Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS?

A:  LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS is primarily structured to enable individuals to accomplish their individual goals within a team environment and welcomes swimmers of all capabilities

Q: How is LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS TEAM structured?

A:  LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS provides a well-rounded, quality, competitive swimming program for young people of all ages and swimming abilities.   

Q: How do we obtain information about practice and meet schedules?

A:  For information concerning the swim club schedule and all team activities information will be sent via SPORTSYOU and sometimes email at this time.  Joining SPORTSYOU and looking for updates frequently is required.

Q: How is the business of administrating LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS handled?

A:  LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS is a nonprofit corporation.  The only paid employees are our coaches. Head coach has supervisory responsibility for the entire swim program and day-to-day operations.  Assistant Coaches take their direction from Head coach. LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS consists of a Board of Directors, all of whom must be members. Elections are held bi-annually in July for President, Treasurer and Secretary/Registrar with staggered terms according to the Bylaws.  Other board positions are appointed as needed. The LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS Board serves to monitor and review club operations, including problems, which may arise. The Board is also responsible for advising the coaching staff concerning matters pertaining to the team. As of January 1, 2025, the Board of Directors is as follows:

President – Julie Malone

Treasurer – Nicole Hallan

Secretary - Jessica Nelson

Members at Large- Mallory Williams, Alex Nelson, Greg Slemons

Q: What are LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS  obligations and how does  LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS  support itself?

A:  The Board of Directors provides pool availability through contract with the Longview Independent School District and assures that the activities and communications related to the team are conducted appropriately.  The coaching staff provides organized practices and professional swimming technique, training and instruction to provide the best opportunity for your child's swimming success. LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS supports itself through membership fees and fundraising activities.  The cost associated with running a swim team is enormous, particularly those costs enumerated above.

Q: What is USA Swimming Membership and why is it required?

A:  As a USA Swimming licensed swim team, LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS is obligated to ensure all swimmers (except Developmental Group) are members of USA Swimming, Inc.  It is also necessary for participation in any USA sanctioned swim meet. USA Swimming provides LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS liability insurance in the event of an accident, and the swimmers medical insurance to cover catastrophic medical costs incurred during a sanctioned activity, including LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS practices and activities.

Q: What are the swimmer's obligations to LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS?

A:  Swimmers are athlete members of North Texas Swimming (NT) and USA Swimming, Inc.  Their primary obligations are to enjoy themselves, make new friends, practice hard, attain their swimming goals and conduct themselves as young ladies and men in accordance with LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS and USA Codes of Conduct.

Q: What are parental obligations to LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS?

A:  Parent's most important obligation is to provide constant encouragement to your child.  Additionally, parents are considered active LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS members and are invited to attend parent meetings and hold office.  Providing quality swim instruction and water time for your children requires a time commitment, in addition to the fees paid. All LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS members are  unpaid volunteers  who also hold down full-time jobs, limiting their availability for LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS responsibilities.  As a result, their willingness to work together and rely on one another is paramount to LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS’ success.

Q: I have other obligations as well. Why should I volunteer?

A:  The larger the number of volunteers the less of a burden on any individual.  Moreover, most of the personnel you observe at meets, while committed to provide whatever is required, have senior swimmers and will phase their participation out over the next few years as their children move on to college.  The overwhelming majority of this commitment is through the Board of Directors. The best reason to volunteer may very well be that volunteers develop a better understanding of LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS’ internal operations and the rules under which we function.

Q: Can I specify what I volunteer for?

A:  Certainly.  Each of us has certain talents and attributes which, when put to proper use, would benefit LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS.  We also gain personal satisfaction in different ways. There is obviously more value to each of us as individuals, and the team in general, if we can volunteer for activities we will enjoy and will benefit the club at the same time.

Q: Why do we need so many volunteers at a swim meet?

A:  It is important to first understand that the primary purpose of officials and timers at a meet is to ensure compliance with the technical rules of swimming, provide a safe venue, and ensure that no one individual has an advantage over another, in other words, to ensure a level playing field.  Other functions - awards, announcer, concessions, and hospitality provide encouragement, information and sustenance to everyone in attendance.

Q: How can I become more involved?

A:  Talk to any LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS board member.  Current board members are listed on the LONGVIEW METRO AQUATICS website.

Q: I still have questions. Who can I contact for more information?

A:  You can e-mail us at [email protected] anytime!