Swimmers are divided into age categories, based on the swimmer’s age on May 31st. The categories are Shrimpers (6 & Under), 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-18.

Shrimpers are a developing swimmer group, and most are learning basic swimming skills. Shrimpers only compete in the first two events in a swim meet (25-meter Freestyle), and they do not score any points toward the team results (GCSL rule). 

Parents who only have Shrimpers are not required to stay until the end of the meet, unless you are signed up for a 2nd Half volunteer shift or your swimmer has been asked to swim up. Occasionally, a very advanced Shrimper will be asked by the coaches to swim up in a 7-8 event. 

Shrimpers who cannot make it all the way across the pool unassisted are typically allowed to have a coach in the water to help them during the first few meets of the season. You will be amazed at how much progress your Shrimper will make over the course of just a few weeks!

Swimmers in the 7-8 and 9-10 age groups compete in the following events:

• 100m Medley Relay (4 swimmers per team)
• 25m Freestyle
• 25m Backstroke
• 100m Individual Medley (9-10 age group only)
• 25m Breaststroke
• 25m Butterfly
• 100m Freestyle Relay (4 swimmers per team)

Each swimmer may be entered in a maximum of 3 individual events and 2 relay events per meet.

Swimmers in the 11-12, 13-14, and 15-18 age groups begin to focus on longer distances and endurance. Swimmers will learn and use flip turns in every event. The events for these age groups are as follows:

• 200m Medley Relay (50m per swimmer)
• 50m Freestyle
• 50m Backstroke
• 100m Individual Medley
• 50m Breaststroke
• 50m Butterfly
• 200m Freestyle Relay (50m per swimmer)

Each swimmer may be entered in a maximum of 3 individual events and 2 relay events per meet.