Is my swimmer expected to swim at meets?

Meets are a crucial part of swimmer development because competition is a skill that needs to be developed just like stroke technique.  At meets swimmers are able to apply the skills they have learned in practice and often they swim differently in a racing environment.  MAC sends a meet schedule to families with what meets each swimmer should compete in.  We want swimmers competing in all of the meets we recommend.  As swimmers get older move through the program, the expectations for participation in meets are higher.  In the novice groups, meet participation is strongly recommended.  In the Age Group programs, meets participation is expected.  At the Senior Levels competition is required.

How do I commit to meets?

• In the On Deck App you can click on the menu (top left) and select Events & Meet Entries.  Then select the appropriate meet and commit.
• In Team Unify, select Meets/Schedules in the top navigation bar.  Select the appropriate meet and you will be able to commit there.

Who does meet entries for my swimmer?

Your coaches will always do the entries for your swimmer.  If they have an event they are excited to swim, please have your swimmer talk to his/her coach.  You can also leave notes on the commitment page that your swimmer's coach will read.

Where can I see what events my swimmer is competing in at a meet?

• In the On Deck App you can click on the menu (top left) and select Events & Meet Entries.

Where can I find my best times?

• In Team Unify, go to "My Account", then "Members", then the "Best Times" tab.
• In the On Deck App you can click on the menu (top left) and select best times.
• Both the Deck Pass Plus (USA Swimming) and Swimmetry apps are very useful and have best times.

Where can I find results for meets?

• The Meet Mobile App is the best way to find real time and previous meet results.
• In Team Unify, you can go to "My Account" then "My Meet Results".
• In the On Deck App you can click on the menu (top left) and select meet results.

What is the difference between Short Course (SCY) and Long Course (LCM)?

• SCY is the competition season from September through March.  During this time, meets are in a 25 yard pool.
• LCM is the competition season from April through August.  During this time, meets are in a 50 meter pool.

When does Long Course season begin?

• The first LCM meets are usually in April and finish the first week in August.

What is Prelims/Finals? And, do we 'have to' come back if our swimmer qualifies for finals?

• Prelims/Finals meets are when all swimmers compete in a morning session (prelims) and the fastest 8-16 swimmers in each event come back to compete again in and evening session (finals) to determine the winner of the event.  
• MAC does expect all swimmer to compete in finals anytime they qualify.  It is an achievement to qualify for finals.  Swimmers (and families) should be proud to come back to the finals session to compete again.
• Racing well in finals is also a skill that needs to be developed.  It is often difficult to race hard in the morning then swim even faster in finals.  We take advantage of the opportunities to practice this.

Where are practices?

All of our regular scheduled practices are at Hood College.  During the summer, some groups do train occasionally at a Long Course pool.

How many practices per week should my swimmer attend?

MAC offers the number of practices per week that is developmently appropriate for each group.  We would like your swimmer to be at as many practices per week as possible.  The more they are there, the more they will get out of the program.

Should I stay and watch practices?

Once you drop your swimmer off, the MAC coaches will take care of them.  Please refer to the MAC Practice Spectator Policy.

Where does my swimmer put his/her bags at practice?

Each group at MAC sits and meets on a different section of the bleachers.  Swimmers should take all of their belongings to that section of bleachers.  This promotes a sense of independence and team but also helps save precious room in the spectator areas of the pool.

Is the MAC summer schedule different from the rest of the year?

Yes.  During the summer practice schedules are adjusted based on three factors:

1. Available pool time.
2. Adjustments to allow swimmers to compete in summer league without missing practices.
3. Groups training Long Course.

What should my swimmer bring to practice?

The most important item a swimmer needs is their water bottle filled with water.  Beyond that they will need:

• athletic shoes for dryland
• their mesh bag with the appropriate group equipment
• extra cap, goggles and suit

How does MAC determine what swimmers practice in each level?

• This decision is based on the needs and development of each athlete.  We consider physical, emotional and social needs as well as the age, maturity, practice habits and performance of our athletes.  Practices habits and work ethic are always more important in these decisions than best times.

When do swimmers move levels?

• In general, new groups are announced in July and take effect at the beginning of the next swim season at the end of August.
• Coaches are always evaluating swimmers and in some cases, swimmers do change levels mid-season.  This only happens if coaches believe that the swimmer is no longer able to get the training or development needed in their current level.

Does my swimmer have to tryout each year or to move to a different level?

• No.  Tryouts are only for new swimmers or swimmers who have left the team for a significant period of time.

When does the MAC year begin and end?

• We start each year during the last two weeks of August depending on the practice level.
• We end each year on the last Thursday in July or first Thursday in August depending on the MD LSC Long Course Championship Meet.

Do we take breaks during the year?

• Swimmers take about a 1 week break beginning the Tuesday or Wednesday before Easter.
• Swimmers have no practices from when the season ends around August 1st until we start up again at the end of August.
• In addition, swimmers have a few days off at Christmas and we do not practice on Thanksgiving Day.

Is it ok for my swimmer to do other sports?

• Absolutely, especially at the 12 and under ages.  Playing multiple sports promotes coordination, body awareness, strength and musculoskeletal development.  In addition, it is so important that our athletes decide what sport they love or they will end up not being happy down the road.  Experimenting with other sports allows them to decide what they love and want to pursue. 
• In the Senior Levels of our program it is much more challenging to play multiple sports and still get the necessary training to reach their full potential in swimming.

Why is it a big deal for my swimmer to carry their own bag to practice?

• At MAC we focus on developing life skills and character traits that will help our athletes be successful throughout life.  Independence and Accountability are two key values that we cherish and promote.  Small actions such as carrying their own bags, learning to put their caps on and cleaning up their own equipment are crucial ways we teach these values.

What practice equipment is my swimmer required to have at practice?

• Equipment Lists

What apparel is my swimmer required to have?

• Crocs, Eels, Sharks, AG1, AG2
• AG3 / AG4 / AG5
• S1 / S2 / S3

Should we compete on a community Summer League swim team?

• Absolutely.  The majority of MAC swimmers compete for their community summer league teams.  It gives our swimmers the chance to compete with their friends around Frederick and show off their hard work and success in the pool.  Many of our older swimmers also help coach for their community team.
• Just remember, summer league is supposed to be a fun activity for our swimmers.

If we have both a MAC meet and Summer League meet on the same day, which should we compete in?

• Novice Level - Generally, compete at your summer league meet on Saturday then come to the MAC meet on Sunday.  Always talk to your MAC coach about this in advance.
• Age Group Level (11-14's) - MAC meets should take precedent over summer league meets.  There are generally only a couple conflicts throughout the summer and with very few LCM meet opportunities it is important to be at these meets.
• Senior Level - Senior swimmers are expected to compete at all MAC meets.
• Please talk to your MAC coach if you have any questions or major conflicts.

What do we do if Summer League practice is at the same time as MAC practice?

• MAC practices should take priority over summer league practices.  At MAC there needs to be consistency in coaching throughout the year.  
• If this is a regular conflict, please talk to you coach to see if you can work out a schedule to be able to do both summer league practices and MAC practices.

Is it ok to do both Summer League practice and MAC practice in the same day?

• The key here is whether your swimmer is having fun doing both.  They are likely going to be in the water anyway so might as well do practice.  The main concern is if your swimmer is becoming exhausted or if the multiple practices are becoming a chore, not fun.
• Remember the reason to do summer league is to have FUN and spend time with friends.

What are our volunteer requirements?

• These vary by group and can be found here in our MAC Volunteer Policy.  You can review job descriptions HERE.

Why do we have to volunteer?

• Swimming is a sport that requires many volunteers to host meets and run a team.  Each session at one of our MAC hosted meets requires over 50 volunteers.  Because of this MAC can't operate without your help.  Part of being a swim parent is helping out the team.  
• MAC uses our own hosted meets to generate revenue so that dues and other costs to families are reduced.  The meets we host are also a benefit to all the teams in the Maryland LSC swimming community.  These meets fund our program and boost our reputation and standing in the Maryland LSC.

Can't we just pay a fee instead of volunteering?

• Technically yes.  BUT, please don't just pay the fine for not volunteering.  MAC wants your help so that we can run great meets and help the other teams around us that host meets.  At the end of the season, your account will be charged for any incomplete hours.

How often are we billed?

• You are billed for your dues monthly, on the 1st, from September - March.  This is 7 payments.  You are not billed for dues from April-August.

What other fees do we pay throughout the year?

• Entry Fees - the meets your swimmer competes in charge entry fees per event as well as a swimmer surcharge.  These fees are billed through Team Unify when MAC sends in the entries and entry fee check to the host team.
• Other fees are specifically described in our MAC Financial Policy.

How can I access my bill through Team Unify?

• In Team Unify, go to "My Account" and click on the "Dues Schedule" tab.  You will then see options for your account charges, to manage charges and see account invoices.