Updated: 4/29/2024

We are a volunteer-organized club, relying on our parents to take on active roles on the executive and as volunteers during home swim meets (e.g., timers, marshals, lunch helpers, executive roles, etc.). 

Volunteering & the AAST Executive

The executive looks after the administration of the club. It is the expectation of the executive that every family will participate in some fashion throughout the season. Although the executive team is selected, we welcome anyone who wishes to shadow or gain a better understanding of the executive roles for future involvement. That said, there is a potential to join committees, and or assist in operations should an Executive position not be vacant.

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QUALIFICATIONS

AAST specializes in training athletes who can swim, so they can swim faster, and learn the other skills involved in competitive swimming. AAST is not a learn-to-swim program. 

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirement for our new athletes joining our White program must be able to swim one full length (25m) of both freestyle and backstroke, without stopping, while demonstrating a reasonable level of stroke proficiency.  Qualification for AAST programs is at the discretion of the coaches. In-person evaluations may be required.

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EQUIPMENT

Equipment supplied by the club

This equipment is required to be worn during any/all meets. The equipment included in the membership fee for all Athletes are as follows:

• 2 Ancaster Alligators branded swim caps
• 2 Ancaster Alligators T-shirts (and elsewhere, with pride)

Required Equipment at the cost of the athlete is as follows:

• 2 competitive swimsuits (e.g., 1-piece, jammers). Colour - All black and or could be majority black with green accents. Competitive swimsuits are required for all training and competitive swimming events.
• 2 pairs of swim goggles
• 1 set of training paddles and training fins
• 1 pull buoy, kickboard, training snorkel, and a mesh swim equipment bag

This equipment is required after 14-days from the start of the season, otherwise, the athlete may not be able to attend training until proper equipment is worn.

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Meets

Meets are the best indicator of a competitive swim team and athlete. Our club expects attendance at the Aqua-7 Meets and highly recommends that you take advantage of the invitational meets available to the athletes.

Aqua-7 Meets

Aqua-7 Meets are at no charge to the athlete of the AAST. Meets are scheduled throughout the season. We expect all athletes to attend these meets. Athletes who do not attend these meets may have an impact on the subsequent season registration. Aqua-7 meets can not be exchanged for invitational meets.

Invitational Meets

Invitation meets (non-Aqua 7) are at an additional cost to the athletes. Pricing for these meets will be communicated via the club. Should you wish to attend a meeting that is not offered by the AAST, please contact the coaching team.

There will be Junior and Senior meets for this season. Your athlete can only attend one of the two meets which are paired together. 

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POLICIES

Pricing

All pricing is considered full-season pricing and non-refundable after 14-days after the first training date of the season.

Payment plans are designed to help our families with the costs. The expectation is that the entire payment is to be received if you join the club. If you decide not to continue with the season at any time after the 14-day refund period, you are still required to make a payment(s).

Scheduling

Should you choose not to attend training or meets for any reason, no refund will be issued. This program is similar to a gym membership where you have the ability to attend your program for the duration of time you have paid.

Your program training times are not interchangeable with other programs. The rationale for this is as follows, each program could have specific training plans, the programs build on each other, and we always assume that a full complement of swimmers will be available per group.

The coaching team has the discretion to balance/ optimize the pool during swim practices.  It's imperative that all athletes be on time for practice to allow this to happen.  

Refunds

A full refund is available up to 14-days after the first date of the current swim season. Refund requests need to be communicated before 12 am on the 15th day to the [email protected] email.

Holidays or situations when the city temporarily suspends access to facilities can potentially occur. In such cases, the Ancaster Alligator Swim Team (AAST) makes an effort to substitute these training sessions. However, other swim programs and their times are not to be offered as replacements. These substitute sessions may take place at different times and or at other local pools. Please note that no refunds will be provided for these situations.

If there are circumstances that globally shut down access to pool(s) for an extended period (e.g., Pandemic, renovation, etc), we prorate a refund to our members. The prorated portion of these refunds excludes non-refundable operational and administrative costs. If a refund is available, it will be processed at the end of the current season. A breakdown of the refund calculation will be available upon email request.

Please see our website under SWIM INFO and Code of Conduct for the club’s Code of Conduct and Expectations. The AAST aligns with Swim Ontario and Swimming Canada protocols. Misconduct from an Athlete and or family will impact your membership in the club.