Please arrive promptly at the start time and check-in at the table.
We have open tryouts the first week of practice each season. The specific dates are listed above unless our tryout week has already concluded for the season.
If you have missed our tryout week, please use the registration form below to register your swimmer then press the “Book Your Tryout Timeslot Here”.
Tryouts are held at our pool which is located at Valley Central High School. Please enter through the side door to the right of the pool which is the adjacent building to the main entrance. Follow the other swimmers and parents if you are unsure on the exact pool location.
Address
Valley Central High School Pool 1175 Route 17K Montgomery, NY 12549
Your swimmer will be asked to complete one full lap, unassisted in the pool (25 yards). Please let the coach know if they know multiple strokes and what their swimming level for each stroke is.
The purpose of VAC is to develop motivated athletes who are driven to succeed in a competitive environment. A committed staff of coaches and parent volunteers supports the growth of the team and swimmers by developing a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all athletes.
VAC aspires to develop a premiere swim club inspiring a commitment to team through a competitive and fun environment that builds on hard work and dedication both in and out of the pool.
The club makes demands on parents, swimmers and the coaching staff. The demands on the parents are very important. For the parents there is a time commitment between practice and meets, a financial commitment, as well as the commitments as a volunteer (i.e. working at meets, fund-raisers, annual dinners, etc.).
For the athletes, the commitments can be very demanding. Practice demands hard work and a commitment to improve. ESSL meets are held for every swimmer. The athlete must take on responsibilities for her/himself as well as the whole team.
The coaching staff feels that the demands made by the club will help develop the athlete into a well-rounded young person. The following are some ways we believe you will help us achieve our goals:
Get to know the coaches. They are always available after practice. Feel free to communicate any problems or suggestions.
Understand that competition can be a thrill that our athletes will enjoy. Although it means hard work, it can be fun. It does not always mean winning. Improving in skills, times and attitudes are equally important goals.
Understand the courage required when an athlete competes. When a swimmer competes, they are taking a risk. Therefore competition and risk taking require courage and develop strength and character.
Remember that coaches and parents cannot compete. When this occurs, the all-important communication system can fall apart.
We believe the Viking Aquatic Club can be advantageous for the athletic swimmer, the coaching staff, and the parents of the athletes.
The specific dates for each season change annually, so please request more information if you would like next seasons dates or are interested in joining mid-season. The season's generally follow the Valley Central school schedule.
Seasonal Dates
Fall Season (Early September - Spring Break)
First or second week of school to Spring Break (March/April)
Spring (Late April - end of June)
The Spring season is broken up into Session 1 (Spring-Break - End of May) and Session 2 (End of May - End of School Year in June).
Summer (Early July - Late August)
Swim usually begins the first full week following the 4th of July and goes until Labor Day weekend.
We do take swimmers mid-season frequently so feel free to fill out our tryouts registration form to either attend a group tryout or schedule a private one.
We are a competitive swim team so coaches teach all 4 strokes. New swimmers come to a tryout to make sure they can safely swim one lap in the pool and to see what they already know. Then they are placed in the appropriate group based on ability.
Fall & Spring Practice is Mon through Friday 5:30-7:30pm. Newer swimmers are in blue group and they swim from 5:30-6:30. Once they move to the next level they swim from 6:30-7:30 and then eventually the full 2 hours.
Summer practice is Mon through Friday 7-9am. Newer swimmers are in blue group and they swim from 7-8am. Once they move to the next level they swim from 8-9am and then eventually the full 2 hours.
Practice is 5 days a week. You can come as many day as you want but coaches suggest a minimum of 3 days a week to see the most progress. In addition we have optional swim meets about twice a month. Those have a small fee. You pay based on the meet and entry fee per even (maybe $6-$10 per event and usually a swimmer surcharge around $10)
There is a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets; if you don’t do these – you will forfeit your $250 work bond deposit.
You may get other family members to help out – however they must be high school aged or older. When signing up please state who is signing up in the comments. Sign up will be done through Sign Up Genius. Please note, at least 5 of your 6 volunteer sessions need to be as timers.
Why Do We Need Parent Volunteers?
Running a swim meet involves many moving parts, and having parent volunteers allows us to efficiently manage the event without the need to hire external staff. This keeps our costs down and allows us to allocate more resources directly to our swimmers and programs. Without your help, we would need to raise enrollment fees to cover these additional costs, which is something we want to avoid.
What Does Volunteering Involve?
Volunteering at a swim meet is a fantastic way to get involved in the swim community, meet other parents, and directly contribute to the success of our events. We offer a variety of roles, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of experience or comfort level.
Available Roles:
Duty
Description
Admissions
Greets all patrons during our home meets and collects the entry fees/sells programs. Must be able to handle money. (Dress in layers as you are by the door and exposed to the cold coming in)
Announcer
Announces each event; prior event winners; natatorium rules, etc. Must have a strong clear voice.
Awards
Sort, Peel and place labels on ribbons and medals for top award winners in each event.
Gym Caller and Gym Line up
four different volunteers that organize swimmers from where they are resting to pool deck in the order of their events/heats/lanes to keep meet moving efficiently. Must be very organized and patient.
Timers
What it is: Timers are crucial for recording the swimmers’ official times during races. Timers are assigned a lane where you will time all swimmers. Your time is a backup in the event of a discrepancy. Minimal training required, parents are Required to time 3 times during the year. Training: Training will be provided at the start of the year and for each meet you sign up for. You are required to attend the VAC Timer training at the beginning of the year. You are required to attend the Timer’s meeting at the meet you are timing for per session you are working. Why it’s fun: It’s an up-close-and-personal view of the action, and we provide training, so you’ll feel confident in the role.
Concession Stand Helpers
What it is: Help setup and manage the concession stand, serving food and drinks to participants and spectators. Must be able to handle money and serve with a smile! Why it’s fun: It’s a social role with lots of interaction, plus you get to be the go-to person for snacks and refreshments!
Deck Door Security
Responsible for the deck door and that only those that are to be on deck are.
Gym Monitor
monitors the gym and our team.
Officials
Trained in stroke rules, ensures fair competition. New recruits are always needed.
Security
What it is: Walk through the meet area, rest rooms and locker rooms to make sure there is order and house rules are followed. Why it’s fun: If you enjoy being part of the behind-the-scenes action, this role is for you. It’s also a great way to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Runners
What it is: Collects time sheets and brings them to table. Posts results for each event. Must have the ability to walk quickly on slippery surfaces. Why it’s fun: If you like to stay active, this role keeps you on your feet and moving around the venue, ensuring the event flows smoothly.
Setup/Cleanup
Prepares pool deck and spectator area for meets. Clean up the same areas once meet is over.
Hospitality
Order & setup luncheons for coaches and officials at US home meets.
How to Sign Up:
When we’re hosting a swim meet, we’ll send out a signup list where you can choose the date, time, and role that best fits your schedule. Since we often host events over a weekend, you’ll need to volunteer for multiple time slots and/or days to meet the minimum volunteer requirement. We recommend checking which session your swimmer is assigned to so you can decide whether you’d like to volunteer during their session or at another time during the weekend.
Volunteering is not just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to be part of a vibrant community, support your child, and have some fun along the way. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the pool and appreciate your commitment to helping our swim meets run smoothly!
Watch your email for the sign-up link on upcoming hosted events.
How old does a child need to be to swim with the club?
Swimmers should be able to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool) without assistance. This ensures they have a basic level of swimming proficiency to participate in our program.
The purpose of VAC is to develop motivated athletes who are driven to succeed in a competitive environment. A committed staff of coaches and parent volunteers supports the growth of the team and swimmers by developing a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all athletes.
Vision :VAC aspires to develop a premiere swim club inspiring a commitment to team through a competitive and fun environment that builds on hard work and dedication both in and out of the pool.
Description: The club makes demands on parents, swimmers and the coaching staff. The demands on the parents are very important. For the parents there is a time commitment between practice and meets, a financial commitment, as well as the commitments as a volunteer (i.e. working at meets, fund-raisers, annual dinners, etc.).
For the athletes, the commitments can be very demanding. Practice demands hard work and a commitment to improve. ESSL meets are held for every swimmer. The athlete must take on responsibilities for her/himself as well as the whole team.
The coaching staff feels that the demands made by the club will help develop the athlete into a well-rounded young person. The following are some ways we believe you will help us achieve our goals:
Get to know the coaches. They are always available after practice. Feel free to communicate any problems or suggestions.
Understand that competition can be a thrill that our athletes will enjoy. Although it means hard work, it can be fun. It does not always mean winning. Improving in skills, times and attitudes are equally important goals.
Understand the courage required when an athlete competes. When a swimmer competes, they are taking a risk. Therefore competition and risk taking require courage and develop strength and character.
Remember that coaches and parents cannot compete. When this occurs, the all-important communication system can fall apart.
We believe the Viking Aquatic Club can be advantageous for the athletic swimmer, the coaching staff, and the parents of the athletes.
Board of Directors
Board President
Greg Hoover
Vice President
Toriea Brown
Secretary
Milana Tepermayster
Treasurer
Jen Thompson
Clerk
Cara Messing
Communication
Lena Forrey
Concession
Brenda Melendez
Trustee
Melissa Grau
Fundraising
Kate Giametta
Trustee
Elizabeth Kuca
Coaches
Jen Hand
Head Coach
Eileen Ryan
Coach
Jenna Prodromides
Coach
Carol Colton
Coach
Dylan Gillespie
Coach
Important Resources
Registering for USA Swimming
What is USA Swimming?
USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. It oversees the sport at all levels, from local swim clubs to the Olympic team. USA Swimming is responsible for setting rules, promoting the sport, supporting and developing swimmers and coaches, and organizing competitions across the country. The organization is also involved in athlete safety and provides resources for swim clubs and parents.
All swimmers must be registered for USA swimming to participate in any of the season's swim meets.
How do I register?
To complete your registration, visit the USA Swimming Registration Page. If you're a returning swimmer, you can log in using your account from last year. If you're new, click the "Create Login" button to set up your account.
New Swimmer's Registration
The registration for USA Swimming can be a little confusing, so we've included some directions below as well as different requirements depending on the season. If you run into any issues, feel free to utilize the chat bot below to speak with one of our board members.
Fall Season
Fall season swimmers, you may wait till our parent meeting on to get more information about the USA Swimming registration process, but if you do decide to go ahead and register, please utilize the directions below and make sure to register yourself before registering your swimmer.
Spring & Summer Season
You can proceed with registration by utilizing the directions below.
Yes, USA Swimming memberships are typically valid for one year. This means you need to renew your registration annually to remain an active member and participate in sanctioned events.
We require all swimmers to be registered at least 2 weeks before our first swim meet of the fall season.
Metropolitan Swim League
The Metropolitan Swim League (Metro Swim League) is our league—this is where the Viking Aquatic Swim Club competes against other teams in the region! Think of it as the “big leagues” for local swimming, where your swimmer gets to showcase their skills and see how they stack up against others.
Here’s why it’s important for parents:
Opportunities for Growth: Metro Swim League meets give our swimmers a chance to test their skills, push their limits, and track their progress throughout the season. Whether they’re striving for personal bests or working toward championship qualifying times, this is where they’ll experience real growth.
It’s Not Just About Winning: Sure, there are medals and trophies, but it’s also about personal improvement and learning perseverance. Competing in the league helps swimmers face challenges head-on in a supportive environment, giving them valuable life lessons along the way.
The Bigger Swim Community: The league is your swimmer’s chance to connect with a larger community of athletes and for parents to meet other swim families. You’ll bond over the thrill of competition (and maybe even over some snack bar duties). It’s also exciting to see how our Viking swimmers measure up against swimmers from other teams!
Team Spirit and Fun: These meets are all about Viking pride! Swimmers cheering each other on, parents showing their support from the stands, and coaches guiding athletes—it’s an exciting, energetic atmosphere that brings out the best in everyone. Plus, you’ll get to witness firsthand just how much your swimmer has grown.
In short, the Metro Swim League is where our Viking swimmers take their training to the next level. It’s a fun, competitive, and rewarding experience that helps them develop not just as athletes, but as confident young individuals. And for parents, it’s a great way to get involved and see all the hard work pay off!
There are two apps that parents will need to download, Remind & OnDeck (Team Unify). Directions can be found below.
Team Unify Login (onDeck App)
If you’re a parent of a swimmer, you’ve probably heard about Team Unify and its companion, the OnDeck App. These tools are essential for keeping things organized and running smoothly for both the club and families like yours. But if you're still scratching your head about what exactly these platforms do (and why you should use them), don't worry—we’ve got you covered!
What is Team Unify?
Team Unify is an all-in-one software platform designed specifically for swim teams like ours. It’s basically the behind-the-scenes engine that powers everything from meet registrations to tracking your swimmer's progress. For parents, it’s a super convenient way to manage all things swim-related.
Here’s a quick look at what Team Unify does:
Meet Registrations: You can easily sign your swimmer up for competitions and check the details on upcoming meets.
Swimmer Information: Track your child’s performance at meets, including times and results.
Account Management: View your account balance and keep track of payments, so you know exactly where you stand in terms of team fees and other costs.
Communication Hub: Stay updated with team announcements, event reminders, and other important information—all in one place.
In short, Team Unify is like the central command for managing your swimmer’s journey with Viking Aquatic Swim Club. But here’s where it gets even easier…
What is the OnDeck App?
The OnDeck App is the mobile companion to Team Unify. Think of it as Team Unify on-the-go. The app lets you access all the information and tools from Team Unify directly from your phone, making it incredibly convenient for parents to stay connected and updated, even when life gets busy.
With the OnDeck App, you can:
Check Meet Schedules: View upcoming meets, register your swimmer, and see heat sheets and results.
Track Your Swimmer’s Progress: View personal best times and race results in real-time, right from the app.
Receive Important Notifications: Stay up-to-date with push notifications for last-minute changes, reminders, and meet details.
In a nutshell, OnDeck makes it easy for you to access everything you need without having to dig through emails or search for information on a desktop. Just open the app, and it’s all at your fingertips.
Why It’s Important for Parents
The combination of Team Unify and OnDeck is a game-changer for swim parents. Here’s why it matters:
Stay Organized: Between practices, meets, and volunteering, swim life can get busy. These platforms help you keep everything organized so nothing slips through the cracks.
Real-Time Updates: Last-minute changes to meet locations or times? No problem. You’ll get notifications directly through the app, so you’re always in the loop.
Performance Tracking: OnDeck lets you follow your swimmer’s progress throughout the season, giving you easy access to all of their best times and meet results.
One-Stop Shop: From signing up for meets to tracking progress, Team Unify and OnDeck make it simple to manage everything related to your swimmer’s participation with Viking Aquatic.
A Quick Reminder About Payments
While Team Unify helps you keep track of your account balance, we want to remind you that we do not accept payments through the Team Unify or OnDeck app at this time. All payments must be made via check, through our website, or via Stripe. If you’ve set up automatic payments, rest assured they will continue as planned—but always outside of the app.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t yet set up your Team Unify account or downloaded the OnDeck App, we highly recommend doing so. It will make your swim season much smoother! You’ll find it easy to stay on top of meet registrations, receive timely notifications, and track your swimmer’s accomplishments.
In conclusion, Team Unify and OnDeck are indispensable tools for every swim parent. They provide the convenience, organization, and real-time updates you need to keep your swimmer on track and ensure a successful swim season. With these tools, you can focus less on the logistics and more on cheering from the stands!
Fun Fact: If you use the app or website SportsEngine for any other sports you can use the same login!
Use the search bar to type in "Remind: School Communication".
Find the app with the blue icon and tap Install.
After the installation is finished, tap Open to start the app.
Step 2: Sign Up for Remind
Create an Account:
Open the Remind app on your device.
Tap Sign Up to create a new account.
You can sign up using your email address, phone number, or by connecting with Google.
Follow the prompts to set up your account, including creating a password.
Join Our Swim Club Group:
Text the number and code given to you after registration (you can check your email for the code) or contact us if you are unable to find it.
Once your account is set up, tap on Join a Class.
Enter the unique class code that you received as a reply from your text (or it may just automatically open the app and add the group)
Tap Join to be added to our swim club group.
Set Up Notifications:
To ensure you receive all updates, make sure notifications are enabled.
Go to the settings in the Remind app and customize how you want to receive notifications (via push notifications, text messages, or email).
Step 3: Stay Informed
Now that you’re all set up, you’ll receive real-time updates and important announcements directly from the swim club. You can also message the coaches or administrators through the app if you have any questions or need further assistance.
If you have any trouble signing up or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help you get connected.
Find the app by SportsEngine with a red icon and tap Install.
After installation, tap Open to start the app.
Step 2: Sign Up for OnDeck
Log In with TeamUnify Account:
Open the OnDeck app.
On the login screen, you’ll be prompted to enter your TeamUnify username and password. (This is the same login information you use on the TeamUnify website for your swim club.)
If you don’t have a TeamUnify account yet, simply fill out the registration info and use our team alias mrvac to join our team.
Set Up Your Account:
Once logged in, OnDeck will prompt you to sync your account with the team database.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup and ensure all your swimmer's information is correctly synced.
Step 3: Set Up Notifications and Explore the App
Enable Notifications:
To stay updated on swim meets, events, and team communications, go to the app's settings and enable notifications.
Choose how you want to be notified, whether through push notifications, email, or text messages.
Explore Features:
Meet Schedules: View upcoming meets, see event schedules, and sign up for events directly within the app.
Track Times: Easily track your swimmer's times and personal bests.
Team Communication: Stay in touch with coaches and team members, receive announcements, and check practice schedules.
Note: As of right now we cannot take payment through the app, we will invoice you separately for any account balances.
Step 4: Stay Connected
Once your account is set up, you’ll have access to all the tools needed to stay informed and organized throughout the swim season. Whether it’s viewing upcoming meets, checking times, or getting updates on last-minute schedule changes, OnDeck makes it easy to manage everything from your phone.
If you run into any issues with setup or have questions, feel free to reach out for help, and we’ll be happy to assist you!
P.O. Box 321 Montgomery, NY 12549 OR Placed in Jen Thompson’s folder in the VAC Filing Cabinet
Billing Questions
All billing questions can be submitted via our contact form.
Registration
Registration will be done online through our seasonal registration pages. Links to the upcoming season will be emailed to you when registration opens or you can click the "Returning Swimmers" button from our homepage at anytime. Any outstanding balances are viewable through the OnDeck app.
*If you experience any issues during checkout please utilize the chat bubble in the bottom right hand corner of the screen to contact us.
Payment Options
Pay by check
You may choose pay your swimmer's registration fee by check when registering, but you are required to mail the check no later than the second week of practice or a late fee will be issued. Payment plans are available by check, please contact our billing department to make arrangements once you are registered.
Pay in full (Credit or ACH)
You are welcome to pay the full registration fee at registration.
3 Payments (Credit or ACH) - Only Available for Fall
Payment 1 Due: Registration
Payment 2 Due: October 1st
Payment 3 Due: November 1st
Late Fees
Late fees ($25) will be imposed on any unpaid balance.
Meets
Signing Up
For all meets, swimmer sign-up is handled through our website (TeamUnify software, ONDECK app or invoiced online). Training for this will be held separately after the orientation meeting if you need help. Live meet results can be found on Meet Mobile (subscription is about $10 a year for the phone app)
You must log into our website and declare if your child is attending or not. Even if they are not attending, it is extremely helpful to the coaches to declare your intent so they can properly plan coverage for the meet. If you decline the meet for your child you must also state the reason why as well as speak to your child’s coach. Warmup arrival times are sent out by the coach using the Remind App.
All meet fees are invoiced every 1-3 months.
US Meets
It is MANDATORY for Parents to sign up to work the required number of sessions for the VAC Classic; regardless if their child is swimming in this US meet. (please see Fundraising section for further info)
Depending on the meet, can vary in size from 3-12+ clubs from all over
You may choose the swimmer’s events (if you are not sure please check with your coach to see if your child is ready to swim that event or distance)
Requires additional entry fees per race, per child (individual events only – the club covers the fee for the relay races) (Fees vary by meet)
The fee is on average $8 per individual event and a $10 swimmer surcharge/facility fee for the meet. (the specific price is stated in the meet announcements which will be available on our events page for each meet we attend)
This is to be submitted to VAC the Wednesday BEFORE the meet
If your child does NOT show up to the meet (scratches), you are still required to pay the entry fee.
Example
A few examples based on the above rate:
your child signs up for the 50 free, 100 IM, 50 back and 500 free
You owe $42.
Your child signs up for 6 events at the VAC classic – however only shows up for 3; You owe $58
There is an entrance fee for any spectator which varies depending on which facility is hosting (ie: $10 per session or $15 for an all day pass)
You would put a check in Jen Thompson’s folder OR mail it to the PO Box for the fees required and make the check out to VAC with a note of what it is for (child(ren) and number of races). Failure to pay the meet fees in a timely manner may impact your child's ability to attend future meets.
Family Folder
Where can I find my family folder?
The Filing Cabinet
Each family has a folder (by last name) inside the filing cabinet. The filing cabinet is located in the VAC office adjacent to the girl’s locker room and can be accessed via the pool deck. The folders are in the drawer located second from the top. All ribbons and medals won from swim meets as well as important club information will be placed in these folders throughout the season, so it’s important to check the folder weekly.
Fundraising
We will co-host 4 US meets with the NYSA this year. Traditionally, the VAC Classic is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Our hosted meets in which we require parents to volunteer are bolded and highlighted in yellow for quick reference.
Meet Dates
Please register (aka declare) for all meets through Team Unify or the OnDeck app once they become available. A SignUp Genius link will be provided for each of our hosted meets below or sent via email as the meet approaches for volunteering job signups (approximately 2 weeks before the meet).
Junior Mets & Team Challenge 15-18 age group (formerly JO's) (must qualify to attend)
***All hosted events are highlighted in yellow. Parent volunteers are required for all of our hosted events. There are a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets.
You may get other family members to help out – however they must be high school aged or older. When signing up please state who is signing up in the comments. Sign up will be done through Sign Up Genius. Please note, at least 5 of your 6 volunteer sessions need to be as timers.
For concessions, we ask for donations to help keep our costs down. Emails and a sign up genius will be sent out with more information closer to the meet dates.
Swim Groups
Every swimmer, regardless of group, has the opportunity to compete in all non-qualifying swim meets—and who knows, they might even qualify for the championship meets!
Think of the groups like different levels or age categories.
Coaches will evaluate and let you know when your swimmer is ready to move up. (Don't worry if you aren't sure, if in doubt choose the group your swimmer is currently in when registering for next season.)
Blue Swim Group
Level
Beginner or New Member Group
Description
Most swimmers start here to get familiar with how the team operates and build essential skills for swim meets. Not every swimmer in this group is a true "beginner"; some may just need to strengthen a few skills before moving up to the White Group. An athlete needs to be able to complete 25 yards to enter this group. Expectation is to have competition-level 25s of two strokes by end of season.
Your swimmer will typically be placed in this group if:
It’s their first time on a swim team or part of a swim club.
They’re on the younger side of our team.
They’re still working on foundational swim skills.
Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique. Expectation is to learn all strokes and do competition-level 50s of at least three strokes by end of season.
Despite the name, this group isn't for anyone who simply wants to be competitive—it’s the next level after White. Athletes in this group are usually at least 9 years old (but most are a few years older) and can legally complete 25 yards of all four competitive strokes. Expectations are to perfect all the strokes with an emphasis on aerobic capacity (lots of moderate long swimming, little rest) and some, but little anaerobic power. Should have competition-level 100s.
Junior level athletes are near “perfect” in all four strokes, and are able to take on more and harder challenges. The expectation is to further perfect all strokes while adding in training for all energy systems. This group will follow a periodization schedule.
Athletes entering the Senior group must display a desire/ ability to train at a higher level. Athletes are expected to be “perfect” and performant in all strokes. This group is the same as Junior, but at a higher capacity. There will be hard work in all energy systems at a high level while following a periodization plan. Test sets will be implemented and used frequently.
My kid wants to compete, so should I register them for the competitive team?
All Groups Can Compete!
Every swimmer, regardless of group, has the opportunity to compete in all non-qualifying swim meets—and who knows, they might even qualify for the championship meets!
Think of the groups like different levels or age categories.
Blue Group Beginner or New Member Group
Most swimmers start here to get familiar with how the team operates and build essential skills for swim meets. Not every swimmer in this group is a true "beginner"; some may just need to strengthen a few skills before moving up to the White Group.
Your swimmer will typically be placed in this group if:
It’s their first time on a swim team or part of a swim club.
They’re on the younger side of our team.
They’re still working on foundational swim skills.
Requirements
An athlete needs to be able to complete 25 yards to enter this group. Expectation is to have competition-level 25s of at least two strokes by end of season.
Practice Length: 1hr Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-6:30 Summer: 7-8am
Please choose Blue or White Group at checkout.
Choosing Groups: On the checkout form, you’ll be asked to choose between the Blue or White group. If you’re unsure, don’t worry! Feel free to ask the coach at the end of the season if your swimmer is ready to move up. We try to notify swimmers who will be advancing, but it’s normal for many to stay in the Blue Group for a few seasons. Each swimmer is evaluated at the end of the season, and the coach will let you know when they’re ready.
Don't worry if you aren't sure, if in doubt choose the group your swimmer is currently in.
White Group Stroke Refinement - Beginner-Intermediate
This group has learned all of the foundation skills and now needs to refine them. Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique. Expectation is to learn all strokes and do competition-level 50s of at least three strokes by end of season.
Note: It’s uncommon for new swimmers to be placed directly in the White Group, even if they’re strong swimmers.
Practice Length: 1hr Workout Days/Times: M-F 6:30-7:30 Summer: 8-9am
Please choose Blue or White group at checkout.
Choosing Groups: Like the Blue Group, you’ll choose between Blue and White further down the checkout form. Coaches will evaluate and let you know when your swimmer is ready to move up. (Don't worry if you aren't sure, if in doubt choose the group your swimmer is currently in)
Competitive Group Intermediate
Despite the name, this group isn't for anyone who simply wants to be competitive—it’s the next level after White. Athletes in this group are usually at least 9 years old (but most are a few years older) and can legally complete 25 yards of all four competitive strokes. Expectations are to perfect all the strokes with an emphasis on aerobic capacity (lots of moderate long swimming, little rest) and some, but little anaerobic power. Should have competition-level 100s.
Junior level athletes are near “perfect” in all four strokes, and are able to take on more and harder challenges. The expectation is to further perfect all strokes while adding in training for all energy systems. This group will follow a periodization schedule.
Practice Length: 2hrs Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-7:30 Summer: 7-9am
Senior Group
Athletes entering the Senior group must display a desire/ ability to train at a higher level. Athletes are expected to be “perfect” and performant in all strokes. This group is the same as Junior, but at a higher capacity. There will be hard work in all energy systems at a high level while following a periodization plan. Test sets will be implemented and used frequently.
Practice Length: 2hrs Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-7:30 Summer: 7-9am
Can I switch swim groups?
After trying out most swimmers will be assigned to the Blue group due to ability and/or age. The coach will often tell you which group you'll be assigned to immediately following practice and/or you will receive an email with your assigned group.
New Swimmers
If due to schedule restrictions or other personal reason you wish to switch into the White group, you will need to attend practice during your assigned time to speak directly with the Head Coach. Currently, the Head coach is there Tues-Fri.
Returning Swimmers
If you believe your swimmer is ready to move up groups but the coach has not spoken to you directly, you are welcome to contact them through the Remind App to verify their group.
Practices
What do I need to know for practices?
To ensure our swim program runs smoothly, please take note of the practice times and meet schedules for each group. Swimmers are expected to attend at least 3 practices a week. We appreciate your dedication to punctuality and your understanding when unexpected changes arise.
Blue Group Practice Times
Fall & Spring: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Daily
Summer: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM, Daily
White Group Practice Times
Fall & Spring: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Daily
Summer: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Daily
Competitive & Varsity Practice Times
Fall & Spring: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Daily
Summer: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM, Daily
Please note that for larger meets, competitions can run all day from Friday to Sunday. It’s crucial to check the Remind app for any last-minute schedule changes and to stay updated via email for upcoming events.
What does my swimmer need?
Swimsuit: Boys typically wear jammers (tight-fitting shorts), and girls usually wear a one-piece athletic swimsuit.
Goggles: Essential for protecting eyes and improving visibility in the water.
Optional Gear: Many swimmers also choose to buy towel pants or swim team jackets (sometimes called parkas) to wear before and after practice for warmth and comfort.
Important Reminders:
Punctuality:
Please ensure that your swimmer arrives on time for their scheduled practice. This helps maintain the flow of training sessions and maximizes their practice time.
Accessing the Pool:
Regular Practices: Swimmers should wait by the side door to the pool until a coach arrives to unlock the door. Due to our limited access to keys, there may be occasional delays, especially if scheduling conflicts arise. We appreciate your patience during these times.
Valley Central High School Swim Meet Days: On days when Valley Central is hosting a swim meet, please use the main pool entrance.
Club Swim Meets: Parents should enter through the main entrance, while swimmers can choose to enter either through the side door or the main entrance.
Last Minute Cancellations:
We will inform you have any last minute practice cancellations via the Remind App, so make sure you have downloaded it and added yourself to our Remind Group (codes can be found on your registration confirmation page as well as in the follow-up email).
We frequently cancel practices on Valley Central Swim Meet days. Please refer to the Varsity Swim Meet Information page for details on the high school meet schedule and any potential practice adjustments that may or may not happen. We will always notify you via the Remind app of any cancellations, but it is often a same day notification.
Parents:
Swim Area Bathrooms: Parents are not permitted to use the bathrooms in the swim area. These facilities are reserved exclusively for swimmers during practices and meets.
Viewing Area: Parents should remain in the designated viewing area located in the bleachers up the stairs. This allows our coaches and swimmers to focus on their training without distractions and ensures everyone’s safety. PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON DECK DURING REGULAR PRACTICES. Please sit in the bleachers unless told otherwise.
Locked Viewing Area: If you find that the viewing area is locked when you arrive, please locate one of the coaches to obtain the key and unlock the area. Once the viewing area is open, kindly return the key to the coaches so they can continue focusing on the swimmers.
By following these guidelines and staying informed through the Remind app, we can ensure that all practices and meets run smoothly. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to a successful swim season ahead!
Late Practices on Valley Central Varsity Swim Meet Days
Our swim club shares the pool with the Varsity swim programs at Valley Central High School, which means that our practice schedule is sometimes affected by the high school’s swim meet schedule. While we do our best to notify you in advance of any changes to practice times, there are instances when high school meets run later than expected, making it difficult to predict disruptions.
We understand that this can be inconvenient, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding. To help you stay informed and plan accordingly, we encourage you to regularly check the Valley Central High School swim meet schedule. By keeping an eye on the dates for home meets, you can be prepared for any potential delays or cancellations of our practices.
Although we strive to provide timely updates, checking the high school’s schedule directly will give you a heads-up on days when practice might be impacted. Your proactive approach helps ensure that our swimmers can continue to train effectively, even when unexpected changes occur.
Also make sure you have downloaded and joined our Club on the Remind App for reminders and notifications.
Swim Meets & Volunteering
What should I expect during a swim meet?
Swim meets are exciting events where our swimmers showcase their hard work and compete against other teams. Whether it’s your first meet or you’re a seasoned swim parent, here’s what you can expect:
Meet Dates
Please register (aka declare) for all meets through Team Unify or the OnDeck app once they become available. A SignUp Genius link will be provided for each of our hosted meets below or sent via email as the meet approaches for volunteering job signups (approximately 2 weeks before the meet).
Junior Mets & Team Challenge 15-18 age group (formerly JO's) (must qualify to attend)
***All hosted events are highlighted in yellow. Parent volunteers are required for all of our hosted events. There are a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets.
Signing Up for the Meet
For all meets sign-up is handled through our website (TeamUnify software and or the ONDECK app for your smartphone). Training for this will be held separately after the orientation meeting if you need help. Live meet results can be found on Meet Mobile (subscription is about $10 a year for the phone app)
You must log into our website and declare if your child is attending or not. Even if they are not attending, it is extremely helpful to the coaches to declare your intent so they can properly plan coverage for the meet. If you decline the meet for your child you must also state the reason why as well as speak to your child’s coach. This declaration also assists you in calculating what additional fees you must submit to the treasurer for the US meets. Warmup arrival times are sent out by the coach using the Remind App.
When signing up please include your preferred meets day(s), so the coach may choose events on days that work best with your schedule.
Before the Meet:
Swimmers:
Swimmers should arrive 20 minutes early for warm-ups and enter the pool area through the side door if the event is at our pool. This entrance is reserved for athletes to ensure they can get settled and ready for their events without distractions. Warm up times will be sent on the Remind App.
Upon arrival find a place to put your belongings. The team usually sits together, so look for some familiar faces and our banner.
Check in with your coach!
If your child wakes up ill – Please message Jen Hand on remind (or for a US meet the coach that will be there for your child’s session) as soon as you know they will not be making it.
If you need to put your swimsuit on, go to the locker room and change.
When events become available (usually from the coach) swimmers or coaches will write their event numbers on the back of their hand in ink. This helps them remember what events they are swimming and what event numbers to listen for when they are called out. There will always be a coach or parent volunteer to help the swimmers with this. (Your parent is not responsible for this)
Swimmers now gather their cap, goggles, and flip-flops and report to the pool for warm-up instructions.
After warm-ups swimmers will return to the area where their team is sitting and wait for their events to be called. The meet usually starts about 10-15 minutes after warm-ups have concluded.
Parents:
Parents and spectators should enter through the main entrance. If you are not volunteering, there will be an entrance fee that can be paid at the door. Please note that volunteers do not need to pay this fee and should check in at the front entrance to receive their assignments.
According to US Swimming regulations (insurance purposes) parents ARE NOT allowed on deck unless they are serving in an official capacity. Similarly, all questions concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet should be referred to a coach. The coach will then pursue the matter through the proper channels.
A program (or heat sheet) is usually available for sale in the lobby/concession stand at US meets. It lists all the swimmers in each event in order of seed time. Seed time is the fastest time the swimmer has obtained in the past for that particular event. This time determines who the swimmer competes against, which heat they will compete in, and which lane the officials assign them to. If the swimmer is swimming the event for the first time they will be entered as “NT” or “no time”.
What to Bring:
For a successful and comfortable swim meet experience, swimmers should bring the following items:
Swim Gear:
Swimsuit: Wear your swim team competition suit.
Swim Cap: Essential for racing and team identification.
Sandles: Flip flops or slides
Goggles: Bring two sets, just in case one gets lost or breaks.
Towels: Bring at least two towels—one for drying off between events and one for after the meet.
Change of Clothes: Team warm-up suits, sweat suits, long sleeve shirt, pajama pants, or equivalent to put on after you swim to keep you warm. Most swimmers bring one to wear and a spare just in case something gets wet.
Warm Clothing: Items like swim parkas, hoodies, or towel pants to keep warm when not in the water.
Comfortable Seating: Something comfortable for your swimmer (and you) to sit on, such as a cushion or blanket, since meets can run long. Example: a sleeping bag, an old blanket/comforter, or anything that will be comfy to sit on for the day.
Entertainment:
Books, Games, or Activities: Meets can involve long waits between events, so swimmers should bring non-electronic activities to keep themselves occupied. We do not recommend bringing electronics, as we are not responsible for lost or stolen items, but if you do send any, please label them.
Snacks and Water:
Healthy snacks and plenty of water are important to keep energy levels up throughout the day.
During the Meet:
Swim meets are typically divided into several sessions, and each session may include various events such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly races. Swim meets can vary in length, but they often run for several hours. Larger meets can span an entire day or even multiple days, typically from Friday to Sunday.
Please remember to wear something on your feet when walking around the building (i.e. going to the restroom, locker room, or spectator area). NOTE – Most, if not all facilities will NOT allow the children to walk around without shoes on for insurance reasons. Flip-flops or slides work best as they can be worn all over and can tolerate getting wet.
Be prepared for long sessions by bringing comfortable seating, snacks, and activities to keep swimmers and parents occupied. Here’s a general flow of what happens during a swim meet:
Check-In:
Upon arrival, swimmers check in with their coach and begin warming up. Volunteers should check in at the front entrance to receive their assignments and instructions.
Warm-Ups:
Warm-up sessions are held before the start of the meet. Swimmers will have time to stretch, practice starts, and get comfortable in the water. Please check the remind app for specific times.
Group Areas:
Swimmers will be assigned to a designated group area, which could be in the main pool area, hallways, gym, or other classrooms. This is where they will stay between events.
Events:
Swimmers compete in their assigned events, grouped by age and gender. Races are called by event number & heat number, so swimmers must pay attention to announcements and be ready at the staging area when their event is called.
Swimmer’s events will be called out by coaches and/or parent volunteers in the area where the swimmers are being held.
After each race, swimmers should check in with their coach for feedback and prepare for their next event.
When your swimmer’s events have been called, they report to the line-up area with their goggles, swim cap, and flip flops. Parent volunteers usually help to line up all swimmers and take them to the pool area in the order in which they will swim.
You can expect 4-8 heats for each event. Some “big” US meets have been known to have 10+ heats per event.
Swimmers line up behind the diving blocks. They will be told by the officials when to step up on the block or enter the water to begin their race. Again, Coaches and Parent Volunteers are there to help.
The swimmer swims their race.
After each swim event, your swimmer can ask the timer for their time, if they wish. If they know what lane they are swimming in, they can also look up at the scoreboard to see their time.
Depending on the coach's instructions, swimmers may be told to do some recovery swimming in a “warm-down” pool or lanes, if they are available.
When time allows, coaches will speak to swimmers following their race to congratulate them on a “great swim”. In addition, coaches will also offer advice and discuss technique with our older competitive swimmers.
After their event is over, swimmers report back to the team area, relax, drink fluids (water) and maybe have a small healthy snack.
Breaks:
There may be short breaks between sessions or events. This is a good time for swimmers to rest, hydrate, and refuel with snacks. Parents can use this time to stretch, grab refreshments, or check in with their swimmer.
Volunteering:
Volunteers should report to their designated area as instructed during check-in. Roles such as timing, concessions, and other tasks are essential to keeping the meet running smoothly.
Results:
Results for the events are usually posted somewhere in the pool facility. Awards are often gathered for a team and given to the coach at the conclusion of the meet. These awards can be retrieved in your swimmers VAC folder located in the file cabinet at Valley Central.
Awards:
Some meets may have award ceremonies after the events, where medals or ribbons are presented to top finishers but most of the time you can find any awards in the file cabinet in your family folder.
End of the Meet:
VAC is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
When a swimmer has completed all of their events, for US meets - they should check with the coach before leaving for the day to see if they are swimming in a relay. Relays are usually the last events of the session.
Once you have attended one or two meets this will all become very routine. Do not hesitate to ask a board member, parent volunteer, another swim parent, coach, or even an older swimmer for help or information at a swim meet.
Attending a swim meet is not just about competition—it’s a chance to build team spirit, meet other swim families, and support your swimmer in their athletic journey. We look forward to seeing you at the pool and appreciate your support in making our meets successful!
Meet Fees
Signing Up
For all meets, swimmer sign-up is handled through our website (TeamUnify software, ONDECK app or invoiced online). Training for this will be held separately after the orientation meeting if you need help. Live meet results can be found on Meet Mobile (subscription is about $10 a year for the phone app)
You must log into our website and declare if your child is attending or not. Even if they are not attending, it is extremely helpful to the coaches to declare your intent so they can properly plan coverage for the meet. If you decline the meet for your child you must also state the reason why as well as speak to your child’s coach. Warmup arrival times are sent out by the coach using the Remind App.
All meet fees are invoiced every 1-3 months.
US Meets
It is MANDATORY for Parents to sign up to work the required number of sessions for the VAC Classic; regardless if their child is swimming in this US meet. (please see Fundraising section for further info)
Depending on the meet, can vary in size from 3-12+ clubs from all over
You may choose the swimmer’s events (if you are not sure please check with your coach to see if your child is ready to swim that event or distance)
Requires additional entry fees per race, per child (individual events only – the club covers the fee for the relay races) (Fees vary by meet)
The fee is on average $8 per individual event and a $10 swimmer surcharge/facility fee for the meet. (the specific price is stated in the meet announcements which will be available on our events page for each meet we attend)
This is to be submitted to VAC the Wednesday BEFORE the meet
If your child does NOT show up to the meet (scratches), you are still required to pay the entry fee.
Example
A few examples based on the above rate:
your child signs up for the 50 free, 100 IM, 50 back and 500 free
You owe $42.
Your child signs up for 6 events at the VAC classic – however only shows up for 3; You owe $58
There is an entrance fee for any spectator which varies depending on which facility is hosting (ie: $10 per session or $15 for an all day pass)
You would put a check in Jen Thompson’s folder OR mail it to the PO Box for the fees required and make the check out to VAC with a note of what it is for (child(ren) and number of races). Failure to pay the meet fees in a timely manner may impact your child's ability to attend future meets.
Useful Links
Motivation Times - These are the national standards which are set for all swimmers by age group
Answer: It's important for swimmers to have a balanced meal a few hours before the meet, focusing on easily digestible foods that are high in carbohydrates and moderate in protein. Examples include pasta, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid heavy, greasy, or sugary foods. Hydration is also key, so make sure they drink plenty of water before and during the meet.
2. How long do swim meets usually last?
Answer: Swim meets can vary in length, but they often run for several hours. Larger meets can span an entire day or even multiple days, typically from Friday to Sunday. Be prepared for long sessions by bringing comfortable seating, snacks, and activities to keep swimmers and parents occupied.
3. What if my swimmer is late to practice or a meet?
Answer: If your swimmer is running late, it’s important to notify the coach as soon as possible. For practices, arriving late may mean missing warm-ups, which are crucial for preventing injuries. For meets, arriving late can result in missing an event, so punctuality is key. Always check the Remind app for any last-minute schedule changes.
4. Can parents talk to coaches during practice or meets?
Answer: We ask that parents refrain from talking to coaches during practice and meets so that they can focus on the swimmers and their training. If you need to discuss something with the coach, please wait until after practice or schedule a time to meet outside of practice hours.
5. What should I do if my swimmer is sick on the day of a meet?
Answer: If your swimmer is sick and unable to participate in a meet, please inform the coach as soon as possible. It’s important for the coach to know so they can make any necessary adjustments to the lineup. The health and well-being of our swimmers are our top priority, so make sure they rest and recover fully before returning to practice. Please utilize the Remind App for communication.
6. How will I know what events my swimmer is competing in?
Answer: Event assignments are usually posted on the team’s communication channels or emailed to parents before the meet. Swimmers will also be informed by their coach. It’s a good idea to write down the event numbers, heats, and lanes for your swimmer to keep track during the meet.
7. Do parents have to volunteer at every meet?
Answer: There is a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets; if you don’t do these – you will forfeit your $250 work bond deposit.
You may get other family members to help out – however they must be high school aged or older. When signing up please state who is signing up in the comments. Sign up will be done through Sign Up Genius. Please note, at least 5 of your 6 volunteer sessions need to be as timers.
8. What should I do if my swimmer loses something at the pool?
Answer: If an item is lost at the pool, check with the lost and found area, which is usually located near the entrance or in the locker room. It's a good idea to label your swimmer's belongings with their name to increase the chances of lost items being returned. Remember, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items, so please encourage your swimmer to keep track of their belongings.
VAC is NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
9. How do I stay informed about last-minute changes or updates?
Answer: The best way to stay informed about last-minute changes or updates is through the Remind app and the team’s email communications. Make sure you have notifications enabled on the Remind app so you don’t miss any important announcements.
10. Can siblings attend swim meets?
Answer: Yes, siblings are welcome to attend swim meets. However, please ensure they remain in the designated viewing areas and are supervised at all times. It’s important that the swim meet environment remains focused and safe for all participants.
Swim Vocabulary
Swim Vocabulary
USS
United States Swimming. Governing body of the swimming league.
ESSL
Empire State Swim League
LSC
Local Swim Committee of the USS. VAC belongs to the Metropolitan Swimming LSC.
Stroke
There are 4 competitive strokes:
Butterfly (“fly”)
Butterfly (nicknamed FLY) is swam as the third stroke in the Medley Relay and first stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, and 200 yards/meter (LSCs with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yard fly).
Backstroke (“back”)
Backstroke is swum as the first stroke in the Medley Relay and second stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, and 200 yards/meter (LSCs with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd back).
Breaststroke (“breast”) -
Breaststroke is swam as the second stroke in the Medley Relayand the third stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, and 200 yards/meter. (LSCs with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd breast)
Freestyle (“free”)
Freestyle (nicknamed Free) is swum as the fourth stroke in the Medley Relay and fourth stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yards/meter, 100 yards/meter, 200 yards/meter, 400 meter/500, yd 800 mtr/1000 yds, 1500 mtr/1650 yds (LSCs with 8under divisions offer the 25 yd free).
IM - Individual Medley
A swimming event using all four of the competitive strokes on consecutive lengths of the race. The order must be: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. Equal distances must be swam of each stroke. Distances offered: 100 yards, 200 yards/meters, 400 yards/meter.
Medley – a swimming event using all 4 strokes
Relay – A swimming event in which 4 swimmers participate as a team, each swimming an equal distance of the race.
Age Group
Division of swimmers according to age. The National Age Group divisions are: 10-under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. Some LSCs have divided the swimmers into more convenient divisions specific to their situations: (i.e.) 8-under, 13-Over, 15-Over, Junior, Senior.
Alternate
In a Prelims/Finals meet, after the finalists are decided, the next two fastest swimmers other than the finalists are designated as alternates. The faster of the two being the first alternate and the next being second alternate. If a finalist cannot participate, the alternates are called to take their place.
Anchor
The final swimmer in a relay. Also a term coaches use for the beginning of all four strokes indicating the “high elbow”, “catch,” or “early vertical forearm.”
Approved Meet
A meet conducted with sufficient USA Swimming officials to certify conformance to USA Swimming rules. The meet may include competitors who are not USA Swimming members. The meet may be a competition sanctioned at the LSC level with the added approval of USA Swimming because both member and nonmember athletes will be competing.
Deck
The area around the swimming pool reserved for swimmers, officials, and coaches. No one but an "authorized" USA Swimming member may be on the deck during a swim competition.
Distance
How far a swimmer swims. Distances for short course are: 25 yards (1 length), 50 yards (2 lengths), 100 yards (4 lengths), 200 yards (8 lengths), 400 yards (16 lengths), 500 yards (20 lengths), 1000 yards (40 lengths), 1650 yards (66 lengths).
A swimmer's performance is not counted because of a rules infraction. A disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with an open hand above their head. Swimmer’s time is not counted for that event.
Entry Fees
The amount per event a swimmer is charged. This varies depending on the LSC and type of meet.
Dual Meet
Only two (2) teams compete against each other.
Invitational Meet
Multiple teams are invited to participate in a meet.
Tri Meet
Three (3) teams compete against each other.
USS Invitational
VAC hosted USS meets and other major team fundraisers.
Silvers
An age group championship meet with time qualifiers. (Swimmers whose times exceed the upper limit may qualify for JOs.)
JOs
Junior Olympics. An age group championship meet with time qualifiers.
Short Course
A 25 yard/meter pool. Valley Central is a short course pool.
Long Course
A 50 meter pool.
Seeding
Swimming order based on each swimmer’s time; slowest times are in the first heat to fastest times in the last heat.
Heat
a group of 6-8 swimmers with similar times. Winning a heat does not mean you win the event.
The Block/Starting Block
The platform at the deep end of the pool used for diving at the start of a race.
Exhibition
Swimming an event that does not contribute to team points. The purpose is for personal achievement.
Officials/Judges
Volunteers that help to run the meet and ensure fair competition. (multiple roles: Stroke & Turn, Starter, Referee)
Kick Board
A flotation device used by swimmers during practice.
Lane
The specific area in which a swimmer is assigned to swim. (ie) Lane 1 or Lane 2.
Lane Lines
Continuous floating markers attached to a cable stretched from the starting end to the turning end for the purpose of separating each lane and quieting the waves caused by racing swimmers.
Timer
The volunteers sitting behind the starting blocks/finish end of pool, who are responsible for getting each swimmers time.
Parent Volunteering at Swim Meets
There is a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets; if you don’t do these – you will forfeit your $250 work bond deposit.
You may get other family members to help out – however they must be high school aged or older. When signing up please state who is signing up in the comments. Sign up will be done through Sign Up Genius. Please note, at least 5 of your 6 volunteer sessions need to be as timers.
Why Do We Need Parent Volunteers?
Running a swim meet involves many moving parts, and having parent volunteers allows us to efficiently manage the event without the need to hire external staff. This keeps our costs down and allows us to allocate more resources directly to our swimmers and programs. Without your help, we would need to raise enrollment fees to cover these additional costs, which is something we want to avoid.
What Does Volunteering Involve?
Volunteering at a swim meet is a fantastic way to get involved in the swim community, meet other parents, and directly contribute to the success of our events. We offer a variety of roles, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of experience or comfort level.
Available Roles:
Duty
Description
Admissions
Greets all patrons during our home meets and collects the entry fees/sells programs. Must be able to handle money. (Dress in layers as you are by the door and exposed to the cold coming in)
Announcer
Announces each event; prior event winners; natatorium rules, etc. Must have a strong clear voice.
Awards
Sort, Peel and place labels on ribbons and medals for top award winners in each event.
Gym Caller and Gym Line up
four different volunteers that organize swimmers from where they are resting to pool deck in the order of their events/heats/lanes to keep meet moving efficiently. Must be very organized and patient.
Timers
What it is: Timers are crucial for recording the swimmers’ official times during races. Timers are assigned a lane where you will time all swimmers. Your time is a backup in the event of a discrepancy. Minimal training required, parents are Required to time 3 times during the year. Training: Training will be provided at the start of the year and for each meet you sign up for. You are required to attend the VAC Timer training at the beginning of the year. You are required to attend the Timer’s meeting at the meet you are timing for per session you are working. Why it’s fun: It’s an up-close-and-personal view of the action, and we provide training, so you’ll feel confident in the role.
Concession Stand Helpers
What it is: Help setup and manage the concession stand, serving food and drinks to participants and spectators. Must be able to handle money and serve with a smile! Why it’s fun: It’s a social role with lots of interaction, plus you get to be the go-to person for snacks and refreshments!
Deck Door Security
Responsible for the deck door and that only those that are to be on deck are.
Gym Monitor
monitors the gym and our team.
Officials
Trained in stroke rules, ensures fair competition. New recruits are always needed.
Security
What it is: Walk through the meet area, rest rooms and locker rooms to make sure there is order and house rules are followed. Why it’s fun: If you enjoy being part of the behind-the-scenes action, this role is for you. It’s also a great way to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Runners
What it is: Collects time sheets and brings them to table. Posts results for each event. Must have the ability to walk quickly on slippery surfaces. Why it’s fun: If you like to stay active, this role keeps you on your feet and moving around the venue, ensuring the event flows smoothly.
Setup/Cleanup
Prepares pool deck and spectator area for meets. Clean up the same areas once meet is over.
Hospitality
Order & setup luncheons for coaches and officials at US home meets.
How to Sign Up:
When we’re hosting a swim meet, we’ll send out a signup list where you can choose the date, time, and role that best fits your schedule. Since we often host events over a weekend, you’ll need to volunteer for multiple time slots and/or days to meet the minimum volunteer requirement. We recommend checking which session your swimmer is assigned to so you can decide whether you’d like to volunteer during their session or at another time during the weekend.
Volunteering is not just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to be part of a vibrant community, support your child, and have some fun along the way. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the pool and appreciate your commitment to helping our swim meets run smoothly!
Watch your email for the sign-up link on upcoming hosted events.
Policies
Deck Policy for Parents
To ensure a safe, focused, and efficient environment for our swimmers, Viking Aquatic Swim Club has established the following policy regarding parent access to the pool deck during meets and practices.
Pool Deck Access Restrictions
Parents are not permitted on the pool deck during practices or meets unless one of the following conditions applies:
Volunteer Role: You are actively fulfilling a volunteer role that requires your presence on the deck (e.g., timers, officials, meet setup/cleanup).
Drop-off or Pickup: You are dropping off or picking up your swimmer. Please be brief and respectful of the pool deck space during these times. This is also an appropriate time to speak with the coach about your swimmer.
Coach Instruction: A coach has specifically requested or instructed you to be on the deck.
Rationale for the Policy
This policy is in place to:
Ensure Safety: A clear deck allows coaches and staff to monitor swimmers effectively, preventing accidents and ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed.
Minimize Distractions: The pool deck is a busy area where swimmers need to focus on practice or competition. Excessive presence of non-volunteers or spectators can disrupt this focus.
Maintain Efficiency: Volunteers and coaches need adequate space to perform their duties without unnecessary crowding or interruptions.
Viewing Practices and Meets
Parents are welcome and encouraged to view both practices and meets from the designated bleacher area above the pool deck. This ensures that you can cheer on your swimmer and stay informed while maintaining the necessary boundaries for safety and effectiveness on the deck.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us create the best possible environment for our swimmers to thrive.
Should you have any questions about this policy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our coaching staff or club administration.
Thank you for your support and commitment to Viking Aquatic Swim Club!
Late Pickup
Purpose: At the end of each practice or event (meet, party, trip, etc.) it is expected that parents will be present to take their children into their custody in a timely manner. Our team payroll only accounts for the time budgeted to allow for setup and cleanup of the pool area for practice, training time, etc. It does NOT account for time waiting for minors to be picked up.
Pickup Policy
Each family will pickup their swimmer(s) by the stated time of the event.
Pickup Compliance
Failure to pickup the swimmer(s) by the stated time will result in a warning after the first offense
Failure to pickup the swimmer(s) by the stated time will result in a late fine after multiple offenses
Late pickup fine
If a fine is required, the cost of the coaches overtime will be billed directly to the offending family
Locker Room Safety Policy
PURPOSE
The following policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct and/or criminal activity in locker rooms and changing areas.
FACILITIES
During VAC swim season, practices are held at Valley Central High School Natatorium. The locker rooms are shared with the general public. As such, there are likely to be people who are not affiliated with VAC in the locker rooms around the time of practice. The use of locker room at these facilities is a privilege, and failure to follow posted rules could lead to loss of locker room use or pool time for individuals or even the club as a whole!
USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER MOBILE RECORDING DEVICES ARE PROHIBITED
Cell phones and other devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras increase the risk for misconduct and criminal activity in locker rooms. The USA Swimming Athlete Protection Policies prohibit the use of such devices in the locker room or other changing areas:
305.3 Use of audio or visual recording devices, including a cell phone camera, is not allowed in changing areas, rest rooms or locker rooms.
Since VAC is a USA swim team we also follow this prohibition as its own policy. Violations of this policy by anyone will result in immediate action, which may include, but not be limited to, loss of locker room privileges, suspension, termination of membership and/or criminal prosecution.
MONITORING
When a coach or staff member is aware that an athlete has gone to the locker room during practice, and said athlete has not returned to practice after a reasonable time, the coach or staff member shall check on the athlete’s whereabouts. We discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary (e.g., to assist a young child who has difficulty dressing, or to assist an athlete with a disability). In those instances, it should only be a same‐sex parent and parents should enter with another adult. Swimmers may arrive late to practice, and VAC practices may end at different times depending upon skill group. In addition, coaches will be busy on deck with instruction during practices. As a result, it is impractical to constantly monitor the locker rooms. VAC does not post coaches or other staff inside or at the doors of the locker rooms, but they may make occasional sweeps of these areas. When coaches or other staff performs such sweeps, women will check female locker rooms, and men will check male locker rooms.
LOCKER ROOM SAFETY POLICY VAC (cont’)
RESPONSIBILITIES AND HANDLING OF POLICY VIOLATIONS
Swimmers
Swimmers are to follow all posted locker room policies as listed in each individual facility and follow the VAC Code of Conduct at all times
If a coach becomes aware of any swimmer violating locker room policy, they will discuss with the parent(s) of the swimmer(s) involved
Repeated offenses may result in being barred from locker room use or swim practice
Use of a recording device will be treated as the most serious offense and depending on content of recordings may require notification of law enforcement
Swimmers must not use the office doors to enter the pool deck or the locker room.
Parents
Should use good judgment in any use of the locker rooms
If a parent becomes aware of locker room misconduct they should notify a coach or board member immediately
VAC strongly encourages USA swimming Safe Sport training for all parents (material can be found atwww.usaswimming.org under Safe Sport > Access Training Materials > Free Training for Parents)
Coaches
Are required to have completed Safe Sport training and must undergo a background check as a condition of employment
Are responsible for communicating any reports of misconduct to the swimmers, parents and board members where necessary
Coaches will follow a standard process for handling misconduct
VAC Swimmer Code of Conduct
VAC Swimmer Code of Conduct
Attend practices and meets.
Wear swim caps at all practices and your VAC swim caps at all meets.
Be punctual and ready to start practices and meets on time.
Be a good teammate – supportive, respectful, enthusiastic, kind.
Show respect and common courtesies towards coaches, officials, parents, and other teams at meets
Refrain from using/abusing alcohol, drugs, tobacco and other prohibited substances.
Refrain from any, dishonesty, violence, bullying, foul language or inappropriate sexual conduct. VAC does not tolerate this.
Work hard, listen to your coach and have fun.
Represent VAC with excellence, respect, team spirit, good sportsmanship, and politeness.
Will not use cameras or other recording devices including cell phones in locker rooms or changing areas or behind the blocks on deck.
Violations of Swimmer Code of Conduct Coaches have the authority to impose the following penalties if a swimmer violates the Swimmer Code of Conduct. These penalties include, but are not limited to the following:
Swimmer will be given a verbal warning
Swimmer will be pulled from practice in addition to a verbal warning
If poor behavior continues, a coach and/or a member of board may meet with swimmer, and parent to discuss the problem further.
If continued violation occurs, the swimmer may be subject to further disciplinary action, which may include suspension for a week or more, or expulsion from the team.
Your signatures below signify that you (parent, guardian and or swimmer) have read and agree to abide by the VAC Codes of Conduct. You also understand that failure to abide by the VAC Codes of Conduct will result in the penalties stated above.
VAC Workbond Policy
Purpose: Running a swim club requires a team effort. This includes our parent members as well as our swimmers. To run events, like swim meets, safely and effectively we require an all hands on deck approach. Our swim meets do a lot to support our teams costs and without our volunteer core our costs would be raised significantly as we would have to pay for the dozens of positions required. A work bond is collected from each family to ensure we all do our part in supporting the team.
Bond Submission
Each family will have a work bond check collected at the start of each season.
The bond value will be $250
The bond check will be post-dated to December 1 of the current swim year
Bond Compliance
Each family will be required to work an equivalent of 5 meet sessions
At least 4 Sessions must be worked during the VAC Classic fundraising meet
A minimum of 3 sessions will be served as a Timer
Family members of swimmers entered into the ESSL Championship meet will be required to volunteer for a session in their child’s championship session.
Bringing in sponsorships will also credit for work sessions being served as follows:
Bringing in sponsors pledging $250-499 will equate to half a work session
Bringing in sponsors pledging over $500 will equate to a full work session
Work sessions can also be served throughout the season for other opportunities such as fund raising events, marketing service hours, etc.
The equivalent value of each service will be based on the portions of time compared to a meet session (approx 4.5 hours)
Work Sessions Tracking
The team will use TeamUnify’s Service Hours system for signups
Work sessions will be signed up for following the parent orientation meetings
Work session signups will take place on the Tuesday following the orientation meeting
The team will use TeamUnify’s Service Hours system for tracking of outstanding service hours balances
The members will also be able to us TeamUnify’s Service Hours system for reporting on their own balances
Bond Assessment
Work sessions will be assessed following the VAC Classic
Failure to meet the minimum sessions will result in a forfeiture of the workbond
Check will be cashed week of December 1st
Work sessions will be assessed at the end of the Season (following final meet of season)
Failure to meet the minimum sessions will result in a forfeiture of the workbond
Check will be cashed week following season end
Meeting the Bond Compliance (Section 2 above) requirements agreed to during registration will result in voiding of the collected check and shredding by the Team Treasurer
Long Course Season Meets Minimum Requirements
Due to the tendency of Long Course meets to have low enrollment along with the costs for staffing a meet, VAC has instituted standardized policy to use as a guideline with respect to activities during the Long Course season.
A minimum of 12 swimmers is required for a meet to warrant coaching staff coverage. Failure to meet minimum required attendance will result in VAC not signing up for event and/or canceling attendance and refunding applicable fees.
Policy can be overridden by majority board vote with recommendation by head coach.
Individual swimmers wishing to attend unattached without VAC coaching in attendance can override policy with head coach authorization.
US/ESSL Meet Conflict Policy
If there is a US meet on our schedule that conflicts with an ESSL meet, a swimmer may choose to attend the US meet if they meet all of the below criteria: *they are a member of the Junior or Senior groups
they have an attendance rate of 85% or better
they have attended all other scheduled ESSL meets with the exception of prior approved US meet conflicts
they are in good financial standing with the club (This only applies to US meets on our team schedule. You may not attend any other US meets)
Social Media Policy
PURPOSE
The Viking Aquatic Club recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and social media in today’s world. Many of our swimmers use these means as their primary method of communication. While the Club acknowledges the value of these methods of communication, the Club also realizes that there are associated risks that must be considered when adults use these methods to communicate with minors.
GENERAL CONTENT
All communications between a coach or other adult and an athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. The content and intent of all electronic communications must adhere to the USA Swimming Code of
Conduct regarding Athlete Protection.
For example, as with any communication with an athlete, electronic communication should not contain or relate to any of the following:
drugs or alcohol use;
sexually oriented conversation; sexually explicit language; sexual activity
the adult’s personal life , social activities, relationship or family issues, or personal problems; and
inappropriate or sexually explicit pictures
Note: Any communication concerning an athlete's personal life, social activities, relationship or family issues or personal problems must be transparent, accessible and professional.
Whether one is an athlete, coach, board member or parent, the guiding principle to always use in communication is to ask: “Is this communication something that someone else would find appropriate or acceptable in a face to face meeting?” or “Is this something you would be comfortable saying out loud to the intended recipient of your communication in front of the intended recipient’s parents, the coaching staff, the board, or other athletes?” With respect to electronic communications, a simple test that can be used in most cases is whether the electronic communication with swimmers is Transparent, Accessible and Professional.
Transparent: All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be transparent. Your communication should not only be clear and direct, but also free of hidden meanings, innuendo and expectations.
Accessible: All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be considered a matter of record and part of the Club’s records. Whenever possible, include another coach or parent in the communication so that there is no question regarding accessibility.
Professional: All electronic communication between a coach and an athlete should be conducted professionally as a representative of the Club. This includes word choices, tone, grammar, and subject matter that model the standards and integrity of a staff member. If your communication meets all three of the T.A.P. criteria, then it is likely your method of communication with athletes will be appropriate.
FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, BLOGS, AND SIMILAR SITES
Coaches may have personal Facebook (or other social media site) pages, but they are not permitted to have any athlete member of the Club join their personal page as a “friend.” A coach should not accept any “friend” request from an athlete. In addition, the coach should remind the athlete that this is not permitted. Coaches and athletes are not permitted to “private message” each other through Facebook. Coaches and athletes are not permitted to “instant message” each other through Facebook chat or other IM method. Coaches are encouraged to set their pages to “private” to prevent athletes from accessing the coach’s personal information.
TWITTER
Best Practice: Coaches are not permitted to follow athletes on Twitter. Likewise, athletes are not permitted to follow coaches on Twitter. Coaches and athletes are not permitted to “direct message” each other through Twitter.
TEXTING
Texting only shall be used for the purpose of communicating information directly related to team activities.
EMAIL
Athletes and coaches may use email to communicate when discussing matters related to team activities.
REQUEST TO DISCONTINUE ALL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
The parents or guardians of an athlete may request in writing that their child not be contacted by coaches through any form of electronic communication.
Team Travel Policy
Purpose: Athletes are most vulnerable to misconduct during travel, particularly overnight stays.
This includes a high risk of athlete to athlete misconduct. During travel, athletes are often away from their families and support networks, and the setting – new changing areas, locker rooms, workout facilities, automobiles and hotel rooms – is less structured and less familiar. Team Travel is defined as overnight travel to a swim meet or other team activity that is planned and supervised by the club or LSC.
Section 1 USA Swimming Required Policies
Club and LSC travel policies must include these policies. These items are Code of Conduct stipulations in the USA Swimming Rulebook.
Club travel policies must be signed and agreed to by all athletes, parents, coaches and other adults traveling with the club. (305.5.D)
Team managers and chaperones must be members of USA Swimming and have successfully passed a USA Swimming administered criminal background check. (305.5.B)
Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with an athlete (unless the coach is the parent, guardian, sibling, or spouse of that particular athlete). (305.5.A)
When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, the athlete must have his/her parents’ (or legal guardian’s) written permission in advance to travel alone with the coach. (305.5C) Section 2 Recommended Policies
The Head Coach or his/her designee shall make a written report of travel policy or code of conduct violations to the appropriate club or LSC leadership and the parent or legal guardian of any affected minor athlete.
During team travel, when doing room checks, attending team meetings and/or other activities, two deep leadership and open and observable environments should be maintained.
Athletes should not ride in a coach’s vehicle without another adult present who is the same gender as the athlete, unless prior parental permission is obtained.
During overnight team travel, if athletes are paired with other athletes they shall be of the same gender and should be a similar age. Where athletes are age 13 & over, chaperones and/or team managers would ideally stay in nearby rooms. When athletes are age 12 & under, chaperones and/or team managers may stay with athletes. Where chaperones/team managers are staying in a room with athletes, they should be the same gender as the athlete and written consent should be given by athlete’s parents (or legal guardian).
When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, at the competition the coach and athlete should attempt to establish a “buddy” club to associate with during the competition and when away from the venue.
To ensure the propriety of the athletes and to protect the staff, there will be no male athletes in female athlete’s rooms and no female athletes in male athlete’s rooms (unless the other athlete is a sibling or spouse of that particular athlete).
A copy of the Club Code of Conduct must be signed by the athlete and his/her parent or legal guardian.
Team or LSC officials should obtain a signed Liability Release and/or Indemnification Form for each athlete.
Team or LSC officials should carry a signed Medical Consent or Authorization to Treat Form for each athlete.
Curfews shall be established by the team or LSC staff each day of the trip.
Team members and staff traveling with the team will attend all team functions including meetings, practices, meals, meet sessions, etc. unless otherwise excused or instructed by the head coach or his/her designee.
The directions & decisions of coaches/chaperones are final.
Swimmers are expected to remain with the team at all times during the trip. Swimmers are not to leave the competition venue, the hotel, a restaurant, or any other place at which the team has gathered without the permission/knowledge of the coach or chaperone.
When visiting public places such as shopping malls, movie theatres, etc. swimmers will stay in groups of no less than three persons. 12 & Under athletes will be accompanied by a chaperone.
Team Records Policy
Team records are used as a tool to encourage and motivate swimmers and provide a competitive environment with which to do it in. The following are the guidelines Viking Aquatic Club (VAC) will use to manage this service for the team.
Reporting:
On the USA swimming website there are reports that can be run to list the top swimmers by age group and event using the times in the USA database.
The head coach will be responsible for running this report and providing information to the board for posting.
The report will be generated at the beginning of the season and refreshed once a month
In between official reporting runs any record Breakers will be invited by the coaches to write in their name and time if they placed in the top 10 allowing them to own their achievement.
The reports in the USA database go back to February of 2001 and include all swimmers, active or past.
Records Guidelines:
Our team records will be based on the top 10 swimmer slots for each sex, event, distance, and age bracket.
The records list will be posted to the bulletin boards for VAC both on the pool deck and in the viewing area
The record list will be posted to the Facebook site
VAC On-Deck will also feature an article weekly (each time changes are made to the top 10 list) to highlight the swimmer's achievements.
The records list will also be posted to the VAC website on a periodic basis.
Awards:
Metal bag tags will be issued to the swimmers for each event they hold a record for at the end of the season
The bag tags will be laser etched with the swimmers name, event, and date
Gold swim caps (with "Record Holder" on them) will be issued to record breakers at the next practice highlighting their achievement.
Repeat upsets of a record by the same swimmer in the same year will not issue a new tag award. (as they already hold the record breaker award for that year and event) (This will avoid unnecessary printing of tags which can end up being costly to the club)
Maapp Policy
Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy Viking Aquatic Club June 23, 2019 Last Reviewed on August 12, 2019 THIS POLICY APPLIES TO:
All USA Swimming non-athlete members and adult athlete members;
Any other adult authorized to have regular contact with or authority over minor athletes.
GENERAL REQUIREMENT
USA Swimming member clubs and LSCs are required to implement this Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy in full. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy must be reviewed and agreed to in writing by all athletes, parents, coaches and other non-athlete members of member clubs on an annual basis with such written agreement to be retained by the club.
ONE-ON-ONE INTERACTIONS
Observable and Interruptible
One-on-one interactions between a minor athlete and an Applicable Adult (who is not the minor’s legal guardian) must occur at an observable and interruptible distance from another adult unless meeting with a Mental Health Care Professional and/or Health Care Provider (see below) or under emergency circumstances.
Meetings
Meetings between a minor athlete and an Applicable Adult may only occur if another adult is present and where interactions can be easily observed and at an interruptible distance from another adult, except under emergency circumstances.
If a one-on-one meeting takes place, the door to the room must remain unlocked and open.
If available, it must occur in a room that has windows, with the windows, blinds, and/or curtains remaining open during the meeting.
Meetings must not be conducted in an Applicable Adult or athlete’s hotel room or other overnight lodging location during team travel.
Meetings with Mental Health Care Professionals and/or Health Care Providers
If a Mental Health Care Professional and/or Health Care Provider meets with a minor athlete in conjunction with participation, including at practice or competition sites, a closed-door meeting may be permitted to protect patient privacy provided that:
The door remains unlocked;
Another adult is present at the facility;
The other adult is advised that a closed-door meeting is occurring; and
Written legal guardian consent is obtained in advance by the Mental Health Care. Professional and/or Health Care Provider, with a copy provided to the Viking Aquatic Club.
Individual Training Sessions
Individual training sessions outside of the regular course of training and practice between Applicable Adults and minor athletes are permitted if the training session is observable and interruptible by another adult. Legal guardians must be allowed to observe the training session.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Content
All electronic communication from Applicable Adults to minor athletes must be professional in nature.
Open and Transparent
Absent emergency circumstances, if an Applicable Adult with authority over minor athletes needs to communicate directly with a minor athlete via electronic communications (including social media), the minor athlete’s legal guardian must be copied. If a minor athlete communicates to the Applicable Adult (with authority over the minor athlete) privately first, said Applicable Adult must copy the minor athlete’s legal guardian on any electronic communication response to the minor athlete.
When an Applicable Adult with authority over minor athletes communicates electronically to the entire team, said Applicable Adult must copy another adult.
Requests to Discontinue
Legal guardians may request in writing that their minor athlete not be contacted through any form of electronic communication by Club Name, LSC or by an Applicable Adult subject to this Policy. The organization must abide by any such request that the minor athlete not be contacted via electronic communication, or included in any social media post, absent emergency circumstances.
Hours
Electronic communications must only be sent between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless emergency circumstances exist, or during competition travel.
Prohibited Electronic Communication
Applicable Adults with authority over minor athletes are not permitted to maintain private social media connections with unrelated minor athletes and such Applicable Adults are not permitted to accept new personal page requests on social media platforms from minor athletes, unless the Applicable Adult has a fan page, or the contact is deemed as celebrity contact as opposed to regular contact. Existing social media connections with minor athletes must be discontinued. Minor athletes may “friend” Club Name and/or LSC’s official page. Applicable Adults with authority over minor athletes must not send private, instant or direct messages to a minor athlete through social media platforms.
TRAVEL
Local Travel
Local travel consists of travel to training, practice and competition that occurs locally and does not include coordinated overnight stay(s). Applicable Adults must not ride in a vehicle alone with an unrelated minor athlete, absent emergency circumstances, and must always have at least two minor athletes or another adult in the vehicle, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the minor athlete’s legal guardian.
Team Travel
Team travel is travel to a competition or other team activity that the organization plans and supervises.
During team travel, when doing room checks two-deep leadership (two Applicable Adults should be present) and observable and interruptible environments must be maintained. When only one Applicable Adult and one minor athlete travel to a competition, the minor athlete’s legal guardian must provide written permission in advance and for each competition for the minor athlete to travel alone with said Applicable Adult. Team Managers and Chaperones who travel with Club Name or LSC must be USA Swimming members in good standing.
Unrelated Applicable Adults must not share a hotel room, other sleeping arrangement or overnight lodging location with a minor athlete. Minor athletes should be paired to share hotel rooms or other sleeping arrangements with other minor athletes of the same gender and of similar age.
Meetings during team travel must be conducted consistent with the One-on-One Interactions section of this Policy (i.e., any such meeting must be observable and interruptible). Meetings must not be conducted in an individual’s hotel room or other overnight sleeping location.
LOCKER ROOMS AND CHANGING AREAS
Requirement to Use Locker Room or Changing Area
The designated locker room or changing area must be used when an athlete or Applicable Adult changes, in whole or in part, into or out of a swimsuit when wearing just one suit (e.g., deck changing is prohibited).
Use of Recording Devices
Use of any device’s (including a cell phone’s) recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras in locker rooms, changing areas, or similar spaces by a minor athlete or an Applicable Adult is prohibited.
Undress
An unrelated Applicable Adult must not expose his or her breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals to a minor athlete under any circumstance. An unrelated Applicable Adult must not request an unrelated minor athlete to expose the minor athlete’s breasts, buttocks, groin or genitals to the unrelated Applicable Adult under any circumstance.
One-on-One Interactions
Except for athletes on the same team or athletes attending the same competition, at no time are unrelated Applicable Adults permitted to be alone with a minor athlete in a locker room or changing area, except under emergency circumstances. If the organization is using a facility that only has a single locker room or changing area, separate times for use by Applicable Adults must be designated.
Monitoring
The Viking Aquatic Club must regularly and randomly monitor the use of locker rooms and changing areas to ensure compliance with this Policy. Locker rooms and changing areas may be monitored by use of the following methods:
Conducting a sweep of the locker room or changing area before athletes arrive;
Posting staff directly outside the locker room or changing area during periods of use;
Leaving the doors open when adequate privacy is still possible; and/or
Making occasional sweeps of the locker rooms or changing areas with women checking on female locker rooms and men checking on male locker rooms.
Every effort must be made to recognize when a minor athlete goes to the locker room or changing area during practice and competition, and, if the minor athlete does not return in a timely fashion, to check on the minor athlete’s whereabouts.
Legal Guardians in Locker Rooms or Changing Areas
Legal guardians are discouraged from entering locker rooms and changing areas. If a legal guardian does enter a locker room or changing area, it must only be a same-sex legal guardian and the legal guardian should notify a coach or administrator in advance.
MASSAGES AND RUBDOWNS/ATHLETE TRAINING MODALITIES
Definition: In this section, the term “Massage” refers to any massage, rubdown, athletic training modality including physical modalities (e.g., stretching, physical manipulation, injury rehabilitation, etc.) and electronic or instrument assisted modalities (e.g., stim treatment, dry needling, cupping, etc.).
General Requirement
Any Massage performed on an athlete must be conducted in an open and interruptible location and must be performed by a licensed massage therapist or other certified professional. However, even if a coach is a licensed massage therapist, the coach must not perform a rubdown or massage of an athlete under any circumstance.
Additional Minor Athlete Requirements
Written consent by a legal guardian must be obtained in advance by the licensed massage therapist or other certified professional, with a copy provided to the Viking Aquatic Club.
Legal guardians must be allowed to observe the Massage.
Any Massage of a minor athlete must be done with at least one other adult present and must never be done with only the minor athlete and the person performing the Massage in the room.
Any Massage of a minor athlete must only occur after a proper diagnosis from a treating physician and be done in the course of care according to the physician’s treatment plan.
Covid Safety Plan
VAC COVID Safety Plan VAC- Covid-19 Practice Policies Facility Guidelines
Swimmers must go through a short screening before each practice. Daily logs of the swimmers temperature and health questionnaires must be kept for our records. All athletes must come to practice with: a. Face Mask b. Practice equipment if owned in a mesh bag c. Wearing a swimsuit d. Pre-showered
Each athlete will use hand sanitizer upon entering the facility.
Masks MUST be worn at all times inside the pool facility other than while swimming in the water. Please bring something to store your mask inside with your belongings while you are swimming. DO NOT just place it on the deck or on a bench or the floor.
Temperatures must be taken prior to each practice, temps over 100 will not be allowed to attend practice. a. Any athletes who display symptoms of illness are not permitted at practice. Athletes with family members reporting any of these symptoms will not be allowed at practice.
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chills
Muscle aches
Lost of taste and/or smell
Headache b. Swimmers who had COVID-19 must be cleared by a Doctor and have a note on record to return to practice. c. Swimmers who had family members living in their household with COVID-19 may be asked to take a test before returning to practice. Please text Coach Jen 845-551-4860 if your family is in this situation. All household quarantine periods must be completed before the swimmer is permitted to return. Other requirements may be requested by VAC. d. New or revised requirements may be required/requested by VAC as new guidelines and information becomes available. VAC COVID Safety Plan
Locker room changing/showering is NOT PERMITTED. Athletes must come dressed for practice and leave in their suits during the summer season.
The locker rooms will ONLY be used as a changing room during the fall/winter season. a. You may enter the changing room following social distance guidelines (stay 6 ft apart) and wear a mask at ALL times. b. There will designated marked off areas that you may use and may NOT use (6 ft. apart) c. There will be NO showering in the changing rooms d. Once you are changed you MUST bring your belongings out to the pool deck and place them at a minimum of 6 ft from any other belongings) e. NO LOCKERS will be used
Only one athlete will be able to use the bathroom at a time. Please try to use the bathroom prior to coming to practice. If an athlete needs to use the restroom, they must use hand sanitizer prior to entering and wash their hands prior to leaving the bathroom.
Practices will be drop off and pick up only. No spectators will be allowed on deck. This may change as restrictions are lifted.
Swimmers must enter/exit the pool through the exterior door that leads onto the pool deck near the blocks. Athletes must respect social distancing while entering and exiting the facility
Athletes must leave personal items in assigned bag areas, maintaining social distancing.
During time trials, all officials and parent volunteers will wear masks, have their temperature taken and complete a COVID screening questionnaire prior to entering the pool area. Daily Practice Check In/Traffic Flow Athletes will enter and exit the pool via the exterior door that leads directly onto the pool deck by the blocks. Traffic flow will be clockwise around the pool deck when not in the water swimming. Athletes should line up outside the entrance door, in a social distancing line (6 ft apart) to wait to be checked in by the coach/parent volunteer. Once checked in, athletes will be given their assigned position for that day. That position will be their designated bag area and swim station. At the end of each practice, coaches will send athletes one group at a time to retrieve their belongings/bags and exit t VAC COVID Safety Plan Please see the diagram below for traffic flow. In the pool
Enter the assigned lane/pool - via the steps, ladders, or sitting down and sliding into water.
Swim using social distance guidelines staying 6 ft or more apart. The farther apart the better.
Swim practice should be following all guidelines set forth by VAC as well any other governmental agency.
Athletes must only swim at designated stations each day, no sharing stations (unless siblings). These stations will be at least 6 feet apart.
Swimmers will take their personally owned equipment home daily to sanitize.
Any facility equipment used will be distributed by coaches and sanitized after each use. VAC COVID Safety Plan
Most swimmers start here to get familiar with how the team operates and build essential skills for swim meets. Not every swimmer in this group is a true "beginner"; some may just need to strengthen a few skills before moving up to the White Group. An athlete needs to be able to complete 25 yards to enter this group. Expectation is to have competition-level 25s of two strokes by end of season.
Your swimmer will typically be placed in this group if:
It’s their first time on a swim team or part of a swim club.
They’re on the younger side of our team.
They’re still working on foundational swim skills.
Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique. Expectation is to learn all strokes and do competition-level 50s of at least three strokes by end of season.
Despite the name, this group isn't for anyone who simply wants to be competitive—it’s the next level after White. Athletes in this group are usually at least 9 years old (but most are a few years older) and can legally complete 25 yards of all four competitive strokes. Expectations are to perfect all the strokes with an emphasis on aerobic capacity (lots of moderate long swimming, little rest) and some, but little anaerobic power. Should have competition-level 100s.
After trying out most swimmers will be assigned to the Blue group due to ability and/or age. The coach will often tell you which group you'll be assigned to immediately following practice and/or you will receive an email with your assigned group.
New Swimmers
If due to schedule restrictions or other personal reason you wish to switch into the White group, you will need to attend practice during your assigned time to speak directly with the Head Coach. Currently, the Head coach is there Tues-Fri.
Returning Swimmers
If you believe your swimmer is ready to move up groups but the coach has not spoken to you directly, you are welcome to contact them through the Remind App to verify their group.
Every swimmer, regardless of group, has the opportunity to compete in all non-qualifying swim meets—and who knows, they might even qualify for the championship meets!
Think of the groups like different levels or age categories.
Blue Group Beginner or New Member Group
Most swimmers start here to get familiar with how the team operates and build essential skills for swim meets. Not every swimmer in this group is a true "beginner"; some may just need to strengthen a few skills before moving up to the White Group.
Your swimmer will typically be placed in this group if:
It’s their first time on a swim team or part of a swim club.
They’re on the younger side of our team.
They’re still working on foundational swim skills.
Requirements
An athlete needs to be able to complete 25 yards to enter this group. Expectation is to have competition-level 25s of at least two strokes by end of season.
Practice Length: 1hr Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-6:30 Summer: 7-8am
Please choose Blue or White Group at checkout.
Choosing Groups: On the checkout form, you’ll be asked to choose between the Blue or White group. If you’re unsure, don’t worry! Feel free to ask the coach at the end of the season if your swimmer is ready to move up. We try to notify swimmers who will be advancing, but it’s normal for many to stay in the Blue Group for a few seasons. Each swimmer is evaluated at the end of the season, and the coach will let you know when they’re ready.
Don't worry if you aren't sure, if in doubt choose the group your swimmer is currently in.
White Group Stroke Refinement - Beginner-Intermediate
This group has learned all of the foundation skills and now needs to refine them. Athletes in this group focus mainly on learning four legal competitive strokes, having fun, and perfecting start and turn technique. Expectation is to learn all strokes and do competition-level 50s of at least three strokes by end of season.
Note: It’s uncommon for new swimmers to be placed directly in the White Group, even if they’re strong swimmers.
Practice Length: 1hr Workout Days/Times: M-F 6:30-7:30 Summer: 8-9am
Please choose Blue or White group at checkout.
Choosing Groups: Like the Blue Group, you’ll choose between Blue and White further down the checkout form. Coaches will evaluate and let you know when your swimmer is ready to move up. (Don't worry if you aren't sure, if in doubt choose the group your swimmer is currently in)
Competitive Group Intermediate
Despite the name, this group isn't for anyone who simply wants to be competitive—it’s the next level after White. Athletes in this group are usually at least 9 years old (but most are a few years older) and can legally complete 25 yards of all four competitive strokes. Expectations are to perfect all the strokes with an emphasis on aerobic capacity (lots of moderate long swimming, little rest) and some, but little anaerobic power. Should have competition-level 100s.
Junior level athletes are near “perfect” in all four strokes, and are able to take on more and harder challenges. The expectation is to further perfect all strokes while adding in training for all energy systems. This group will follow a periodization schedule.
Practice Length: 2hrs Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-7:30 Summer: 7-9am
Senior Group
Athletes entering the Senior group must display a desire/ ability to train at a higher level. Athletes are expected to be “perfect” and performant in all strokes. This group is the same as Junior, but at a higher capacity. There will be hard work in all energy systems at a high level while following a periodization plan. Test sets will be implemented and used frequently.
Practice Length: 2hrs Workout Days/Times: M-F 5:30-7:30 Summer: 7-9am
It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it at this time.
At Viking Aquatic Swim Club, we occasionally hear: "It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it right now." We totally understand—sports can feel like a big financial commitment, especially when budgets are tight. But we believe so deeply in the value of swimming that we want to ensure every family has the opportunity to be a part of our program—regardless of financial circumstances.
Swimming is More Than Just a Sport
When your child joins Viking Aquatic, they’re not just learning to swim—they’re gaining lifelong skills. Swimming teaches discipline, perseverance, time management, teamwork, and goal-setting, all of which last well beyond their time in the pool. It’s also an excellent full-body workout that promotes lifelong health and fitness habits.
Plus, there’s an incredible sense of community within our team. Your child will develop friendships and create memories that they’ll carry with them for years to come.
The benefits of swimming extend beyond the physical:
Boosts self-confidence: There’s nothing like the pride a swimmer feels after achieving a personal best or mastering a new stroke.
Mental health benefits: Swimming helps reduce stress and anxiety, supporting mental well-being in children who may be juggling school and other activities.
A critical life skill: Swimming is essential for water safety, especially for families who spend time near water.
Value for Money: Why Viking Aquatic is a Smart Investment
We also understand the financial comparison families may make when considering local swim lessons. Let’s break it down:
Local swim lessons often cost around $300 for a 7-week session, which usually offers just one 30-minute class per week. That comes out to about $40 a week for just half an hour of pool time.
Now, compare that to our program: Viking Aquatic offers at least one hour of practice five days a week—and while not every swimmer needs to attend all five days, the option is there! Our program runs much longer and typically costs half as much per week (less than $20). That’s an incredible value when you consider the amount of time, practice, and personal growth your swimmer will experience.
Making Swimming Accessible for Everyone
We know that even with the great value we offer, finances can still be a concern. That’s why we’re committed to making sure no child misses out on swimming because of cost. We have several flexible options available:
Flexible Payment Plans: We’re happy to divide the total costs into smaller, more manageable monthly payments. Just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll help set up a plan that fits your budget.
Pay-As-You-Go: Not every family can commit to a fixed schedule of payments. That’s okay! We offer a pay-as-you-have-the-funds option, where you can contribute whenever you’re able, without the pressure of regular payments.
Scholarships: For families in need, we offer scholarships to help offset the cost. We believe in the transformative power of swimming, and we want to ensure that financial challenges never stand in the way of a child being part of our team.
Our Commitment to Our Swimmers
At Viking Aquatic, we are more than just a swim club—we’re a community, and we’re passionate about every swimmer who joins us. Our coaches are dedicated to helping each athlete reach their personal best, whether that’s mastering a new stroke or competing in meets.
Being part of our program isn’t just about swimming laps—it’s about building confidence, discipline, friendships, and a love for the sport. And we firmly believe that every child should have access to this experience, no matter their financial situation.
Let’s Find a Solution Together
If the cost feels like a barrier, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll work together to find a solution that fits your family’s needs. Whether it’s adjusting payment schedules, setting up pay-as-you-go, or discussing scholarship options, we’re committed to making sure every child who wants to swim can do so.
Remember, we’re here to help! No child should miss out on swimming because of financial need, and we’re ready to work with you to make sure that doesn’t happen.
At Viking Aquatic Swim Club, we’re not just offering swim lessons—we’re providing a transformative experience. And we want your child to be a part of it.
Attend our next group tryouts or schedule a private tryout mid-season! CLICK HERE FOR TRYOUTS
Junior level athletes are near “perfect” in all four strokes, and are able to take on more and harder challenges. The expectation is to further perfect all strokes while adding in training for all energy systems. This group will follow a periodization schedule.
Athletes entering the Senior group must display a desire/ ability to train at a higher level. Athletes are expected to be “perfect” and performant in all strokes. This group is the same as Junior, but at a higher capacity. There will be hard work in all energy systems at a high level while following a periodization plan. Test sets will be implemented and used frequently.
