Thank you for your interest in Carrollton Aqua Racers Swimming. We've tried to cover all of the common questions we've received from new team members. You can also review the team handbook for more detailed information about team rules and procedures. Don't hesitate to email if you have more questions.

Who are the Carrollton Aqua Racers?

The Carrollton Aqua Racers Swim Team is a self-sufficient, non-profit organization, participating with the cooperation of the City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department in the State-wide Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (T.A.A.F.) program.

What are the requirements for tryouts?

The only requirement is that the swimmer can swim 25 meters without holding on to the sides or lane dividers and shows no fear of the water. The swimmer does not need to know any of the strokes. Minimum age is 5 and the youngest age group for competition is 6 & Under.

When and where will tryouts be held for new swimmers?

Tryouts for new swimmers will be held May 5-10 from 5:00 PM - 7PM at the Rosemeade Aquatic Complex. If you missed these dates, you can still have your child try out during their designated age group practices. Find a board member or Coach Nina to assist you!

Do I need to register before I tryout?

Yes. All new swimmers must register online prior to the tryout. Please bring a non-returnable photocopy of your swimmers' birth certificate if you are a new swimmer participating in a tryout session. We keep a copy for our records.

How much does it cost?

• Team Registration: The 2024 registration fees are $230 for the first swimmer, a family discount of $215 for the second swimmer and $205 for each additional swimmer for a 10-week swim season.
• Team Swim Suit / Goggles: $50-75 (approximately)
• Practice Fins / Kick Board: $50 (approximately)
• Admittance to swim meets: $5-7 per person (including swimmers)

Do I have to register online?

Yes, registration must be completed online. You can pay with credit card online, or by check or cash during tryouts. To pay with credit card you must register online.

What if I register and pay online, but my swimmer is not able to complete the criteria at the tryout?

We will evaluate your swimmer at the tryout to determine if they are ready to participate with Aqua Racers. If a swimmer is unable to swim 25 meters unassisted, then we will advise that your swimmer take swim lessons and return the following year for another tryout. A full refund will be provided for any swimmer that is unable to complete the tryout criteria.

Is a team swim suit required?

The purchase of a team suit is optional. You will be provided a team cap. Aqua Racers highly recommends purchasing the team suit especially for swimmers that will compete at meets. As a team we desire to be uniform in our appearance. Additionally, swimmers wearing team suits and caps are much easier to identify by coaches and spectators at the meets. The team suit will be a high quality polyester suit that can be used for both practice and competition. Swimmers may wear a different suit to practice. Information regarding team suits will be provided to all swimmers, and fittings for suits will be coordinated with our vendor, Xtreme Swim Shop in Plano (store info) or purchases can be made through our Online Store. A silicon team swim cap is included in the registration fee and will be distributed to all swimmers at practice.

How are swim practice groups structured?

Group practice sessions are based on the age of swimmers. Swim groups include the following ages: 8 years and under, 9-10 years, 11-12 years and 13 years and older. Practices are held with the older swimmers first, followed by successively younger swimmers.

When is practice?

The swim season beings with practice sessions on May 13 at the Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex. Practice sessions will be conducted in the evenings, then switch to mornings after school is out. And will continue through the Regional meet and, for those who qualify, the State meet. The swim practice schedule has been posted on the website.

When are the swim meets?

Swim meets are Saturday mornings or Friday nights in June and July. View the complete Signup Calendar.

What are the regional meets?

After the regular season swim meets swimmers can compete in the Regional swim meet. The top finishers from the Regional swim meet qualify to participate in the state swim meet.  

Wow, that's a lot of swimming. What about vacation and all our other summer plans?

Most of the swimmers have other activities also. You can decide how much you want to get out of the swim season. Please see the handbook for a few restrictions about participating in the A Regional swim meet and relay teams.

Do I have to live in Carrollton to join the team?

No, there is not a residency requirement to join the team.

If I swim for another team can I still swim with the Aqua Racers?

To compete in T.A.A.F., swimmers must comply with T.A.A.F. eligibility guidelines. The guidelines specify that swimmers must not participate in swim clinics more than 90 minutes per week during January 1-April 30 of the current year (for swimmers aged 12 and under). Article 25 of the T.A.A.F. guidelines may be viewed here. If you have any questions about the T.A.A.F. eligibility of your swimmer, please contact the board President.

Volunteer Organization

Carrollton Aqua Racers is organized and operated by parent volunteers, and is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. The only paid staff with Aqua Racers are the coaches. The benefit of a volunteer-run organization is that the parents have an opportunity to direct and improve the program. 

How do I register?

New and returning swimmers may register online beginning in April. We are limited to the number of swimmers that can participate with Aqua Racers; thus, registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served, first-paid basis. Your registration is not complete until payment is received. If we reach our limit of swimmers, a waiting list will be assembled in the order of registration receipt. To pay with credit card you must register online. Please bring a non-returnable copy of your swimmers' birth certificate if you are a new swimmer participating in a tryout session. 

What is the refund policy?

Email us to request a refund - the deadline for refund requests is June 3 and there's a $75 non-refundable fee per registrant, no exceptions except in the case of a failed tryout.