Team Membership The Shenandoah Sharks are a summer league swim team affiliated with the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL). We are not a “learn to swim” organization. To be a team member on the Sharks, each swimmer must demonstrate the basic skills necessary for competitive swimming. This is done for new members on the scheduled swim assessment dates prior to the start of organized practices. Final determination of team membership is based on performance at new swimmer assessment and at the discretion of the coaches. Competition Participation in swim meets is expected and highly encouraged but not required to be a member of the team. To participate in a meet a swimmer should demonstrate the ability to complete one length of the pool (~25 yards) unassisted in the selected stroke. To participate in the divisional swim meet each swimmer must complete in 2 regular season dual meets. Participation in invitational swim meets is based on time standards achieved. Shark School “Shark School” is NOT swimming lessons; it is for team members who are not quite up to practicing with their age group (e.g. 8 and under). The purpose of Shark School is to get the swimmer up to speed and moving them into their regular practices as soon as possible. Shark School is about refining basic techniques to prepare the swimmer for competition. These skills include side breathing with face in the water, continuous forward motion on top of the water, floating on back, etc. Shark School ends when morning practices start. Determination of placement in shark school is based on the discretion of the coaches. Swim Lessons The City of Shenandoah offers learn-to-swim classes during the summer months at the Shenandoah pool. Classes begin the first full week school is out. All classes have a 4:1 swimmer to instructor ratio and the instructor is in the water at all times. For more information or to schedule swim lessons at the Shenandoah pool, call Mary Pat Case at 832.256.4499. Additionally, a number of local groups such as the Montgomery County YMCA and The Woodlands Swim Team offer swimming lessons year-round. Private Lessons for Shark Swimmers Before the City of Shenandoah pool opens for the summer, some Shark coaches are available to schedule private swim lessons with team members. If a swimmer is interested, it is up to them and their parent to contact a coach directly. These transactions are handled directly with the coach and remain separate and apart from team billing. Shenandoah Sharks Swim Team has no legal or financial interest and are not responsible in any way for these transactions.