The following are frequently asked questions that hopefully will help build greater understanding and transparency of how the process works:

How many tryout sessions will there be?

There will be at least 4 tryout sessions for each level. Please note due to social distancing and 5k, there might be modifications. You will be notified if there are modifications.

Why do we have tryouts?

ISHCMC Stingrays conducts tryout sessions to provide swimmer assessments each season and to place swimmers on travel teams. There are enough swimmers to have multiple teams at each level and they are divided per ability to maximize the potential for each swimmer and each team to improve and have a successful season. The goal of ISHCMC Stingrays is to provide the best opportunity for all swimmers to further develop their swim skills.

Why does my swimmer need to participate if they are not trying to swim at the highest team level?

If you and your child want to attend travel meets, then attending tryouts is required so that your child can be properly evaluated against his/her peer group and placed on the appropriate level team to maximize your child’s opportunity to further develop their swim skills. Swimmers wanting to continue with the learn-to-swim programs ARE NOT required to attend any tryout sessions.

Who will do the evaluations?

There are 2 key groups involved in the evaluations:

• On-deck coaches to take swimmers through the session – 2 or 3 on-deck
  instructors per session

• Off-deck administrators who will be responsible for collating
  evaluations and presenting to the Aquatics Team

What if my child is sick during tryouts?

As a general rule of thumb : ‘If your swimmer attended school, they should attend swimming’ Swimmers that have a fever are required to be fever free for 24 hours before attending school. Message the coach and let them know prior to the practice/try out.

Can my child redo tryouts if they didn’t swim well?

Not everyday or every try out will be great. This is why we hold multiple try out sessions. This gives swimmers a chance to put their best foot forward.

Is this my child’s only opportunity to tryout during the year?

We will hold another try out in January, after the December holiday. Please note for just this year, we have made special modifications to tryouts to be held after Tet. Any questions, please refer to Coach Tom.

If my child had been on the Stingrays, would they need to tryout again?

Yes, every year is a new year. Being a Stingray in the past, does not guarantee being a Stingray again. With the exception of this academic year 2021-22, swimmers that were on the stingray last year will not need to attend tryout this year.

Can parents watch the tryouts?

Yes, Parents are always welcome poolside, as long as they do not talk to the coaches during the try out. However, with COVID present, the facilities are not currently available to parents.

What if we are currently out of the country?

If you are transitioning to school, message Coach Tom/Lucas and they will make sure your athlete gets an equal chance to try out for the team.