Practice Policies
Who are we: We are the Rutherford Water Rats, often shortened to RFD. The goal of the team is to provide every member a chance to participate in competitive swimming, to develop his or her skills, and to HAVE FUN! The team welcomes all swimmers 18 years of age and under.
Water Rats: Water rats are children 18 years of age and under. Although swimming abilities may vary among water rats, the major qualification is that a swimmer eight years or younger be able to swim 25 meters (1 pool length) and a swimmer nine years or older be able to swim 50 meters (2 pool lengths) without touching the bottom or holding on to the wall and ropes.
Little Rats: Little Rats are the youngest beginning swimmers. Coaches work with the Little Rats to build the foundations of swimming across the shallow end of the pool. Little Rats have the opportunity to compete, if interested, in alternative events at our Monday night B meets, and in an end of season “lollipop” meet, both of which they race across the diving well of the pool or one length of the main pool. Kick boards and coach assistance can be used to help build their confidence.
Swim Practices:
Water Rats Morning practices move to the morning schedule the day after the FCPS school year ends. Little Rats Practices start the same day as Water Rats this year.
To allow coaches to focus on the team, please ensure that your swimmers remain attentive, ready to listen, and adhere to rules. Behavior issues will be dealt with by the coaches up to and including dismissal from practice.
During morning practices, the pool is not open to the public. The coaches focused on the swim team and are not responsible for unattended children. Please be prompt in picking your children up from practice.
Parents of Little Rat swimmers may not leave the pool during practice.
Parents of Water Rat swimmers need to follow the pool’s rules of unattended children: Children must be at least 10 years old and pass the swim test.
Parents are welcome to attend practices, but we ask that you remain off the deck near the pool during practice. Most parents enjoy the shade and conversation in the pavilion. If there’s a concern you would like to discuss with the coaches, please schedule an appointment with them via email or wait until practice is finished.
