Answers to your…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?
“Everything is optional, except having fun”; that’s our unofficial motto and we take it to heart.
We have no requirements for practice or event attendance, but we do ask every member to make their best effort to get involved, whether that’s one practice a day or once a month. At the end of the day, we want to maintain our culture where members come to practice because they want to, not because they have to.
How do I join? Can I join mid-semester?
Informational meetings are typically held at the beginning of each semester for new members to learn about how we operate, but in short, all you have to do is show up to practice and pay dues. If you haven’t met us at FASET, reaching out via our Join Us form will ensure you get updates about our next informational meetings!
Mid-semester newcomers are always welcome, fill out our Join Us form and we’ll reach out right away!
Do I have to tryout?
Nope! There are no formal time standards, but we ask that our members can make it through a practice on the slowest intervals. We usually swim 3500-4500yds a day.
Meets will occasionally have time standards created by either the host team or by us to control attendance.
Who can join?
As a sport club operating under Georgia Tech Campus Recreation, we cater primarily to Georgia Tech undergraduate and graduate students.
How much does it cost to join? What does it cover?
Club dues change every year according to budgetary outlook but are usually under $200/yr, a small fraction of typical USA club team dues. Dues cover practice fees, team shirts, transportation to/from meets, entry fees, league fees, lodging (yes, lodging!), and equipment usage. Essentially, the only thing dues don’t cover are our annual spring break trip, nationals costs, additional optional merchandise, and occasional social events.
Do you compete in meets?
Absolutely we do! We are part of College Club Swimming (our national governing body) and typically attend 3-4 meets a semester plus nationals in the spring. Common locations include Auburn, UGA, Clemson, FSU, UF, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. Nationals and Regionals moves around every year. We usually host 1-2 invites a year and have a few intrasquad/time trial meets throughout the semester for those who don’t have time to travel or want the extra opportunity to compete.
The team usually spends the night in hotels at said location, and drives back the following morning.
What equpiment do I need?
Goggles, swimsuit, towel, swim cap (if desired), and yourself!
Kickboards, pull buoys, and paddles are provided by the club (hooray for not having an equipment bag!) The team has recently invested in fins, drag socks, parachuets, and cords to be used during practice by the team aswell.
Do you offer swim lessons?
Our team does not offer swim lessons. Our coaches are equipped to coach anyone with a swimming background, but do not have the bandwidth to give individual lessons or teach people how to swim from scratch. For swim lessons at the McAuley Aquatic Center please visit https://crc.gatech.edu/aquatics/lessons. If you are new to swimming and interested in joining swim club, we ask that you get a few lessons under your belt to ensure you can have the best experience at practices and meets.