BASIC TEAM INFORMATION
Q: Tell me about the Bulldog Aquatic Club?
A: The Bulldog Aquatic Club (BAC) was formed by a group of families in January 1964 and is a competitive swim team, not a recreational one. It is one of the oldest active clubs in South East Michigan! Swimmers are coached by professional swim coaches and compete in meets sanctioned by Michigan Swimming and USA Swimming. Practice groups are assigned based on skill and ability, determined by the coaches.
Q: How can I find out information about the team?
A: Information about the team can be found here on the BAC website, which is updated regularly. Most information is accessible without signing in, but full access requires registration and login. The website includes sections like Coach’s Corner for training tips, links to Michigan Swimming for times and rankings, and contact information for further questions or concerns.
SESSIONS AND DUES/FEES
Q: Do I have to join for the full year?
A: No, there are three sessions per year: Fall (Session I) starting September 1st, Winter (Session II) starting January 1st, and Summer (Session III) starting May 1st. Summer session can be half or full to allow time off in July and August. Registration for each session is required and opens a few weeks before the session starts. Please note that specific session start and end are susceptible to minor changes each year.
Q: Is my continued membership on the team guaranteed if I don’t swim all 3 sessions?
A: No, priority is given to currently active members. If a group fills up, you may be placed on a waitlist managed by the membership chairperson.
Q: What does it cost to be a member of the team?
A: All team members must join Michigan Swimming, with a fee collected and forwarded by BAC. Dues vary by practice group and session length, and there are additional fees for swim meets. The current dues schedule is available on the website under the Our Team tab.

TEAM COMMUNICATIONS

Q: How do Coaches and Board Members Communicate?
A: We use Group Me (iOS and Android Mobile App) and Email. SportsEngine Accounts (aka your login) will receive email communications regarding registration for Meets and for our Sessions.

Q: How do I sign up for Group Me?
A: Use this link :  https://groupme.com/join_group/98002507/e475HcMZ or Scan the QR Code Below.



 
TEAM OBLIGATIONS INCLUDING VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Q: Besides paying dues and fees, what are my other obligations as a member of the team?
A: Obligations include abiding by codes of conduct, submitting a concussion form, paying dues and fees timely, picking up swimmers on time after practice, and keeping emergency contact forms updated. Non-compliance may result in suspension or removal from the team.
Q: What are the Codes of Conduct?
A: BAC has a parent and athlete code of conduct outlining expected and prohibited behaviors, available during online registration and on the website.
Q: When must I pick up my child after practice to be considered timely?
A: Parents must be at the practice pool at the conclusion of practice. We understand that life happens, Late fees may be assessed for late pickups. The policy is available on the website under Forms and Policies.
Q: Why do I have to fill out and sign a concussion form?
A: State law requires a signed concussion form from all swimmers, providing information about concussion symptoms. Once submitted, it remains on file for the swimmer’s membership duration.
Q: What other forms must I submit in hard copy besides the concussion form?
A: All swimmers must submit updated Athlete Emergency Contact forms annually, available on the website under Forms and Policies.
JOINING THE TEAM FOR THE FIRST TIME
Q: How can I join the team?
A: Prospective members must undergo an evaluation by coaching staff before each session. Contact the membership chairperson at least a month before the session start date to schedule an evaluation, bringing the Athlete Emergency Contact Form and Concussion Form.
Q: How do I register to swim on the team as a new swimmer?
A: After evaluation and group placement, new swimmers can register online. Registration details are on the website, and questions can be directed to anyone on the Board.
RETURNING MEMBER REGISTRATION
Q: Once my swimmer has joined the team and wants to continue swimming with the team, what do I need to do?
A: Swimmers must register online for each session they wish to swim. Returning members can register via the website, and will be notified by email when registration opens.
PRACTICES AND PRACTICE GROUPS
Q: How do I know what practice group my swimmer will swim with?
A: Group placement is based on skill level and is determined by the coaches. New swimmers are evaluated for placement, and movement to a higher group is communicated by email from the coach.
Q: Does my swimmer have to attend all practices to remain in the practice group?
A: Attendance at all practices is encouraged but not required. Missing practices may affect a swimmer’s performance and development.
Q: What can my swimmer do to improve?
A: Consistent attendance at all scheduled practices, including dryland practices if applicable, is the best way for swimmers to improve.
SWIM MEETS
Q: What swim meets must my swimmer swim in?
A: As a competitive team, participation in swim meets and championship meets is expected. At least two team meets per month are typically identified for participation.
Q: Does my child have to swim every day of a team swim meet?
A: No, swimmers are encouraged but not required to participate in all days of a meet.
Q: How are the events my child will swim in a meet chosen?
A: Swimmers usually choose their events, with guidance from coaches if needed. Coaches will help select events if there is uncertainty.
Q: How are relays chosen?
A: Relay teams are selected by the coaching staff, aiming to create the fastest possible teams, especially for championship meets.
Q: How do I enter my child in a swim meet?
A: Entries are submitted online via the Events tab on the website by the entry deadline. To make things easy for parents, meet fees are collected by BAC and submitted to the host team.
Q: How do I communicate with my child during a swim meet?
A: Parents should not communicate with their children during meets to avoid distractions. In case of emergency, contact a safety officer to relay a message.
TEAM SUITS AND APPAREL
Q: What type of swimsuit must my child wear?
A: Team-designated suits, available at a discount from Different Strokes Swim Shop in Livonia should be worn at meets.
Q: Where can I get team shirts or other apparel?
A: BAC team apparel can be purchased through the vendor at the fall parent meeting.