Registration

Registration will open February 22, 2026 for returning swimmers and March 1, 2026 for new swimmers. Our first week of practice is in mid-April, our season ends at the end of June. You can get an idea of practice times and locations by going to the "Practice Times" section posted on this website. The team is 18&Under and our requirement for joining is that you must be able to safely swim across the pool (25 yards) unassisted. Most swimmers have had swim lessons or swim team experience prior to joining. 

POA will verify Imperial Oaks addresses & to make sure your account is in good standing.

If you are not a member of Imperial Oaks POA you will pay a $50.00 out of neighborhood fee.  Residents of Imperial Oaks Section 9, The Meadows, The Falls are not considered members of the Imperial Oaks POA and will be required to pay the $50.00 fee.  

**Registration Fees**

This includes:

-swimmer registration

-(3) Crawfish Boil Fundraising tickets

-team t-shirt

-team silicone cap

-end of season award (if swimmer swims in two meets)

1st swimmer - $260

2nd swimmer - $160

3rd swimmer - $140

4th swimmer – FREE 

(If you have a 15/18 swimmer, they fall into the last swimmer listed for free)

All 15/18 swimmers are $50, which will also include a shirt.

Want registration for half price? Become an NWAL Official by passing the test and complete the minimum number of shifts for a 50% refund. Contact [email protected]

Refunds

Full refunds will be given in the event your child does not make the team after tryouts or in the event they declare by 5:00pm on Monday April 27th (after Black and Green meet) that they no longer want to be on the team.  Any swimmer that remains on the team after this time will not be entitled to a refund.  

Does my child have to be a good swimmer?

NO!    

However, because we compete, we prefer a basic ability to swim. Our team is made up of swimmers with various skill levels and our coaches will work with the kids to teach them new strokes and refine the ones they already know. 

6 & Under NEW swimmers will be evaluated on the ability to swim 25 yards of free-style unassisted with no time limit. This is for your swimmer’s safety. Unfortunately, swim team is not a “learn to swim” program but a competitive program that builds on the fundamentals of swimming.

Swimmers 7-10 years old must be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke in one minute and thirty seconds or less.

Swimmers 11 and up must be able to swim 50 yards of freestyle unassisted in under one minute.

Rookie Camp

*There will be no Rookie Camp, only a tryout/evaluation will be held on April 13 & 14 at the POA.  All first year swimmers will be required to be evaluated prior to attending regular practice*

How often do you practice?

Practices are held in middle/late April, May, and June every weekday.

**EQUIPMENT needed for PRACTICE**

ALL Swimmers– will need a pair of swim fins and goggles. Swim caps are also strongly encouraged.  All of these can be purchased at D&J Sports - Tomball, Academy, or on-line at SwimOutlet. 

**Team Suit Days**

Team suit day this year will be held at the POA on April 15th. You can get your suit there and any other equipment you made need. Just let them know you are part of Imperial Oaks Swim Team.

**IOST is on FACEBOOK**

IOST has a Facebook page! Don’t forget to check it out and like us to see what other events we have going on throughout the season! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Imperial-Oaks-Swim-Team/309994502462729

How often are meets?

Your child should plan to attend the 1st practice meet,  5 dual meets, and 1 divisional meet scheduled for 7 consecutive Saturdays during the months of May and June this summer.  See the meet schedule on the home page of the website.     

Do we have to go to the meets?

No, but the meets are where the kids really get to shine, and to be eligible for divisionals, you must swim in at least 2 dual meets. Plan on attending all seven meets and watch your child impress themselves and you on a weekly basis.  You MUST let the coach know if your child cannot attend a meet.  We enter swimmers in each meet on the Tuesday before the meet.  In order to receive a trophy - your swimmer MUST participate in at least 2 dual meets.

Is it fun?

YES!  Swim team is a great way to watch your child improve their skills and self esteem!  Additionally, it is a terrific way to meet new neighbors and friends and a great opportunity for your child to "hang out" with their friends.

Do I have to help?

YES!  Our team survives and thrives on volunteers.  Over 90 parent positions need to be filled at each meet.  None of the jobs are difficult, and all require minimal time.  We know you are there to see your child swim, and we promise that no matter the job, watching your child swim will be the most important thing you do on Saturday morning!

If you are craving an activity that your child will enjoy, then the SEALS are for you.

Attendance

Attendance at all practices in not mandatory, but is highly encouraged.  The best way to see improvement in your swimmer is by consistently attending work outs.  

We make the assumption that ALL swimmers will be attending each meet.  We know that there will be times when you are unable to do this.  Not to worry, If you will not be able to participate in a meet, you must let us know by filling out the scratch on this website. This form lets the coaches know who will not be there for a meet, and how to place other swimmers in the competition.  It is extremely beneficial to have pre planned absences submitted no later that the Wednesday before the meet.

Swimmers who ’no show’ without a scratch form or phone call will not be entered in relay events the following meet.

What do we do when we get to the meet?

Swimmers:

When we swim at HOME, team warm ups are from 7:10am to 7:40am.

When we swim AWAY, team warm ups are  typically from 7:45am to 8:15am.

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your warm up time to check in and receive your event card for the meet.

Meets start promptly at 8:30am. If you have not arrived at the pool and checked in by 7:45am YOUR CHILD WILL BE SCRATCHED AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SWIM THAT DAY!

Parents:

When you arrive at the pool, check your children in at the check-in area. You will receive a card with your child’s name(s) on it that lists what events they will be swimming. Taking the card lets the Clerk know that you are at the meet and ready to swim! Many parents will write the event number on their child’s arm with a pen to serve as a visual reminder of what they are swimming.

Heat sheets will be available in the Swimtopia app. These allow you to follow the different heats in each race, see where your child is seeded, and whom your child is competing against. They are well worth the cost!

When you arrive, please ask where you can help during the meet! Many of you have signed our volunteer list, but even if you haven’t, rest assured, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Parental involvement is the key to a successful meet. With parents helping, our meets will run quickly and smoothly, and there are less distractions and delays for the swimmers.