Welcome to the Stone Mountain Stingrays Swim Team! 

Here are some answers to basic questions you may have about the team. The Team Handbook link to the right of FAQ has a lot of great info too!

Why swim team? 

Swimming is a lifelong skill and a great way to stay healthy. Our swim team offers children high-quality, low-cost, competition stroke instruction and scheduled, organized meets AND it allows families with multiple children to participate on the same team. The Stingrays stress self-improvement and pride ourselves in encouraging not only our teammates to do their best, but members of the other team as well!  Stingrays cheer the loudest!

Who can be on the swim team? 

Children and youth ages 5-18 who are water safe and can demonstrate the ability to swim at least the width of the pool (15m).  If your child has previously swum for a different swim team, they are not required to participate in the tryout for Stingrays.

How much does it cost?

Registration for Stone Mountain residents is $160 for the first swimmer and $145 for any additional swimmers. For Non-residents of the Stone Mountain neighborhood, it's $200 and $185 for additional swimmers. (The HOA imposes a $40 pool use fee for non-resident swimmers that we pay directly to the HOA at the end of the season.)  As we are a non-profit organization run by parent volunteers, registration provides funds to pay our coaches for their time and expertise, pay HOA fees to use the pool/facilities for practices/meets/end of year party, dues to the Maverick swim league, swimmer insurance fees, t-shirts, swim caps, and end of year party awards/activities!

How do I register my athlete?

Visit the registration from the home page. The online forms have basic information, medical information, waivers, and a payment option. You must select volunteer roles for each swim meet.  You may pay online through Stripe. Registration includes a participant t-shirt, entrance fees to 4 dual meets, championship meet, and All-Stars (if applicable). Athletes will also get a participation trophy or medal at our huge, end-of-year team party! 

When does the season start? When are practices?

Our swim season starts at the beginning of May and usually runs through the first week of July. For those swimmers who qualify (1st & 2nd place in Championship meet), All-Stars is typically held the 1st week of July. 

Practices are Tuesday-Friday in the afternoon during the school year and in the mornings after school is out for summer. We typically divide the swimmers into 3-4 groups, based on age and ability. Times/groups are subject to adjustment by coaches. Practice schedules will be posted on our home page and SportsYou.

What happens if my child cannot make a practice or a meet?

If there are some days which prove to be tricky for your schedule, let the coaches know. We all have busy schedules and understand that sometimes other events have to take priority.  Every swimmer should make their best effort to attend as many practices as they can - the more practice they get, the better life long swimmer they will become!

If you know your child will not be able to make a MEET, please inform the team rep or coaches as early as possible, that way they can adjust relay teams so other relay swimmers don't miss out on the opportunity to swim their events.  

Do I have to volunteer for the team?

No. You could also opt out for a $250 fee (pre-authorized during registration)... but no one has ever chosen that option! Just come join us. Our swim team is run by volunteers. The only people who get paid are the coaches and lifeguards at the meets. It takes around 40 adult volunteers to run a dual meet. We need timers, stroke and turn officials, ready bench parents, a scorekeeper, a starter, a referee, concessions, set-up, clean-up, etc. Expect to volunteer a member from your family at every meet. It's just part of swim team! Also, it's a great way to get to know your neighbors and the other swimmers on the team. What if you can't volunteer? Come and talk to a rep or the volunteer coordinator. Don't worry, we'll find something for you to do - everyone is a valuable member of our team!!

Do I need to buy a special swimsuit?

Good thing you asked! Yes, our team has a uniform. We know that racing suits can be expensive, so we try to curb that cost as much as possible.  We choose a swimsuit every 2 years where possible - so that if your child still fits in his/her suit and it is in good condition, s/he may wear it for 2 seasons. SwimFreak sponsors our team and offers discounts on their suits when we order as a team. In return, SwimFreak donates all of the swim meet ribbons to all of the Maverick Swim Teams.  Team suits typically cost $55-$65 for a girls' suit and $38-$45 for a boys' suit. You can see a sample of the team suit posted under our "News" tab of this website.

Does my child need to be a future Olympian to participate in swim team? 

Heavens no! Although, if you have a future Michael Phelps on your hands, we'll take him (or her)! We have many competitive swimmers on our team. We also have swimmers who are just learning the basic strokes. All abilities are welcome as long as they can demonstrate the ability to be water-safe. 

Wait! What about all my other un-answered questions?

Don't panic. Just shoot us an e-mail and we'll get back to you. [email protected].

We look forward to swimming with you! See you at the pool.

Go Stingrays! Fear the Sting!