We've joined swim club. I have so many questions!
Here is a compilation of some of the questions you may be asking... do not worry, the first season can be confusing! Another great resource is the Parent's Handbook and the Swimmer's Handbook which can be found under the "General Information" tab.
Registration
Q: How much does it cost to join swim club?
A: Registration fees are decided year to year based off budget projections.
Q: Can I get a refund of my registration fees if something happens?
A: A full refund, not including the BCSSA non-refundable insurance fee, will be provided only with written notification of withdrawal within the first 2 weeks of the season. In 2024, the deadline for withdrawal is May 15, 2024. After that time, only medical withdrawals are accepted and a pro-rated credit towards the following season's registration fee will be provided.
Q: How much is the non-refundable BCSSA Insurance fee?
A: For 2024, the BCSSA annual fee is $45. The insurance coverage is from May 1st to April 30th and remains the same, regardless of the date of registration.
Q: If my child needs a swim assessment, should I plan on attending both evaluation dates or just one?
A: You only need to come to one evaluation and it is drop-in, no appointment necessary.
Q: What is the evaluation criteria?
A: Swimmers must be able to swim the width of the pool (15m), unassisted, using a recognizable stroke.
Q: Where does the swim assessment occur?
A: It can change year to year but typically occurs at Kin Pool in Bowen Park. Dates are set at the time of registration. In 2024, swim assessments will take place on April 27 and 28 between 10am and noon at Kin Pool.
Q: Is the registration fee all the money that will need to be paid on the registration date?
A: There is also a $100.00 Raffle fee for all families payable at time of registration. This is to pre-pay for 20 raffle tickets and families can choose to keep the tickets for a chance to win or they can sell them to friends and family in order to reimburse themselves.
Q: What are the Service/Volunteer Requirements?
A: As a non-profit organization, the club relies on the service efforts of its members to operate during the season. All returning families are required to contribute a minimum of 15 hours of service throughout the year and new families are required to complete 10 volunteer hours. Families who attend swim meets are also expected to contribute an addition 2 hrs per meet. There are many opportunities to volunteer with the club and getting involved is a great way to get to know other members and build a sense of community.
Q: Where do I record my service hours?
A: On the Team Unify website in your account. For assistance, contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected]
Q: What are any additional costs?
A: The registration fees cover all of your swimmer's practice time and coaching. There are additional fees if they participate in swim meets as well as incidental costs for optional extra curricular activities such as movie nights or other similar team building activities.
Q: What type of payment do you accept?
A: Credit Card is needed for registration as well as for meet fees.
Practices
Q: Do we have to attend all practices?
A: No, please come to as many as you can make. The more your swimmer attends the more they will improve.
Q: Does the schedule stay the same for the whole season?
A: No, there are 2 main schedules: May/June and July/August. There is also a special schedule for the first week as the swimmers are observed and assessed for group placement. For those who qualify for provincials, there is a third "post regional" practice schedule.
Q: How many times per week will my child swim?
A: Depending on age and ability, swimmers will swim between four and seven times per week. Practices will be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in length, depending on age and ability.
Q: What does the practice schedule look like?
A: Practices are Monday to Friday with some early morning practices but mostly afternoon practices. Younger/less experience swimmers typically start between around 3 and 5 pm and all practices are completed by around 8 pm. For a typical schedule (this is not the schedule for this year) click on the links - May/June, July/August.
Q: Do I get to choose when my son or daughter practices?
A: No. The swimmers are evaluated during the first week and the Coaching Team places them into the respective groups mainly based on swimming abilities but also take into consideration social connections and group dynamics.
Q: When is the best time to talk with my child’s coach?
A: Before or after practice is the best time to talk with coaches - not while they are coaching on deck. You can also email your child’s coach any questions or concerns you may have.
Q: Can I watch my child swim (from the pool deck)?
A: Parents are not permitted on the pool deck but can watch from the bleachers or anywhere outside the fence.
Q: How can my swimmer practice during the off season?
A: The Nanaimo White Rapids offer Fall/Winter Maintenance September to December & January to April, two times per week. To remain a summer swimmer you can only be coached swimming a maximum of 2 hours per week during the off season.
Swim Meets
Q: Where do I find information about swim meets?
A: On our club website. Once dates are confirmed, upcoming swim meets are typically found under the events tab.
Q: Does my child have to attend a swim meet?
A: No they do not. However, we highly recommend attending at least the Nanaimo Meet at the end of June. A swimmer must compete at a regular season meet (not including the Blue & White inter-club meet) to be able to attend Regionals in August. Swim meets are a great way for the kids to make new friends and develop bonds that will last a life time. These are the moments when summer swim club memories are created. If you don't want to commit your entire weekend to a swim meet you can choose to attend only one of the days of the meet.
Q: Who chooses what events my child will swim in at a swim meet?
A: Your child’s coach along with the coaching leadership team will decide what events to enter your child in at each meet.
Q: Does it cost money to attend a swim meet?
A: Yes, costs vary per meet. Most clubs charge a per event (race) fee although some choose to charge a flat rate.
Q: When do I pay for my meet fees?
A: Our club registrar will bill the credit card on file with any meet fees, typically withing a few weeks after the meet.
Q: What is the Blue & White Meet in May?
A: It is an inter-club meet which is run like a swim meet and the main intention is to help new families understand how a swim meet runs! This is a great season opener and gets swimmers geared up for the upcoming meets. Lots of cheers and fun are had at this meet.
Q: What do all those different officials and positions do at a swim meet?
A: It takes many volunteers to run a swim meet. Read the Descriptions of Meet Officials to learn which positions require no experience and which ones require a training course.
Apparel/Equipment
Q: What type of suit does my child need to wear?
A: It is recommended, but not mandatory for girls to wear a one piece bathing suit and for boys to wear jammers. The most durable suit to wear is a polyester blend as it will last longer than a Lycra suit. The kids can wear a wetsuit at practice but not at a swim meet. Send questions to our Apparel Coordinators, Alex Huston - [email protected].
Q: Does my child need to wear a swim cap?
A: No, but it will help to reduce chlorine damage to the hair. The best type of cap is a silicone cap. Stay away from latex; latex caps are less expensive but difficult to put on and pull at the hair.
Q: What is the best type of goggles?
A: Please get your child properly fitted for goggles (the Team Aquatics shop at the NAC is great at doing this). It is important to have properly fitted goggles as leaky ones will be problematic.
Q: Where is the lost and found?
A: The Team room has a big barrel with lost items. We will also place lost and found items out on tables regularly throughout the season.
Communication
Q: Who do I talk to if I have an unresolved issue?
A: Please contact the parent liaison at [email protected]
Q: Where is important information located?
A: Most information is available on our this website. You can find detailed information on the operation of the swim club and swim meets in the Swimmer's and Parent's handbooks also found on this website. During the season information is posted in the information cabinet on the fence and in family folders located at the pool during practices.
Q: How can I leave comments for the board of directors or the Coaching Leadership Team?
A: You can email Jaclyn Cleary at [email protected] or our head coach Rachel McInnes at [email protected]. Also check the "Contact Us" tab for other important email addresses.
Miscellaneous
Q: How many fundraisers does the club do each season?
A: NWRSC is often looking for new revenue streams as fundraising is an important activity to ensure that the club remains accessible for all 3families. Our Raffle and bottle drive are mandatory for 2024 but we also have other fundraisers such as Panago Pizza Coupons, Country Grocer's Save the Tape and our 50/50 and silent auction/raffle at the Nanaimo Invitational Meet.
Q: What is the Mile Swim?
A: There are 3 mile swims during the end of May and June (64 lengths of the pool). Swimmers can use kick boards to help them complete their mile, if needed. If a swimmer completes all 3 mile swims they will receive the Triple Crown Award at the end of season awards night.
Q: Is it mandatory to attend the mile swim?
A: No, it is a fun club activity – it is amazing how many of the swimmers can swim the mile (yes even the division 1’s can complete the mile).
Q: What is Hell Week?
A: Hell Week takes place in the middle of July. This event is planned to help strength and condition the swimmers before Regionals. They will do various physical activities along with practices during the week. If a swimmer completes all practices and all Hell Week activities they will be eligible to receive a special reward at the end of the week.
Q: Where do I find information about club awards?
A: There is a list of the major awards located in the Parent's handbook. The NWRSC Awards Ceremony is traditionally held in the fall.
Q: Where do I find club record times?
A: In the Swimmer Handbook and on the Wall Plaque located in the Team Room.
Q: How do I get reimbursed for expenses paid on behalf of the Swim Club?
A: You may find you are asked to purchase supplies for the swim club. Expenses should be approved by the board prior to making purchases. Submit your receipt with your name and an explanation of the expense to [email protected]. If there are other items on the receipt, circle to clearly indicate which you are requesting for reimbursement and submit the entire receipt or a copy.
