Frequently Asked Questions
Would you describe the Sienna Stingrays as a highly competitive swim team?
No. SPA (Sienna Plantation Aquatics) is the competitive, year round swimming program in Sienna Plantation. The Stingrays are a summer recreational swim team. Year round swimmers are invited to participate on our team, but they must stop training with their year round team by April 30th. This helps promote a more balanced recreational team. Stingrays practice with their Sienna friends but compete against other community teams.
How far does the team travel?
The Stingrays belong to the Southwest Houston Recreational Swim League (www.shrsl.org), and we swim against other neighborhood teams in the Fort Bend area. Home meets are located at Club Sienna.
What's the cost?
Registration is $180 per swimmer.
How do I know if my child is ready to participate on a swim team?
Generally, if your child is able to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) , then they are ready for swim team. We have found that this skill can be acquired as early as 4 years of age. During the first two weeks of practice, our coaches will work hard to get new swimmers to this level. After two weeks, the coach will assess each child's level of skill and determine whether they are appropriate for the team or would benefit from another year of lessons.
All Mini Ray and 6U swimmers will be required to have an evaluation the week of April 27 (A SUG will be sent out closer to time). 6 and unders will need to be able to swim across the pool, unassisted. Mini ray swimmers will need to be able to be in the water without someone holding on to them, starting to learn strokes and swim mostly unassisted. This is not a swim lesson.
What is your refund policy?
If you choose to withdraw your child(ren) prior to May 15th, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after May 15th. (For the Stingrays swimmers)
If you choose to withdraw your child(ren) prior to May 29th, you will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after May 29th. (For Mini-Rays swimmers)
What does my child need to bring to swim practice?
All swimmers should arrive at the pool at least 5 minutes prior to the start of practice wearing a swim suit. In addition, many swimmers bring goggles, fins, swim caps, flip flops, and towels.
Any swim suit is acceptable, keeping in mind that the kids will be diving into the water (avoid baggy trunks and bikinis). No toys! Please be sure to label all of your child's belongings with his/her name!
Do we have practice if it rains?
Sometimes. If it is raining 30 minutes prior to the start of practice and/or a meet, the coach will make a decision whether or not we will swim. Most of the time, if it is just raining without thunder or lightning, practice will go on as scheduled. However, if it is a heavy rain storm, the coach may cancel. Rain out information can also be found on our Facebook page. If there is no message in either place, you should assume that we are swimming.
What if my child can’t make it to every practice and/or meet?
Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many practices and meets as possible. The more exposure that they have to the water, the more benefit they will gain from their participation with the team. The coach understands that many of the swimmers also participate in other sports and organizations. Communication with the coach will be important if your child will miss a practice and/or meet.
