General

What is summer league?

The Northwest Aquatic League, or NWAL, is Texas' largest summer swimming organization and has become the second largest summer league program in the nation. Swimmers learn all four core strokes and compete in meets against other summer league teams on Saturdays .

Where is the team located? Who can join?

EMC Swim Team will be holding practice at the New Caney ISD Natatorium. Anyone living in the New Caney city limits or in a neighborhood that does not have a summer league team may join our team.

What if my child doesn't know how to swim?

We will conduct a water safety assessment for all swimmers under the age 8 to ensure that they can be safe. If you are worried that your older child is not water safe, we can do a water safety test on them on as well. This will be done at one of our onsite registration dates or prior to the season starting before or after a preseason clinic. The coaches will teach your child further skills to succeed in swimming. Six and Unders focus on freestyle and backstroke. As your child gets older, the other strokes like breast stroke and butterfly will be taught. All 8 and Unders who are new to the team must have a water safety evaluation before regular practice begins.

How much does this cost?

Registration opens March 1 with Early Eel Pricing. Fees are $140 for the first swimmer, $130 for the second sibling, $120 or the third sibling, and then any additional siblings within a family are free. After April 1, prices will increase to $160 for the first swimmer, $150 for the second sibling, $140 for the third sibling, then any additional siblings within a family are free.

There is a $301 volunteer deposit requirement. This can be done through physical check or placing your card on file.  This simply acts as a type of security deposit and will be collected prior to the season starting. However, it will be returned to you/card not charged at the end of the season pending you have fulfilled your volunteer requirement. Purchasing a team suit and cap is encouraged by not required. Each swimmer will need properly fitting goggles.  

What is volunteer requirement?

Summer league is different than most sports. Parents have to be involved and participate to run the meet. We have to have timers, scribes, and various other positions for a meet to run. All summer league teams require parents to volunteer in some sort of capacity. To encourage participation, each family is required to leave a deposit check/card onf file  of $301 at registration. After completion of your volunteer commitment, a minimum of 7 volunteer sessions, we gladly returnyour $301 volunteer check/not charge your card to you at the end of the season. There are lots of options for volunteering! We would rather have your help than your money.

Will my child love summer league?

YES!!!! You will see great growth throughout the season and fall in love with swimming.

Practices

What are the practice times?

Practices are offered five days a week and divided by age.  We encourage your child to come as much as possible. 

5:00-5:30 6 and Unders

5:35-6:15 7-8

6:20-7:00 9-10

7:00-8:00 11-18

This can be adjusted as we see the size and needs of the team. Practice days are also subject to cancellation due to NCISD event conflicts. 

What do we bring to practice?

Athletes should wear a one-piece suit for practice. Restrooms are available for changing. We encourage easy-to-remove shoes. Each swimmer will want goggles and a swim cap. Kickboards are optional, but helpful. Swimmers will want a towel or swim parka for after practice. Water bottles are great to keep on the pool deck. 

Are parents allowed to watch?

Absolutely! We have plenty of indoor seating in the natatorium, or you can bring a chair and set up outside the windows. We ask that you keep an eye on all kids (no playing in the elevators or fountain/mulch outside) and that no food be brought upstairs. If you'd like to speak with a coach, please let a board member know. Please do not interrupt practices by shouting down to the pool deck. 

Preseason Clinics

What is the Elver Swim Clinic?

"Elvers" is the term used for baby eels. The Elver Swim Clinic is a separate pre-season program for 4-8 year olds that have not been on the team before.  Each preseason clinic is $40. This is a great way to assess if your young child will be able to participate in competitive swimming, prior to making a commitment.  The focus is getting your swimmer comfortable in the water, swimming to the side for safety.  See here for more information.

What are "stroke clinics" and what are they for?

For previous swim team members, that are knowledgeable about the strokes, there is a stroke clinic focusing on a different stroke each day. See here for more information.

What is Rookie Camp?

Rookie camp is clinic for kids 9 and up who are new to competitive swimming. Rookie camp is free with team registration.  Coaches will teach the Rookies the basics of competitive swim so that they are ready to go when regular practices start. 

Merchandise

Where do we get team merchandise?

Merchandise can be ordered from our TEAM STORE link right here on our website, or in person at on-site registration days and select practices and home meets. 

How do I know what size to get?

We have fit kits available at on-site registration days to ensure you get the correct size. For females, we recommend sizing down when in doubt. 

My swimmer has modesty concerns about the swimsuits.

Athletes are allowed to wear rashguard-types of long sleeves over their swimsuits. Females can purchase the jammers to wear with their suit, or wear any other type of biker shorts. We recommend all clothing be form-fitting, as any loose fabric can create drag and slow the swimmer down.