Registration, swim evaluations, payment processes and fees

Q: When does registration open, and how are current and returning swim families defined?

A: Registration opens August 11, 2025. Current families are defined as any swimmer who has been previously registered thorugh our USAS short or long course, this does not include Vandergrift Team. 

Q: How do swim tryouts work, and who needs to attend tryouts with CSC?

A: Any swimmer who had not been previously registered with the club needs to try out. Try outs August 11-15, 2025. Coaches will evaluate swimmers during tryouts. Swimmers must be 6 years or older and safely swim a 25 or the length of the pool, no prior knowledge of swimming or strokes is needed.

Q: What is included with the CSC registration? Do swimmers need to bring their own equipment?

A: Registration includes access to the pool and coaches for practices, team suit, and swim caps. To attend practice your swimmer simply needs goggles and a swimsuit. A practice suit is ideally a one-piece suit, with no ruffles/sequins/cutouts, etc. and should fit your swimmer well, not baggy etc. Swim caps are encouraged as well. Swimmers can purchase extra team suits and gear from our online store anytime! 

Q: I see that payment is required via check or cash. Is there any way I can pay by credit card or Venmo instead?

A: CSC is in the process of setting up a credit card procesisng system which will be available for families during the 25/26 season to use. We do not have Venmo. 

Q: I understand that CSC is a USA Swimming Club and that my athlete is required to have a current USA Swimming Athlete membership. How is this process managed?  

A: Every CSC swimmer must have a current USA Swimming Athlete membership in order to participate. This fee is separate from CSC fees and must be paid directly to USA Swimming. 

For all returning swimmers: If your swimmer swam last Fall/Winter, their athlete membership is good through December 31, 2024. You are required to update this membership in a timely manner. Failing to do so will suspend your swimmer from practice and meets, until you membership is up to date.  

If you are brand new to CSC, you will need to register your athlete directly with USA Swimming prior to the start of practice, after tryouts. See our USA Swimming tab under registration for more information. 

Q: How do refunds work?

A: CSC offers a 1 week refund for new swimmers. After that CSC does not offer refunds unless due to medically documented need.  

Q: Does CSC offer a multi-swimmer discount? 

A: Unfortunately CSC does not currently offer multi-swimmer discounts. 

Swim groups

Q: How do I know if my swimmer should move up to the next swim group?

A: Please check with your swimmer’s coach if you have any questions about swim group placement for your swimmer. Coaches will do their best to communicate with both swimmers and parents about any recommended swim group changes prior to registration.

Practices

Q: Will CSC swimmers be able to use the locker rooms to change?

A: The Kiski Area School allows swimmers in the locker rooms for short periods of time. CSC and the Kiski Area School request that locker room usage be minimized as much as possible. Parents are not allowed inside the locker rooms at any time. Coming suited up for practice is a good option and works well for our swimmers.

Q: Can parents/families watch practice?

A: Yes, you are allowed to watch practice. Parents are asked to stay in the spectator area and not wander around the building during practices. Parents are not allowed on deck under any circumstances. 

Q: How does my swimmer get to the pool deck?

A: Swimmers must enter through the door labeled "" cross the seating and go down the steps on the far side. They must go through the door, which enters into the High School. There is a door directly to the left. Swimmers enter there and walk through the auxiliary gym (even if there is wrestling practice swimmers are allowed to enter). From there they can access either the girls or boys locker rooms. The pool deck can be entered through there. Parents are to wait in the seating area for their children before and after practice. Parents are not to be in the high school and are never permitted in the locker rooms under any circumstances. 

Competition

Q: Does CSC anticipate any competitive swim meets? What swim meet commitment is required for CSC swimmers?

A: We typically have meets almost every weekend through the short course season. These are incredibly fun and there are lots of options to meet each swimmers level. They provide a great opporunity for the team to bond and support one another. Our swimmers say swim meets are the best part of swimming! Meets are strongly encouraged but not required for CSC swimmers. The only required meet is our hosted Valentine’s Mixer Home Meet in February. 

Q: Who registers my swimmer for meets, coaches? 

A: No, parents and caregivers are expected to register swimmers for meets. Our team's goal is to keep costs reasonable for families this is why we allow families to decide which events they would like to swim. If you have questions about what your swimmer is ready for please feel free to reach out to our coaches. They are happy to help guide you through the process. See our tab on Meet Registration 101 & Swim Meets 101 for more helpful information. 

Volunteer policy

Q: What is CSC’s volunteer policy?

A: CSC is a nonprofit swim club that relies on volunteers to execute our mission and offer a high-quality swim program for all swimmers. We offer lots of events throughout the season and ask families to volunteer for 5 sessions total, but you are welcome to help out with all events! 

Q: Can my family make a donation to CSC in lieu of volunteering? Is there a penalty for not meeting the family volunteer obligation at the home swim meet?

A: CSC greatly appreciates donations to our club, but we are unable to take donations in lieu of a volunteer/family service hour commitment. Volunteers are essential to ensure a safe and fun swim meet experience for all participating swimmers. Please note that your volunteer obligation can be fulfilled by another swim family, or family members such as grandparent or a friend. 

Safe Sport and the Minor Athlete Abuse Protection Policy

Q: What is Safe Sport? Will there be any other requirements of my swimmer or family throughout the swim season that have not been addressed elsewhere in this document?

A: CSC is a Safe Sport Designated Club. All families must read and acknowledge the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) training as part of our registration process.

In addition, parents of athletes and minor athletes ages 12-17 are asked to complete the annual Safe Sport online training. Athletes aged 18 and older are required to complete Safe Sport training. Information about Safe Sport and MSS’s Minor Abuse Prevention Policy can be found under the Safe Sport tab on our website.

Meeting the coaches and other CSC activities

Q: Will there be an opportunity to meet the coaches before the first practice?

A: Coaches will be on deck during inital practices and tryouts. Once tryouts are completed, a team meeting will be held where you will have the opportunity to meet the coaches and have some one on one time. When coaches are on deck we ask that you let them coach and reach out to them in off times via text/email. This allows them to focus on the swimmers and their saftey. 

Q: Does CSC offer other team-building or social opportunities for swimmers or parents besides swim meet participation?

A: We do! We have lots of opportunities throughout the season for team building. Things we do are Squad Meets, overnight stays during WVU Swim Meets, fun practices during the holidays, one coach class per month for swimmers and families, Polar Bear Plunge and more! Our team is about working hard and having fun. We encourage CSC swimmers and families to foster relationships inside and outside of the pool to make lifelong friendships.