WELCOME

 

Welcome to the Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team and the rewarding world of competitive swimming! We’re committed to making all swimmers feel that they're a valuable part of this team and program. The team has been in existence since 1980 and carries a tradition of excellence that has created many champions in swimming and academics. Nurturing the student-athlete philosophy, we have also helped to create outstanding citizens such as doctors, teachers, brokers, and many other business professionals. We can assure you that you will have years filled with challenge, excitement, fun and camaraderie! We welcome all children, regardless of race, creed or national origin. 

 

Our team is registered as a non-profit organization. We appreciate the generous support of the community, local merchants, civic organizations and most importantly, the members of the team! The Wahoos Of Wellington Swim Team is a proud member of USA Swimming and the Florida Gold Coast.

 

We look forward to working with your swimmer(s)! Our team is a year-round, competitive swimming team offering instruction, training, and competition to young people of all ages and abilities.

 

 

OUR MISSION  

 

The Wahoos of Wellington’s program is dedicated to providing opportunity and encouragement for all of its swimmers to make an uncompromising commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Team members strive for elevating performances and teamwork to develop a championship character and mindset. As an organization, we will protect our swimmers by providing a safe, healthy and positive environment for all of our athletes.

 

OUR VISION

Our program was established to provide a structure which competitive swimming could help each athlete reach their personal potential and strive to reach obtainable goals and achieve success. The lessons of success in the pool, the discipline, hard work and dedication will transfer to a productive and successful life.

 

TEAM CORE VALUES

 

• It will be professionally managed and directed by the head coach, with significant contributions from the assistant coaches. 
• It will be supported by swim parents and the Village of Wellington.
• All programming will be athlete driven, at all times.
• The primary focus of the team is to encourage each and every member to achieve his/her peak individual potential as a competitive swimmer and to develop a love of swimming as a life-long source of fitness and health.
• A swimmer can only achieve his or her highest competitive potential through effort and dedication. This requires significant sacrifices in the time devoted to training and in adopting a single-minded focus on training goals. The rewards for swimmers come first in the form of success in competitions, but also in self-confidence, fitness, highly developed time-management skills and a self-discipline that will carry over into all life skills and professions.

 

 

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

Participation in our programs are open to all eligible swimmers who meet our qualification requirements regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

 

 

ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The expectations governing our conduct is designed to help ensure that everyone in our swimming community is treated with respect and are allowed the same opportunity to achieve success without bullying, insult, threat, or harassment. These expectations apply to all forms of conduct and communications, whether its verbal, written or electronic. 

 

• I will respect my teammates and coaches at all times. These expectations apply to all forms of conduct and communications, whether its verbal, written or electronic.
• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets.
• I will set a good example of behavior for my teammates.
• I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, inappropriate or illegal. The consumption or purchase of alcohol, smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco or use of any other illegal drug or substance of any kind is prohibited. Team members involved with or in the presence of others using these substances will be considered as participating.
• I agree to and abide by the policies and procedures explained in the USA Swimming and Wahoos of Wellington Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies listed on our website.
• I understand that if I violate this code of conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action determined by my coaches (verbal warning, written warning, suspension or termination).

 

LOCKER ROOM POLICY

The use of the Wellington Aquatic Center’s locker rooms is a privilege for all swimmers. It is a public facility and locker rooms are shared with the general public. During practice hours the general public has limited access to the pool thus limiting the number of non-team members in the facility during those times.

• I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions and team activities. Inappropriate or destructive behavior in the locker rooms will result in a loss of locker room privileges. In the event a specific action cannot be attributed to a athlete the team may lose locker room privileges.
• No eating is allowed in the locker rooms.
• The use of cell phones or any other voice/video recording devices are prohibited.

 

ATHLETE RESPONSIBLITIES 

 

• It is essential for swimmers to attend practice as scheduled.  
• Swimmers are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early for practice. This will give the swimmer ample time to gather their equipment and use the restroom. Swimmers should be ready to swim five minutes prior to the start of their practice.
• Swimmers are expected to stay for the entire practice. In the event that the swimmer needs to be dismissed early from practice, coaches should be notified in advance. 
• Swimmers should have goggles, swim caps, and all necessary gear in good working order. 
• Swimmers should memorize their best times for their events. 
• Swimmers should know their training schedule. This includes dry-land practices, so that the appropriate equipment is brought, if applicable. 

 

INJURY AND ILLNESS POLICY

Whenever possible, the coach should be informed in advance of an illness or injury, regardless of how serious or trivial it may be. If an athlete will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify your coach by email.

 

WEATHER POLICY

During bad weather conditions please check the Wellington Rainout Line App for Wellington Aquatic Center delays or closures. If swimmers are pulled out of practice because of lightning, they must first check with their coach before leaving. Communication regarding practice cancellation due to weather will be sent as soon as possible.

 

 

SWIM MEET ATTIRE

• All swimmers must wear their Wahoo Team Swim Cap .
• For Championship Meets, team shirts are provided and should be worn. 
• Exhibit a positive image for our team by wearing our logo and setting a good example for other team members. 

 

• No Technical Suit (Tech Suit) may be worn by any 12 & Under USA swimming athlete member in competition at any sanctioned, approved or observed meet. This rule is in effect for all USA Swimming competitions in the United States.

 

SWIM MEET POLICIES FOR ATHLETES

• BE ON TIME!!! Swimmers must follow warm-up times stated in the host meet information and find their coach to check-in upon arrival. 
• Swimmers must speak with a coach before leaving the meet.
• Swimmers must sit with the team and participate in all team meetings and cheer on their teammates when possible. 
• Swimmers are expected to talk to their coach before and after each event.
• Swimmers must warm down after each event.
• Swimmers must be respectful to all swimmers, coaches, officials and volunteers.
• Swimmers are expected to leave the team area clean and in a neat condition, throw away trash and clean-up after themselves. 

 

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

• Show respect and be polite to everyone. 

 

• Follow USA Swimming Safe Sport Policies located under the Safe Sport tab on the team website. 

 

• All parents agree to read, understand, and abide by the Wahoos of Wellington Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) listed on the team website.

 

• Have your swimmer arrive on-time for practices and meets.

 

• Help your swimmer to organize their time so that they will be successful in school and in the pool. Attendance is essential to experiencing success in the pool.

 

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship. Always maintain self-control. Win gracefully. Lose graciously. Congratulate our opponent(s). 

 

• Assume the best from coaches and officials. We all want to see your swimmers succeed and meet their individual goals. 

 

• While at Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team functions, facilities and meets, always represent the team in a positive and respectful manner. 

 

• Know your role: Swimmers swim. Coaches coach. Officials officiate. Parents, parent!! 

 

• Love your kids with positive reinforcement and encouragement. 

 

• Do not coach your child at practice or during meets. 

 

• Do not distract the swimmers or coaches by interfering in practices or meets, observe practice from the approved viewing areas. (not behind the coach or in direct line of the swimmers).

 

• If you have a concern about your swimmer, please make arrangements to meet with the coach privately after practice or send your coach an email.

 

• VOLUNTEER: Outside of the coaching staff, the team operates on a strictly volunteer basis. It is imperative that parents volunteer to help support the team in whatever capacity you can offer! Whether it’s supporting any of the team activities that occur through the year, transporting the team tents to meets or pitching in when you see a need. Our volunteers are critical to the success and enjoyment your child will benefit from while being on the team! 

 

• In extreme circumstances, Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team maintains the right to suspend or terminate any membership with or without cause.

 

 

PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT DURING MEETS 

 

• Respond in a timely manner for meet entries, before stated deadline. The coaching staff will make final decisions on each swimmer’s meet entries. It is up to the swimmer to know which races and events they are entered. 

 

• Show up to the meet early to ensure your swimmer has time to check-in with their coach and be prepared to enter the water at the specified warm-up time before the meet.

 

• During competitions, questions or concerns regarding decisions made by a meet official are directed to the coaches. Please do NOT discuss a disqualification with a USA Swimming Official. 

 

• When finished competing for the day, please assist your child in cleaning-up the team area when leaving the event.  

 

• DO NOT take photographs or videography behind the starting blocks. 

 

• Pay your meet fees on time. 

 

• Home Meets: The team facilitates approximately 4 “home meets” per year. It’s a mandatory requirement that at least 1 parent volunteer per day that your child is racing, to support activities such as timing, concession stand operations, hospitality, front gate, food prep/grill, etc. It’s also a requirement to support the team with food donations as outlined in the meet sign-up information, per meet. Any parent who has a child swimming in a home meet but does not volunteer will be charged a $75 volunteer assessment, per meet. Volunteering for a home meet is critical to the success of the meet and is standard practice in the sport of competitive swimming. 

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Being a member of the Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team is a privilege, and members and athletes are expected to portray themselves, their team, and their community in a positive manner at all times.

1. Members will not use derogatory language, including sexist, racist, homophobic, obscene, or profane material of any kind.

2. Members will not use social media to degrade, demean, or attack any person, team, or organization.

3. Members will not use social media to contact team coaches.

4. Members will only post appropriate material to tag in our team profile or any USA Swimming social media platform.

 

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Monthly Program Fees must be paid by the 1st of each month at the Wellington Aquatic Center Office or online. After the 5th of the month, a swimmer may not practice, compete in meets or participate in team events until the monthly fee is paid.

We do not pro-rate monthly or yearly fees. Monthly obligations are due whether you practice one day or all practices offered per calendar month. All fees are non-refundable.

 

Monthly Team Fees for 2025

 

 

 

New Member Fees

Team Swim Cap: $15

Team Shirt: $15

 

Team Annual Fees 

All Annual Fees are due at swimmer sign-up and must be renewed at the end of the year by all members. Annual Fees are paid online, on our website home page and covers items such as insurance fees, Team Unify fees, website hosting fees, administrative fees, etc.

2025 Annual fee: $195

Booster Club Annual Dues

The efforts and contributions of the Wellington Wahoos Booster Club and our team parents positively impact the morale of the swim team by planning team activities such as: The Annual Team Banquet, Team Travel Meets, Championship Meet Dinners, The Spring Egg Hunt, The Summer Beach BBQ, The Holiday Bowling Party and other fun events throughout the year. While the team may charge a small fee for some of the larger events, this only covers a small portion of the expenses incurred by the team annually. Additionally, The Booster Club funds are also used to subsidize costs of team supplies, equipment, Championship T-shirts, team swim caps and annual grant scholarship funds for selected graduating seniors. Other activities supported by The Booster Club may include Continuing Education for our coaches and incurred travel expenses as well. This Fee is collected with Team Annual Dues each year. 

 

2025 Booster fee: $50 per swimmer

 

USA Swimming Registration 

All Wellington Wahoo Swim Team members must be registered members of USA Swimming. This requirement allows Wellington Wahoo Swim team members participation in USA Swimming meets, USA Swimming insurance coverage, certified USA Swimming coaches and more.

All new and renewing members to USA Swimming will register for this when they join the club. This amount is paid directly by the parent to USA Swimming.

During the month of October, you will receive a team specific link directing you to register or renew your child for USA Swimming.

 

USA Swimming Membership Options for 2025:

• USA Swimming FLEX Membership (12 and under athletes, only) $30 per athlete. This is renewable annually, one time, with full membership into USA Swimming and 2 competitions only. This membership is not recommended for Wahoo swimmers. 
• USA Swimming Premium Membership (no difference for age) $85 per athlete. This membership is renewable annually, with full membership into USA Swimming and unlimited competitions.

 

 

Swim Meets 

Members are required to set-up a swimmer account on our website, with an active credit card. Funds are deducted from this account to prepay for your swimmer's meet entry fees and other team expenses you may incur. To facilitate this process, your online credit card will be invoiced prior to each meet and deducted the amount indicated on your bill.

These fees are NOT included in monthly team fees or registration fees. 

 

For each swim meet, swimmers are required to pay a meet surcharge (flat rate fee to enter), plus a per-event fee along with other miscellaneous fees as billed by the host team. The amounts for these fees can be found in the host meet information documents posted on each event page of our website or the host team website.

 

Meet Fees are not refundable. Should an account fall behind on payments an athlete may be restricted from entering further events if their balance of fees is not paid.

 

 

Championship Meets and Meets at and Above USA Swimming Sectional Levels

 

Wellington Wahoo Swim Team includes an additional charge for each Championship Meet and meets at and above USA Swimming Sectional levels to help cover the cost of relay entries and coaches’ travel. A minimum of $25 will be added (per swimmer). Coaches work diligently to be cost-effective and reasonable with all expenses when traveling. 

 

 

TRAINING GROUPS

Our swim team program is divided up into five groups/teams, based on ability and age of the athletes. Please note that the following information is only guidelines and are not absolute. We will place each swimmer into the group that is best for them, based on their ability and age. Just because a swimmer ages up, does not mean they are ready for the next group. Each child develops differently and at different times. The physical and mental maturity of each athlete is also taken into consideration specific to group placement.

 

Nickel 

For our novice swimmers  

Bronze

For our intermediate swimmers 

Silver & Steel

For our advanced swimmers 8 - 12yr 

Copper

For our intermediate swimmers 13 & Up.

Gold

For our advanced senior swimmers 13 & Up.

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Our team website contains all information about the team including practice schedule, team fees, swim meet info, top times, team events, billing, etc.

Our main communication line is email and notifications through Team Unify. Please download the app and check periodically for team information.

Should you have a question or concern about your swimmer that needs to be addressed with a coach, please email them directly. The coaches’ email addresses are listed on our website. Please do not approach a coach during practice hours to have a swimmer-specific conversations. 

Please note that Team Unify facilitates all team website hosting and backend infrastructure; If/when issues arise with the Wahoo website account(s), the team works through Team Unify to address whatever issue may have occurred.