Question 1

How do dues and fees work?

Accepted Answer

Every registration includes your registration fee plus a portion of the season’s training fees. Every registration also comes with two team t-shirts and a swim cap so your swimmer is ready for the pool. After that, installments are smaller and go towards the season’s training fees. You can also pay for the full season upfront if that is easier.

USA Swimming membership is an annual requirement and must be renewed between September and December.

Meet fees are separate from training dues and depend on your athlete’s schedule including the number of events and days they compete.

Question 2

Why do I need to submit my child's birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

Submitting a birth certificate allows us to verify your swimmer’s age, which is required for USA Swimming membership and meet eligibility. It helps ensure fair competition and proper group placement. Your child’s information is kept secure and only used for official registration purposes.

Question 3

Why do I need to register with USA Swimming

Accepted Answer

USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming and membership is required for all FRST athletes. It provides insurance coverage and access to educational resources for swimmers, parents, and coaches. USA Swimming also offers special camps, clinics, and events for qualified athletes. All FRST coaches are USA Swimming certified, which brings professionalism and consistency to our program. Registering connects your swimmer to a broader network of support and opportunity within the sport.

Question 4

What happens if we can’t attend all the practices?

Accepted Answer

We understand that schedules can be busy throughout the year. While consistent attendance helps swimmers improve and build confidence, there is no pressure to attend every practice.

Swimmers are always welcome to arrive late, leave early, or take breaks for school holidays, vacations, or other commitments. Our goal is to provide a positive, growth oriented experience whenever your athlete is able to join us because some swimming is always better than none.
Swimmers are always welcome to arrive late or leave early if that helps make practice work for your schedule. We truly believe that some swimming is better than none, and our goal is simply to provide a positive, growth-oriented opportunity for your athlete whenever they’re able to join us.

Question 5

What if an athlete participates in other sports or extra-curricular activities?

Accepted Answer

FRST takes great pride in offering a "program for everyone," and we understand the need for well-rounded individuals. Each training group and level has a different set of expectations, and our coaching staff works diligently to help each athlete find a balance of their interests inside and outside of the pool. Many of our swimmers do balance multiple sports/activities and are still able to have a wonderful experience swimming with FRST!

Question 6

How do competitions work, and when are they?

Accepted Answer

FRST hosts and participates in many meets each season. Some are at our home facility, while others require travel around Metro Indy and beyond. From October to February, we attend about one meet per month; from May to July, one every 2–3 weeks. Meet fees vary based on the number of events and days your athlete competes, but are typically $30–$60 per meet. Our policy encourages participation in meets that fit each swimmer's experience. Home meets are open to all, while travel meets and championships are for our most committed and experienced swimmers.

Question 7

How long is the season, and do we have to commit to the full year?

Accepted Answer

Spark and Ignition (our developmental groups) run in three seasonal sessions each year: Fall (August–December), Winter (January–March), and Summer (April–July). You can join for any or all of these sessions without a full-year commitment.

All other groups follow a more traditional swim season schedule:
Short Course: August–March
Long Course: April–July

Question 8

How do group placements and promotions work?

Accepted Answer

We have four groups within each track (10 & Under and 11-14) to meet athletes where they are socially, physically, and competitively.

Coaches regularly assess swimmers’ skills, readiness, and development. Promotions generally happen at natural breaks in the season—August, December, and April. For swimmers in the entry-level groups, promotions may happen more frequently as they develop, without waiting for a season break. Our goal is to place every swimmer in the group that best matches their current abilities and encourages continued growth.

Question 9

Can parents watch practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We welcome parents to watch practices, especially as swimmers are getting started. Observing can be a great way to support your athlete and see their progress over time.

Question 10

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our programs operate out of two locations: Franklin Community High School and Franklin Community Middle School

Question 11

How do I know which program best suits my child?

Accepted Answer

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us to fiscuss your athlete's ability in the water or schedule a quick 15 minute evaluation at your convenience so we help identify the program best suited for your athlete.

Question 12

Who leads Franklin Community Swim & Dive?

Accepted Answer

Zach Dewitt is the head coach of the FCHS Swim & Dive team. Zach has put together an incredible staff that not only works with our middle school and high school athletes but also runs our club swim team (FRST), our swim school, swim league and our dive club. From top to bottom, we strive to put together a fully integrated aquatics journey for those in Franklin from Learn to Swim to High School State Championships.

Question 13

Why do I need to register with USA Swimming?

Accepted Answer

USA Swimming is the national governing body of swimming in the US. They provide competitive opportunities and insurance to their members. Additionally, they also provide educational opportunities for athletes, parents, and coaches.

Swimmer Registration

Welcome to Your Swimmer’s Next Step! Register your athlete for Spark, Ignition, or Discovery below. Questions? Email stockett@frstswimming.com

Franklin Swim & Dive

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