GILLS – Great Illinois Swimmers
FAQ's
1. Does my child need to know how to swim to join our team?
A swimmer should be able to attempt to swim freestyle one full length of a high school pool (25
yards) without fear, it is okay for them to stop along the way. There is no set age for this, it is
based on ability.
2. Is there a trial period before joining the team?
Yes, we offer a 2 week trial period to anyone NEW to GILLS, there is a non-refundable $60.00
insurance fee that our club is required to pay to Illinois Swimming.
3. As a new swimmer, how do I know if my child made the team or not?
Your child makes the team unless you are approached by a coach or a board member. Plan
on attending the next practice, please see the calendar on the web site for times and dates.
4. What are the seasons, fees and practice times?
- Current fees can be found on our web site www.gills-swim.org under documents.
- Winter season runs from September to middle of February. The practice times are based
on swimmers ability beginners, group 1 from 6:00-7:00pm, group 2 from 6:00-7:15pm, and
advanced from 7:15-9:00pm.
- Summer season runs from April to the middle of July. The same practice times apply, but
there are morning sessions for 11yrs and older (TBA).
5. How do I know what practice my swimmer should attend?
Practices are based on ability and endurance. They are to be determined by the coaching
staff.
6. What equipment or uniform is required?
For practice fins, pull float, kick board cap (girls) and goggles. Some swimmers use their team
suit for practice. This will cause the swimmers team suit to become worn out. There are many
inexpensive practice suits on our website at the GILLS Gear Store under the Practice Suits &
Drag Suits tab. Please watch the calendar for a scheduled team suit fittings and the pool
during practice time.
7. What is the Drop off and Pick up process for my swimmer?
All swimmers and their families are to enter and exit the pool through the main entrance (South
Doors). It is expected that your swimmer is on the deck and ready to swim by the time stated
on the calendar, otherwise they are considered tardy. It should take your swimmer no longer
than 10 minutes to change into their clothes when practice is over. Please see the handbook
for our policy.
8. Are parents required to watch during practice?
Yes, parents are encouraged to stay and watch their child’s practice from the HS stands.
However, due to USA swimming (USA SWIM) and Illinois swimming (IL SWIM) ISI insurance
regulations: NON-SWIMMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE POOL DECK during practice.
9. What are the different types of swim meets?
Dual Meet - ALL Swimmers from our team compete against swimmers from another team in
our division. There are home meets (Andrew HS) and away meets in the area high schools.
They start at 6:30pm and are over usually by 8:45pm. No fees apply.
Conference Meet – At the end of the season the top swimmers are chosen to compete at
conference, this determine which division the GILLS will be in. Unfortunately not all swimmers
are able to go, 2 from each event and 1 relay team per age group. The decision for which
swimmers go to this meet is from the coaches. No fees apply.
ISI Meet – During the season, GILLS will participate in weekend meets that are hosted by
registered IL Swimming clubs in the Chicago land area. You may choose which events your
child would like to swim in. There are additional fees for these meets and these are longer and
more competitive. The coaches determine which ones our club will participate in and they are
not required.
10. What is the volunteer commitment for parents?
GILLS cannot function without the help of family volunteers. This is a fun way to get involved
with the club and your swimmer. Each family is required to volunteer for 2 home meets during
the season. There is a $100.00 deposit that we collect at registration that will be cashed as a
buy-out if you are unable to volunteer. There is a description of each area that you can
volunteer on our web site under the volunteer tab.
11. Why does GILLS have a closed deck policy?
GILLS and all other swim clubs are required by United States Swimming to close the deck due
to insurance reasons. Every swimmer and coach is registered with USA swimming and is
covered under a liability policy. Parents, Grandparents, siblings, babysitters, etc are not
covered. We also find that kids are more distracted with parents present. They spend time
waving to mom and dad instead of listening to their coaches. Parents may enter the deck 5
minutes before the practice begins. They must clear the deck as soon as practice starts. At
Andrew, parents may sit up in the stands. During Meets only parents assigned to volunteer
that event are allowed on deck.