Swimmer FAQ
1. How much are the team swimsuits and is it mandatory to purchase it?
Although purchasing the team swimsuit is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. Swimsuits for the 2026 season can be purchased by clicking on the Swim Outlet link below.
Kingsmill Sharks Gear - SwimOutlet.com
Swimmers are welcome to wear their past season Kingsmill team swimsuits. It is strongly suggested that swimmers only wear the team swimsuit to meets. Wearing the swimsuit anytime other than swim meets will significantly reduce the life of the suit.
2. Where do I purchase the team swimsuit?
The team suit is available for purchase/order by visiting our team website on Swim Outlet! Click below to view and purchase the Team bathing suit as well as other merchandise. Please note that you will need to pay for your team suit separate from your registration.
Kingsmill Sharks Gear - SwimOutlet.com
3. Does my child have to compete in swim meets to join the team?
No. Your child is not required to swim in competition. However, as a parent you are required to fulfill your volunteer obligations.
4. Is the work commitment mandatory?
Yes. Each family is obligated to work 5 points. Meets typically begin around 5:00pm (warm-ups) and end around 9:00pm. Depending on your position for the meet, you may be required to come a little earlier and stay a little later. Please understand that without parent involvement these meets cannot be run!
5. What if I have a conflict with my work commitment?
Once the job schedule is completed and posted, it will be YOUR responsibility to find a replacement if a conflict occurs.
6. When are my registration form and fees due?
Because of insurance reasons, the registration form and fee must be submitted BEFORE your child can begin practicing. You can still join the team after this date.
7. When are the swim meets and where?
Each Spring, VPSU (our league) uploads the meet schedule, and it is located on the right side of the homepage.
8. What happens if my child decides they do not want to swim after my fees are paid?
There will be a full refund if the Board is notified of withdrawal by June 2nd. This gives your child four (4) days of practice to make a decision. After June 2nd, there will be a $50.00 refund if your child withdraws before the first meet. After the first meet there will be NO refund.
9. Do I have to RSVP to each meet?
Yes! There is an online process to sign your swimmer in/out of every meet. RSVPs are due by the Friday before each meet.
10. Can I register after the season begins?
New sharks are always welcome!
11. Where and when are the swim practices?
All swim practices are held at Mounts Bay pool. Times are divided by age groups and can be viewed on the homepage.
12. Is my child ready for swim team?
If your child is comfortable in the water and can make it down the pool at least one (1) lap without assistance, then they should be fine to participate. They do not have to have a formal stroke. Please remember that this is NOT swim lessons. We have a limited number of coaches and do not want to jeopardize the safety of the children!
Our "Little Sharks Program" is designated for swim readiness and stroke development lessons for children 6 years of age and younger.
13. Can I drop my child off at practice?
Per KCSA rules, any child under age 9 MUST be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver over the age of 14. They must have a KCSA Pool card to enter the Pool. Please contact the KCSA Office to obtain your pool card:
Kingsmill Community Services Association
309 McLaws Circle, Suite D, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Fax: (757) 603-6005
Email: [email protected]
14. What are the Summer Awards and Championship meets?
These are post regular season swim meets. These are fun meets where we compete against multiple neighborhoods in a Championship style format. This meet is also a chance for your swimmer's last chance to earn a VPSU Champs qualifying time for the Champs Meet!
15. Who are the coaches?
Caroline Thatcher is the Head Coach. Assistant Coaches, Junior Coaches and Volunteer Coaches can be found on our website under "Our Teams".
16. How do I know if practice is canceled due to weather?
We practice in the rain (as long as it isn’t raining so hard that you can’t see the bottom of the pool). We do not swim if there is thunder and/or lightning; however the coaches will host drylands trainings. We will post a notice on the website and send an email in the rare event that practice is canceled or postponed. Please go into your phone settings as allow Push Notifications from Swim Topia to receive ALERT messages regarding inclement weather.
17. Who can I talk to if I have concerns, compliments or want to volunteer?
Email or call Jennifer Treiber: [email protected] or 757-876-5225.
18. How long are swim meets and what should I bring?
Our meet typically last 3-4 hours and we encourage all swimmers to stay until the end to cheer on the relays. Relays are for swimmers ages 9-18 and relay teams are announced at the conclusion of the individual events. Consider bringing the following items to a swim meet –
- Swimsuit
- Swimcap
- Towels
- Goggles
- Chairs
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Cash for concession stand and merchandise
- Warm clothes and/rain gear
- Patience and team spirit
19. I have a 6 and under swimmer. Can I leave after backstroke?
Although we encourage all the swimmers to stay until the end, we understand that our littlest swimmers get worn out quickly. You are welcome to leave after your swimmer’s events; however, if your family is scheduled to work that night, one parent must stay and fulfill the volunteer obligation.
20. I have a non-swimmer sibling. Am I still required to work?
This is a team that thrives on parent involvement. All parents are asked to volunteer for 3 entire meets. Without your help the team could not continue to thrive. For this reason, all work assignments are mandatory. Swim meets are often long and very crowded. We recommend getting a babysitter for your non-swimmers or splitting time with your spouse. For safety reasons, the baby pool is closed during swim meets.
21. Does my swimmer receive ribbons for swimming?
Yes! Ribbons from the meet are located in the file boxes at Mounts Bay pool during practice times. Each family has been assigned a folder. Typically, 1st place through 46th place are awarded ribbons. Heat winners will receive a heat winner prize.
22. How will my swimmer learn why he/she was disqualified?
The coaches will work with swimmers who are disqualified during a subsequent practice to ensure they understand the reason for the disqualification and how they can avoid getting disqualified for that same reason again. We will hold DQ clinics every Wednesday after a season meet to review with individual swimmers on why they were disqualified.
23. How do I know if my swimmer qualified for VPSU champs?
The VPSU champs qualifying times can be viewed here. Check your swimmer's times on the Swimtopia app to see if they qualify! Swimmers can compete in up to three individual events at the champs meet. If you have questions or concerns about times, please contact Coach Matt.
24. What is the VPSU transgender policy?
VPSU voted this February 2024 to NOT follow USA Swimming guidelines regarding transgender swimmers. The new rules will require that all swimmers upon registering, declare their gender as their gender at birth. Please adhere to these new VPSU rules when registering your swimmer. For more information, please view the VPSU website: VPSU website.
25. What is the VPSU policy on wearing rash guards?
It is the KM Board’s understanding that VPSU recently revised the Conduct of Interpool Meets section of the VPSU Competitive Rules to include the following provision at the end of section 18: Any swimmer may wear what is commonly known as a Rash Guard, provided that such Rash Guard does not have bonded or taped seams and is not woven fabric extending past the hips, and is not buoyant. The revised rule will be made available on the VPSU website.
26. How so I know what age group to register my child for?
VPSU rules state that your child's age as of June 2 of the current swim season will determine the age group of which they swim throughout the entire summer season.
LOCATIONS
