to take group or private lessons to prepare for the following season.
Mini Torpedo Evaluations
Mini Torpedoes evaluations will be held on the first day of practice for the swimmer.
Mini Torpedo swimmers can progress to the team at any point in the season once they are able to complete 25 meters freestyle or backstroke. Our goal is to help them get better and be part of the competitive swim team!