Swimmers’ ages for meets like Sections and State are based on December 1, so that determines which age group they compete in. If you feel your Stingray might be ready to move up to a different practice group, just reach out to Coach Erin—she’ll help find the best fit so every swimmer can make a splash!

Typically we host 3-4 home meets and attend 3-4 away meets on select Saturday's throughout the season. Swimmers must attend 3 meets during the season to be eligible to compete at Sections in January and potentially qualify for the State meet held at the University of Minnesota in February. Swimmers who swim a qualifying time are also eligible to compete at the MYAS Regional meet held at the University of Minnesota in March.

No. First-year swimmers receive a free Stingray cap during their first season, and additional or replacement caps can be purchased if desired. Some meets may require swimmers to wear plain caps or those with only the team logo. Team suits are optional, but many families choose to purchase one for a unified team look. If you’d like to order suits, gear, or other equipment, SwimOutlet has an option to support the Stingrays when you shop through our team store.

Essentials:

• Goggles

• Swimsuit (one-piece suits for girls; jammers are preferred for boys, though trunks are fine too)

• Swim cap (recommended for swimmers with long hair)

• Towel

• Water bottle

• Bag to carry all swim gear to and from practice

Nice-to-Haves:

• Extra pair of goggles (in case one breaks)

• Extra swim cap

• Toiletry items if showering right after practice

• Dry clothes for after practice

Tip: Please label your swimmer’s gear to help avoid mix-ups.

There is no strict attendance policy-your swimmer can put as much or as little time into practice as works for your schedule. Of course, attending regularly helps swimmers improve, but we understand life gets busy!

No, makeup practices are not offered. All Stingray members are Y members and may attend lap swim sessions, following YMCA supervision rules: 

• Ages 5 - 9:  A parent/guardian must stay in the facility and supervise their child at all times
• Ages 10 and up: Swimmers may be in the facility without a parent/guardian

Note: Lifeguards and aquatics staff are not there to babysit. Lap swim is intended as active participation in laps or water exercise.

Swimmers should sign up for meet events by 8:00 PM on the Monday before each meet. Signups can be done at practice or online through a Google Form, with coach assistance if needed. Signups open the Thursday before the meet.

Coaches create relays based on who is attending, and every swimmer will be in at least one relay. Swimmers may sign up for up to three individual events.

• Yes! Families are asked to help at all home meets in roles such as timers, stroke & turn judges, starters, administration, concessions, and more.

  • Minimum Requirement: We understand that attending every meet isn’t always possible. Each family is asked to volunteer at 2 home meets per season, with additional help requested if Worthington is hosting Sectionals.

• Home meets are a major fundraiser—your support helps grow the program.
  • We ask that parents assist with concession item donations for home swim meets. Items range from cash donations to purchase any items needed day of. Beverages like pop, water, Gatorade. Food items like hot dogs, fresh fruit, baked goods, healthy snacks, walking taco toppings.

• Parents are responsible for supervising their children at all times when not on the pool deck, as coaches are focused on running the meet.

  • If parents are volunteering: Parents should arrange supervision for their swimmer while they are working in a volunteer role. This could include having another trusted adult watch their child, pairing up with another family, or scheduling shifts so someone is always available to supervise.

• Setup before and cleanup after home meets are a team responsibility.