Fall/Winter 2023-2024
Tryouts & Registration
Friday, September 8
Ages 10 and under: 4:30pm-5:00pm
Ages 11 and over: 5:15pm-5:45pm
*returning swimmers do not need to attend tryouts but must register in person.
First practice begins September 11
The IC of Stamford ORCAs swim team program encompasses all ages, levels of ability, and is structured to provide careful development and steady progression through the stages of competitive swimming. The program is composed of athletes and their families from Stamford and communities throughout southwestern Connecticut. The ORCAs swim team is a family-oriented swimming program. The strength of the volunteer parent organization together with the excellence of the coaching staff and the support of the IC have resulted in a highly successful swim program at all levels.
Swim Team Fees
- For the second/third child there is a 15% discount
- In order to participate on the ORCAS Swim Team all fees must be paid in full by the first day of team practice
- The ORCAS Swim Club is a certified member of USA swimming, the national governing body of the sport
- The ORCAS Swim Club is a member of the Connecticut Summer Swim League. Our team pays its dues to join the league as well as dues for participating in the Championships. In addition to the league, we are part of the USA swimming association, which also requires us to pay for membership and meet entry fees at all USA sanctioned swim meets.
Fees
MEMBERS
| Group | Fee | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-ORCAS | $700 | ||
| Bronze | $750 | ||
| Silver | $750 | ||
| Light Blue | $1,050 | ||
| Blue | $1,350 | ||
| Gold | $1,650 | ||
| Senior | $1,650 |
NON-MEMBERS
| Group | Fees | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-ORCAS | $750 | ||
| Bronze | $800 | ||
| Silver | $800 | ||
| Light Blue | $1,150 | ||
| Blue | $1,450 | ||
| Gold | $1,750 | ||
| Senior | $1,750 |
ALL SWIMMERS
| Level | USA Registration & Swim Meet Fee | Orca Team Parents Operating Fund |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-ORCAS | --- | $45 |
| Bronze | $200 | $45 |
| Silver | $250 | $45 |
| Light Blue | $300 | $45 |
| Blue | $300 | $45 |
| Gold | $300 | $45 |
| Senior | $300 | $45 |
For more information, please contact icorcaswimclub@gmail.com or visit the ORCAs website.
Swim Team Level Descriptions
Silver swimmers have a firm grasp on the four basic competitive strokes and are given instruction on more advanced concepts and swimming techniques. We work on refining each stroke to make it as efficient as possible, and work with each swimmer to improve on any areas of weakness they may have. The Silver level is typically when our swimmers begin to participate in swim meets.
Silver Swimmers practice M/W/F for 1 hour each day.
This is the highest level of training for the Orcas Swim Club and requires dedication to the sport. The program is a serious regimen that includes stroke mechanics, endurance work, dryland strength and flexibility, conditioning, goal setting, and an emphasis on team dynamics and mental conditioning.
Senior level swimmers practice on M/W/F for 1.5 hours, on T/TH for 2 hours, and Sat for 2 hours. We will do dryland training on T/TH/Sat for approximately 30 minutes before practice.
Light Blue level is for advanced Silver level swimmers who are ready to step things up a level before they commit to the Blue team. Light Blue will practice with Silver on M/W/F, and also be invited to practice with our Blue group on Thursdays. Thursday practices include Dryland practice to help further develop athletic ability.
Light Blue Swimmers practice M/W/F for 1 hour with our Bronze/Silver group, and 2 hours on Thursday with our Blue/Gold/Senior group.
Gold swimmers begin to focus their training on longer distance events and individual medley swimming. Swimmers receive individual attention on advanced stroke mechanics and dryland workouts. Competition philosophy, mental training, and nutritional awareness are important subjects stressed with this group.
Gold level swimmers practice on M/W/F for 1.5 hours, on T/TH for 2 hours, and Sat for 2 hours. We will do dryland training on T/TH/Sat for approximately 30 minutes before practice.
Blue level is for swimmers who have demonstrated an enthusiasm toward swimming to our coaches. This program further builds upon the skills learned in previous Orca levels and introduces more distance swimming to build endurance.
We highly encourage all Blue level swimmers and higher to experience the excitement of participating in USA Swimming Sanctioned Meets.
Blue Level practices on M/W/F for 1.5 hours, and on T/TH for 2 hours. This is a 5 day-a-week commitment for our swimmers.
Bronze swimmers are usually aged 9 or under and are the first level of competitive swimming with the Orcas Swim Club. This group will learn what it’s like being on a team and are given constant instruction on their stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and swimming efficiency. The instructions are presented in a relaxed yet exciting manner with an emphasis on the fun and rewards of being a part of a swim team and participating in competitive swimming. The overall objective of Orca’s Bronze level is to provide individual attention and a positive experience in swimming for younger swimmers.
Bronze Swimmers practice M/W/F for 1 hour each day.
Requirements: Be able to swim 25 yards (1 length of the pool) of four basic strokes and be able to perform a racing dive.
Pre-Orcas is our entry-level program designed for younger swimmers who have progressed through the Italian Center’s swimming instruction program and learned the four basic strokes. The emphasis for this level is on improving swimming ability and water skills already developed by the child. The Pre-Orcas program is ideal for swimmers who have a desire to eventually join our swim team or start their path to competitive swimming.
Pre-Orcas practice M/W/F for 45 minutes each day.
Requirements: Be able to swim 25 yards or one length of the swimming