Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up my USA Swimming Account? Click Link
PRACTICE FAQs
Does my child have to attend every practice?
Please make as many as you can.
Instruction on technique are vital to your swimmer's improvement.
Think of it like missing a day of math class when the lesson is taught.
If you are in a fall sport and want to join when it ends, that is ok.
Do I have to stay and watch during practice?
No, but you are more than welcome to watch from the bleachers upstairs.
Please try to come in at the end of practice so your coach can discuss progress with you and share about practice highlights.
How do I move into a higher practice group (i.e. from Guppy to V or from V to T, etc.)
Conditioning, technique, and social development are all factors in placing your swimmer in the right fit.
Coaches and parents will work together to make sure each swimmer is socially, emotionally, and physically ready to advance.
If I can't make a practice, can I change a practice time or practice group?
Swimmers are placed in groups based on ability. These groups reflect a swimmer's technique and aerobic capacities.Practices are designed for the specific needs of that level of swimmer.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A MEET
-Click on the Meet Sign Up Tab on the website
-Find the correct meet from our list of meets
-Open and read the attached "Meet Letter" (every USA meet will have a meet letter full of information, start times, events, fees, etc.)
-Declare that your swimmer is attending by toggling the button yes/no
-View the session information and events that pull up for your swimmer (this is automatically loaded through the site design by age)
-Click next to the events you'd like your swimmer to be entered in (best times will show if they have swam it before)
-Add notes for the coach/admin if you need help deciding , can't attend a session, or can't participate in relays)
-Save and submit
-Billing and meet fees will happen automatically through your Go Motion account
MEET EXPECTATIONS
- Arrive 15 minutes before projected warm-up time
- Bring health snacks like grapes, granola bars, applesauce, pretzels, yogurt, etc. These are easy to digest for swimmers.
- Please have your swimmer sit with the team
- Talk to your coach before and after every event you swim
- Cheer for your teammates during events
- Keep your electronic devices at home
- Follow all facility rules and have good sportsmanship
MEET FAQs
Does my child have to participate in swim meets?
Meets are the best part of swimming! They gauge a swimmer's progress and give them an opportunity to shine and showcase their skills.
There are 2 required swim meets (our home meet and the Conference meet).
We try to offer at least one meet a month so your swimmer has motivation and can see thier improvment.
You may enter as many of these as you'd like, even if you are only able to make one day (session).
How do I know what my child will swim at a meet?
Once you register your child for a meet on the website, you or the child's coach can select the events they will swim. Please let your coach know if you have a limit to the number of events you want your child to swim due to cost. Swimmers will automatically be declared to swim all home meets and the Conference meet.
I registered my swimmer for a meet but now they cannot attend. What do I do?
Please contact a coach immediately. Every meet has a due date for entries to be submitted to the host team. If you have to cancel after the entry due date, you are still responsible for the meet fees.
Are swim meets free?
There is a fee per event, per swimmer for swim meets. Some meets also charge a surcharge per swimmer. Meet fee information can be found in each meet letter.
What does my child need to bring to the swim meet?
They need to bring their team cap, team suit, goggles, 2-3 towel(s), healthy snacks, water, and a marker to write their events down.
When should we arrive at the meet?
You should arrive no later than 15 minutes before projected warm-up time. This allows your swimmer plenty of time to change, stretch, use the restroom, and ask questions before the meet warm-up begins.
What should we do once we are at the meet?
Swimmers should report to the pool deck and find their coach. USA Swimming does not allow unregistered adults on deck unless they are registered as meet volunteers. Some meets do reqiure their swimmers to sign-in before walking on deck. Be on the lookout for any tables near the front of the pool deck/entrance for possible check-ins.
Where can I find information about my child's event at a swim meet?
You can look at the heat sheet which is usually available for purchase at the beginning of each session. The Meet Mobile app will also have meet event information.
When can my swimmer leave the meet?
Once your child is done swimming for the day or session, they are allowed to leave. However, we encourage each swimmer to stay and cheer on their teammates. Before leaving, please tell a coach as your child may be entered in a relay.
What kind of snacks should I be packing for swim meets?
Your child should have fruits, veggies, crackers, water, and anything with protein. Please do not pack candy or junk food of any kind. This can and will affect their performance.
EQUIPMENT FAQs
How do I order team suits?
Our team suit is a black Speedo with the MTV logo, which can be purchased on the online store. A team suit is required for all meets. Tech suits are only to be worn at Championship meets unless otherwise authorized by a coach.
Does my swimmer need any equipment?
All swimmers will need their own goggles and swim cap.
The facility has kickboards, fins, and pull buoys, but most swimmers get a mesh bag with their own items so they are always ready and the right size.
If I have a question, how do I contact my child's coach?
All coaches have an e-mail contact listed on the website under the “Coaches” tab. This is located on the second row of tabs.
You are also welcome to talk to the coaches after or before practices.
But please remember our coaches are on deck actively coaching during practice.
OTHER FAQs
What do I need to know about the sport and how USA Swimming is structured?
Can we do private lessons?
Of course! Ask your coach about our lesson schedule.
Do I still need a USA Swimming membership fee if my child won't be competing in meets?
Yes, all team members are required to become a member for insurance purposes regardless of their meet participation.
There are 3 options for membership through USA Swimming.
Can my child keep their equipment at the pool?
We have a storage room they can store their equipment in. Put all items in a mesh bag meant for swimming gear. Do not store food or drinks in the bag. The facility is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
How do I know if my child made Divisionals or State?
You can compare their times to the divisional/state cut times. You can find this here: https://www.teamunify.com/team/czinlsc/page/system/res/94124
How can I help the team?
You can volunteer to work a meet, become a sponsor, host a team event, or donate snacks/water to the team.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions or concerns?
You can talk to the board president or members for additional help.
What is the difference between the MTV Swim Team (Club) and the Mt. Vernon High School Swim Team?
The MVHS Swim Team is a school sponsored athletic team, under the policies and rules of the Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon (MSDMV) and the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). While the MTV Swim Team (MTV) is not school affiliated, it is run by a board of directors as a not profit organization and under the structure of Indiana Swimming and USA Swimming.
In simple terms MVHS swim team is the high school team. MTV Swim Team is a club team.
