Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the GAC team practice?
The team practices concurrently in Kalispell at The Logan Health Care Fitness Center (The Summit) and in Whitefish at The Wave Aquatic & Fitness Center. These sessions are conducted M-F after school. You choose the site that is most convenient for you.
How do I register my child in the GAC Team?
See the "How to Register" document for detailed steps.
Is there a trial membership?
Yes. The swimmer must be able to swim a 25 yard freestyle and 25 yard backstroke. See the "How to Register" document for detailed steps.
What are the GAC Fees and how do I pay them?
The fee depends on your child's age and hours of practice per week. See the "Swim Levels" tab on this page. Payments are processed monthly from the payment method you set up with your online account on this website. Also see the "How to Register" document for details.
Do the fitness center's offer a discounted membership for swimmers?
Yes and no. Both Logan Health and the Wave both offer 13 and under memberships for members of the swim team, then directs them to membership services for both pools. For Logan Health, please visit https://www.logan.org/fitness/logan-health-medical-fitness-center/become-a-member/. For the Wave, please visit https://www.whitefishwave.com/membership/.
Are there costs in addition to GAC Fees?
Yes. You must buy a membership at USA Swimming; you must be a member at the fitness center (Summit, Wave) where your child practices. Parents are invited to provide 20 hours of voluntary work per year for the team in the form of jobs at GAC swim meets or fund-raising events. See the "How to Register" document for links to these entities.
How many swim meets will my child join?
Your child is expected to participate in three meets during the Short Course (25 yard pool) season in the Fall/Winter timeframe; another three meets during the Long Course (50 meter pool) season. The GAC team hosts two meets during each season; the other meets are 'away' in Missoula, Helena, Bozeman, Butte. However, the swim parents choose which meets, if any, their swimmer participates in, using the online 'Events and Competition' page, where event registration opens up about a month prior to the event. If your child qualifies with a State BBB time or better in their age group, then your child may compete in the State Finals for that swim season. The State Finals are usually in February and August (Short & Long Course, respectively) in Missoula or Bozeman.
What should I do to prepare my child for a swim meet?
Check out the "Swim Meet 101" document.
What is the practice schedule for my child?
The schdule depends on the swim level of your child. The level is assigned by the head coaches. See the "Swim Levels" tab on this page and the "How to Register" document.
How is GAC organized?
See the "GAC Board" document.
Who do I contact for other queries?
Please email [email protected]
