FAQ
Whittington Creek Swim Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GKAISA?
GKAISA stands for Greater Knoxville Area Interclub Swim Association. The championship meet at the end of the season is for all the teams in GKAISA. Over 2,000 swimmers compete in this meet, and it is the fourth largest swim meet in the country. It is a great opportunity for kids to compete in a first rate facility (UT), and to compete against some great area swimmers.
When are the swim practices?
Morning swim practice – Monday thru Friday: 8:15 am – 9:15 am: 13 and up age groups 9:15 am – 10:15am: 9&10 / 11&12 age groups 10:15 am- 11:00 am: 8&Under age group Morning swim practice Pre-team – Monday thru Thursday: 11:00 am – 11:30 am: June only Evening swim practice – Monday thru Thursday: 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm: 10 and under age groups 6:15 pm – 7:00 pm: 11 and up age groups
Does my child have to attend every practice to be eligible to swim in a meet?
No. However, attending practice every day will help your swimmer prepare for meets and allow coaches to monitor their progress for event placement.
Can my child attend morning or evening practice? Or both?
Yes. Swimmers can attend either morning or evening practice depending on their daily schedules, summer camp schedules, etc. The morning practice is the main practice for the day and if possible your swimmer is encouraged to attend this practice.
What happens if it rains before practice or during practice?
In case of rain, there will be practice. If either lightning or thunder occurs, the pool policy is to clear the pool and wait 30 minutes before swimming again. If this happens after practice has started, coaches will clear the pool and decide whether to wait or cancel the remainder of practice at that time.
What is the Smoky Mountain Invitational Meet?
The Smoky Mountain Invitational Meet is a 2-day (Saturday & Sunday) regional meet with about 39 teams competing. This meet is for summer league swimmers only. A year-round swimmer who has competed in a USA sanctioned meet after Aug 1 of the previous year meet is ineligible to swim in this meet. The meet is held at Maryville-Alcoa Flying Dolphins pool and is usually in early July. Check the GKAISA Meet Info Quick Chart on our website's Team Manual section for event order, scoring, etc. for this meet.
What is the GKAISA Championship City Meet?
The GKAISA Championship City Meet is a 3-day (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) regional meet for summer league and year-round swimmers on summer league teams. This meet is held at the end of July at the Allan Jones Pool at the University of TN campus. Check the GKAISA Meet Info Quick Chart on our website's Team Manual section for event order, scoring, etc. for this meet.
What about summer vacations? Is it okay to miss practice or meets?
Yes. If you have a summer vacation scheduled, it is okay for your swimmer to miss a few practices and/or a meet. We hope that not too many practices or meets are missed - but we also understand that summer vacations are important to families.
How many events does each child swim in a dual swim meet?
In a dual meet, each swimmer may only compete in a total of 4 events in any combination – either 4 individual events, 3 individual and 1 relay, or 2 individual and 2 relay events. The coaches determine which events to place your swimmer - balancing 1) what stroke your swimmer is best at and 2) how to earn the most points to maximize the team’s chances to win a meet.
How do I sign my child up for a swim meet?
Swim meet sign-ups are done online at the WCST website (creek.swimtopia.com). The coaches will email a link as well. Please RSVP either yes or no for planning.
Where do I buy team swimsuits, goggles, swim fins, etc.?
Swim and Tri swim shop can help with our team suit and gear.
Are there team t-shirts and gear with our team logo?
Yes! Each year we design a team t-shirt which is available for purchase at registration. This year all orders must be ordered on our website and orders must be placed by May 22nd.
Does our team have a website or a facebook page?
Yes – both! Our website is creek.swimtopia.com . You can find our Facebook page by clicking the facebook button on the upper right corner of the website. Our facebook page is called “Whittington Creek Swim Team Crocodiles” These are great ways to stay in touch with the latest swim team news, photos, etc.
How do I find out what events my child is swimming for a meet? 30 minutes before each meet starts, the coach will post a meet heat sheet listing the events your swimmer has been entered into for that meet.
How many times am I required to work at a meet?
Summer swim league is completely run by volunteers – only the coaches have paid positions. Therefore, parent volunteers are critical to the success of the swim meets. If your swimmer has signed up to swim in a meet, one parent/volunteer from your family is required to work that meet. This volunteer may either work the first or second half of a meet – or both. Parents of swimmers who go to the Smoky Mountain Meet or the GKAISA City Meet must also volunteer for one shift at those meets.
But I don't know anything about swimming....how can I volunteer to work?
Some of the volunteer positions require training, but most do not. At the Green and White Intersquad Practice Meet at the beginning of the season, parents and swimmers are taught how to participate in a swim meet and volunteers are trained for each position. And veteran swim families are very helpful and will help train new families and answer any of your questions.
How do I volunteer for a meet?
Swim meet volunteer sign-ups are done online at the WCST website. Click on the Swim Meet link on the left side of the WCST homepage and then click the “V” link and fill out this form. Or, you may contact the team Volunteer Coordinator directly.
What if I have signed up to volunteer, but then discover I am unable to do so?
Volunteers are responsible for finding a replacement if they cannot work - but if you are having trouble finding someone, you may contact the Volunteer Coordinator for help.
What should I pack for a swim meet?
At most swim meets, there will be concessions available for dinner and snacks, however, the menu and prices will vary with each pool. It is a good idea to pack a small cooler with water, gatorade, snacks, etc. for your family. And you should bring towels, swim gear, dry clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, chairs and/or blankets.
What happens if it rains at a swim meet?
In case of rain before or during a swim meet, the meet goes on as scheduled. Any decision to delay or reschedule the meet will occur at the meet. If either lightning or thunder occurs, the pool policy is to clear the pool and wait 30 minutes before swimming again. If this happens after the meet has started, the Referee will clear the pool and decide whether to wait or cancel the remainder of the meet at that time. If the meet is interrupted prior to event 40, the meet will be rescheduled and proceed from the last event/heat prior to the interruption. If meet interruption happens after event 40, the meet may be rescheduled - or considered a complete meet - if coaches mutually agree.
Where can I find the time/how fast my child swam in their event?
You can download the swimtopia app and get live meet results during the meet. Results will also be on your swimmers ribbon.
When are the ribbons from swim meets distributed?
Ribbons from a meet are usually available at the next few practices after the meet. Your ribbons will be in the team ribbon box in a folder with your swimmer’s last name. Ribbons and medals from the Smoky Mtn meet and GKAISA City Meet will be given out at the end-of-year team banquet.
What is the Crocodile Mile?
The Crocodile Mile is for 12 & Under swimmers. On Crocodile Mile day, swimmers are challenged during their one hour regular practice time. Swimmers who complete the equivalent of one mile – 66 laps – will be given a Crocodile Mile T-shirt. The Crocodile Mile day occurs later in the season and will be announced via email and the website.
When is the team end of the season banquet?
Usually held the Sunday evening before school starts in August at the pool
