Team Requirements

Building Excellence Together

As valued members of Aquakids Swim Team, our families play a vital role in maintaining the excellence and tradition of our program. The following requirements ensure we can continue providing outstanding opportunities for our swimmers while keeping team dues affordable.

Home Meet Volunteer Requirements

Three times each season, Aquakids hosts competitive swim meets that are essential to our team's financial health, raising $8,000-$10,000 per meet. These funds directly support team operations and help keep membership dues affordable.

Our Hosted Meets:

  • October: Bob Courtway Invitational (the longest-running meet in Arkansas—61+ years!)
  • January: Winter Invitational
  • May: Toad Suck Invitational (NEW in 2026! Team-scored event with championship trophy)

Volunteer Commitment:

Each family is required to provide one volunteer for at least one session of each hosted meet. With over 100 volunteer positions needed to successfully run a two-day meet, every family's participation is crucial.

Non-Volunteer Fee: Families who do not provide a volunteer will be charged a $100 non-volunteer fee. This fee helps us hire additional help or cover unexpected meet expenses. While we understand scheduling conflicts arise, this policy ensures our meets run smoothly and professionally.

Stoby's Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Each February, we host our beloved Stoby's Pancake Breakfast, which raises $3,000-$5,000 for the team. This community favorite has become a cherished tradition!

Ticket Sales Requirement:

  • Each swimmer is responsible for 10 tickets at $6 each
  • Maximum of 2 swimmers per family (20 tickets total for larger families)
  • Tickets will be billed to your account after the event (typically on the March payment)
  • When you sell tickets, you keep the money to reimburse yourself
  • Many families choose to gift their tickets—that's perfectly fine! Just note they will still be billed for their allotted tickets

📣 Volunteer Opportunities: Sign-ups to help staff the breakfast will be available a few weeks before the event. These positions are not mandatory and carry no fee. This event traditionally brings our team community together in force—it's a wonderful morning!

Swim-a-Thon & Business Sponsorship Drive

Once per season (September or April), we host our exciting Swim-a-Thon with a goal of raising $10,000 for the team.

✅ This event is VOLUNTARY

While we encourage participation, there is no requirement or fee associated with this fundraiser.

How It Works:

  • Swimmers collect pledges based on laps they'll swim
  • On the designated practice night, swimmers swim as many laps as possible in 2 hours
  • Everyone can earn prizes based on laps completed
  • Top fundraisers win additional prizes (past prizes have included a PS5!)
  • Business sponsorships can count toward your swimmer's pledge totals

Business Sponsorship Benefits:

Local businesses who sponsor Aquakids receive valuable recognition:

  • Logo placement on meet heat sheets
  • Featured in Facebook posts and family emails
  • Banner display at hosted meets (higher tier sponsors)
  • Supporting youth athletics in our community

Detailed information and sponsorship levels will be shared as the event approaches.

Additional Requirements

To maintain membership in good standing with Aquakids Swim Team, all families must:

🏊 Meet Participation

Swimmers must compete in all three Aquakids hosted meets (just as team members are expected to participate in games/matches in other sports)

📋 USA Swimming Registration

All swimmers must maintain current USA Swimming registration for insurance and competition eligibility

📖 Policy Acknowledgment

Families must review and adhere to our Safe Sport Guidelines, Team Handbook, and Behavior Policies (available on our website)

Questions?

Please reach out to our team leadership. We're here to help ensure your Aquakids experience is rewarding and successful!