FAQs

The SPARE TIME AQUATICS SACRAMENTO (STAS) USA swim club is  a year-round swim team based out of Spare Time fitness clubs in Sacramento, California.  We welcome swimmers under age 18 who can swim one length of a 25 yard pool who are committed to learning and training to get better. We train for and compete in local, regional, national, and even international swim meets.  But, you do not have to be a superstar swimmer to swim with us.  You just need a desire to improve your swimming. You  provide the effort and we’ll provide the training. Let’s find out just how great a swim mer you can be.

Click on JOINING STAS to learn more.

STAS Swim Team FAQs
What is needed for tryouts
  1. You will need to bring your child’s bathing suit and towel along with anything else your child might need. (i.e. goggles/swim cap) 
  2. We will need you to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate in the event that they do make the team or Pre-Competitive Future Stars.
  3.  
 Why do you need a copy of my child’s birth certificate?
  1. In order to register your child with USA Swimming, Swim Committee initially requires a copy of the swimmer’s birth certificate in order to verify date of birth.
 
What if my child does not make swim team?
  1. There is a place for every child in the aquatics program at STAS. The tryout is just to determine what that place is.  About 10% of are placed on the Competitive Team. Another 20 % are placed on the Future STAS Pre-Competitive group. Most kids (about 70%) are placed in one of different levels of the STAS program.
 
What does your STAS Swim program offer?
  1. STAS is offered year-round for children ages 3 & up as well as for adults.  The program is structured by age and ability level and start with the basics of learning to swim and work towards developing the skills and endurance required in order to advance to the competitive team.
 
What is the schedule/fee for STAS and how do I sign up?
  1. All program information regarding STAS can be found on our website at: http://www.teamunify.com/ContactMe.do?act=new&team=casnsta 
  2. You may sign up for STAS at a discounted rate through our online registration program at the above website or you may visit  our        ttp://www.teamunify.com/ContactMe.do?act=new&team=casnsta       Office Hours for registration are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm, and Saturdays & Sundays       8:00am-5:00pm.
  3. For further information please contact our STAS President, at http://www.teamunify.com/ContactMe.do?act=new&team=casnsta
 
Does it matter which session(s) I sign up for?
  1. Yes.  Be sure that you register for the session that is specifically for the age of your child.   Each session of STAS offers instruction for all ability levels within the age range signed up for.  The instructors will evaluate your child the first day and place them in a group, with an instructor that best fits their needs and abilities.
 
 What is the child/instructor ratio for STAS?
  1. At the “beginning” and “pre-school” levels of STAS lessons, swimmers are in a 1:1 swimmer: instructor ratio.  At the “advanced” levels, swimmers will be in a 1:1 swimmer: instructor ratio.
 
What is the transition from STAS Lesson to the STAS swim team?
a.        Once a child reaches the appropriate STAS level they are evaluated by the staff for transition into the Future STAS Pre-Competitive program.
 
 
What skills/criteria are needed to make the swim team?
  1. The skills required at the STAS vary depending on the child’s age.  The basic entry level skills are as follows:
                                   i.       8 & Under -  Swimmers must be able to demonstrate a lap of freestyle with side breathing, a lap of backstroke, Breakstone kick and wall bobs.
                                  ii.       9-10 Years - Swimmers must be able to demonstrate a 200 freestyle with side breathing, a legal backstroke, and a legal Breakstone or butterfly.
                                 iii.       11 & Over - Swimmers must be able to demonstrate a 300 freestyle with side breathing, a legal backstroke, and a legal Breakstone or butterfly.
                                 iv.       High School -  Swimmers must be able to demonstrate a 400 freestyle with side breathing and be legal in backstroke, Breakstone, and butterfly.
 
 What is the cost for the team?
 
                      At the STAS the fees vary depending on which group your child is placed in, what time of year they start, and if you have more than one child. 
                                    i.       You may view the fee structure  in our club
 
What are the days/times offered for group practices?
         Practice is offered 6 or more Times/week. For the STAS schedule please view the practice schedule under Practice times
                
What are the practice attendance requirements?
  1. The practice attendance requirements vary between training groups.  At our beginning levels we require swimmers to make 3 of 5 practices offered each week.  As the swimmer progresses and moves into the upper level groups practice requirements are increased.
  2. Your training group coach will give you this information during your group parent meeting held at the beginning of each season.
 
What type of practice training equipment will we need?
  1. Each practice group will require goggles, swim TEAM cap (longer hair), kick board, and fins, Tempo Trainer, Paddles, Mash bags.
  2. Your training group coach will give you this information during your group parent meeting held at the beginning of each season.
 
Where do we get the equipment?
  1. Practice Equipment is sold at California Swim Shop.
                                                              i.          California Swim Shop
                                                              ii.            Norcal Swim Shop
 
 
How many swimmers are in a group?
  1. The number of swimmers/group depends on the age and ability level of that particular group.  At our entry level.
 
Will my child be grouped with kids their own age?
  1. Each training group is arranged by ability level and age.  This ensures all swimmers are training at the appropriate level and with others in their age range divide by lanes.
 
What about swim meets?
  1. Swim meets are offered year-round for all groups.  The number of meets a swimmer is expected to swim in depends on which group they are in.
  2. Your training group coach will give you this information during your group parent meeting held at the beginning of each season.
 How does USA Swimming differ from Rec, City League, Summer League, YMCA, or High School Swimming?

Click on WHY USA SWIMMING  to findout.

Why could the STAS USA Swim Team be the best fit for your swimmer?

Click on WHY STAS SWIMMING to see why.