How do I choose the RIGHT team for my child? Here are 7 checklist items to help you in your search.

1. T.E.A.M. = Together Everyone Achieves More: Choose a swim team where the coaches are involved with their swimmers and the swimmers are involved with each other. While swimming is primarily an individual sport, your child will get closer to reaching his/her potential if there is a T.E.A.M. mindset and culture. #swimteam

These swimmers have learned that they can give back to the community through the sport of swimming

2. Character 1st: Choose a swim team whose coaches and swimmers model the character you want your child to have. The most successful teams build their solid foundations on placing a priority in virtues such as adaptability, confidence, consistency, cooperation, dependability, diligence, humility, kindness, leadership, optimism, determination, and purpose. #swimacrossamerica

USA Swimming's Club Excellence Program ranks teams nationally based on their swimmers' performances

3. Performance: Look at the OVERALL success of the team rather than a handful of star swimmers it has had over time. Look at the success of the team from its most beginner to highest elite levels. A good benchmark of the overall quality of a team is if it has RECENTLY earned Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medals in USA Swimming's Club Excellence Rankings. A sign that a team has been successful with a standout swimmer is that it my not achieve consistent Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal rankings. #usaswimming

The right swim team can help your child succeed both in and out of the water

Choosing the right team can be a daunting task. However, the above 3 items are a good start that cover many bases. Look for future articles that address other topics when selecting a swim team for your child.