Contents of This Section

• Overview
• Team Philosophy

• Joining the Swim Team
• Fees and Equipment

Overview

The Blackridge swim team is a Division II member of the Eastern Swim Association (ESA). Practices and meets run from June through July each summer. Children aged 5 through 18 who can swim one length of the pool without assistance are eligible to join the team.

• View online calendar of Barracuda events
• Download frequently asked questions about swim team

Team Philosophy

The Barracudas team is a small organization that offers a supportive environment to swimmers of all abilities. The team's emphasis is on developing good sportsmanship, expanding each swimmer's experience, and having fun. Traditionally, older team members work closely with the team's younger members, helping them to improve their strokes, dives, and other aspects of competitive swimming. The team recognizes that it is a great accomplishment to win and strives toward that goal with every meet, while emphasizing the importance of team work and improving each swimmer's individual times.

Joining the Swim Team

Once you have joined the BSC at the Full Family membership, your eligible children are welcome to join the swim team.

• Download the Barracudas registration form

To sign up for swim team, complete a swim team registration form for each swimmer in your family. Give completed forms and fees to one of the swim team coordinators listed on the Contacts page.

Fees and Equipment

Fees: To join the team, each team member must:

1. Belong to the BSC (Full Family membership)
2. Belong to the BCA
3. Pay a $30 swim team fee for each child (or $60 per family)

   Total cost per family for 2008: $425-$455

Swim Suits: Swimmers are encouraged to purchase the Blackridge Barracudas team suit:

• Boys' team suit: Tyr Alliance Splice Jammer in black and red
• Girls' team suit: Tyr Alliance Splice maxback in black and red

Knabes carries these suits and offers Barracudas members a team discount not reflected on the Knabes' web site. A less expensive alternative is to purchase a plain black suit. Knabes carries plain black jammers (Dolfin suits are among the least expensive). You can find plain black girls' suits at Dick's or Dunham's in Monroeville.

Goggles: Your swimmer will need a good pair of goggles, which cost from $10 to $15.

Knabes carries reliable brands and can help with fitting. Knabes also carries goggle replacement straps. Dick's Sporting Goods and other sports stores carry reliable brands. Avoid inexpensive goggles sold at Target and WalMart -- they don't usually provide a good seal, so water leaks in; they fog up; and they break easily.

Questions? Please contact one of the swim team coordinators listed on the Contacts page.