Mt. Carmel Force Aquatics 2025 – 2026 Registration Packet

 

We are entering our sixth year and are quickly becoming one of the best small teams in Ohio Swimming! Force Aquatics continues to evolve and strives to become better with each season. We are in the process of completing our most successful summer season to date. During the 2024-2025 calendar year, our athletes re-wrote the Force record book in the boy’s 11-12, boy’s 13-14, and girl’s 13-14 age groups (both short and long course).

 

In mid-July, Force took 21 athletes to the Ohio Junior Championships and had the highest point total of any team under 100 swimmers. Force swimmers competed in 10 relays across 2 age groups, placing as high as 2nd in the 13-14 girls 200 free relay and 4th in 2 others. For the first time ever, we qualified 4 relays in the 13-14 boy’s age group. We had one individual state champion and several runner-up finishes. Force also boasts 7 individual qualifiers for Central Zone 14 & U Championships held in Holland, MI Aug 6-10. Although we did not attend the Speedo Summer Sectionals meet, we qualified several women’s relays and individual events. Lastly, we had our first individual national-level qualifier compete at TYR Futures Championships in Greensboro, NC!

 

Head Coach Amy Saribalas will be entering her third season leading the team. One of our key objectives is to develop not only good swimmers and good athletes, but it is also to help in the emotional maturation process of our athletes. Simply put, we want our athletes to be the best people they can be, inside and outside of the pool. We pride ourselves on being positive contributors to Ohio Swimming and regularly volunteer at events to support the organization.

 

 

Registration

Registration for current members will be from July 30 through Aug 5. Evaluations for potential new team members will be held July 29 – 31 at our facility in Lewis Center. Please contact Coach Amy Saribalas ([email protected]) for more information. All potential new team members must be evaluated to assure proper training group placement. When registering, please register for the group assignment emailed to you via Team Unify unless directed otherwise by your child's lead coach. Current team members MUST re-enroll for each new season.

Enrollment is not automatic and does not roll over from the previous season. Please note the addition of several agreements added to the registration packet (i.e. attendance, championship meets, training group/evaluation, and volunteer requirements). These are in place to ensure that every parent and athlete is aware of the expectations entering each season. It goes without saying that each parent and athlete will be expected to follow the respective codes of conduct as posted on our team website as well as facility directives. Failure to abide by may result in disciplinary action as outlined by the policy posted on our team website.

** As part of the registration process, you will be asked to both read and acknowledge several team policies. By checking the box on each, you are agreeing to abide by these. You will be unable to complete the registration process without doing so.

Training Group Orientations: *new for the 2025- 2026 season

Instead of a general team meeting for parents, we will be moving towards individual training group meetings. This will allow us to better information to be presented to each group’s needs. Please look for these meetings to be held on a weekend in early September in our center’s conference room (located just inside the main entrance to your immediate left).

 

Fees:

 

Due at time of registration is the annual membership fee ($84 total) for USA Swimming ($70) and Ohio Swimming ($14) for the 2025-2026 season. All swimmers (including those in our Pre-Competitive program) must be members of USA Swimming to practice and compete. This membership also offers liability insurance while at practice and meets. If you are a returning member, this registration will be done for you via a bulk renewal process. New members must have parents create an account on USASwimming.org, add their swimmer(s) as “family” members and pay the initial membership fee themselves. Even though memberships are valid Jan 1 to Dec 31 of the same year, USA Swimming asks that we renew upon the start of the calendar year for USA Swimming (Sept 1). Also collected at time of registration is a $100 booster club fee per swimmer.

 

Due to the nature of the sport, we typically do not take on new swimmers once a season’s registration has closed. Athletes transferring from another club are the one exception. Please know that when you register, you are making a commitment for the season (Sept through March).

 

Swimmers new to our program may receive a full refund on dues/registration between the dates of Sept 2 and 16th, the first 2 weeks of the season. If a swimmer chooses to discontinue during this time, written notice to head coach is required on or before Sept 16. We will not suspend billing for extended absences (such as travel). The only exceptions where billing may be requested are in the case of extended illness or injury. If there are extenuating circumstances which prohibit a swimmer from continuing with our team, a 30 day written notice (addressed to the head coach) is required. Registration fees are non-refundable. Unresolved payment issues from prior seasons must be reconciled prior to registration.

 

Monthly fees billed to accounts DO NOT include travel costs associated with meets, meet entry fees, apparel, or training equipment. By enrolling in the Mt Carmel Force Aquatics Club, families understand that they are financially obligated to pay the total balance of all fees as outlined for the season. This is regardless of how many practices are attended. Multi-swimmer discounts: 2 swimmers (8%), 3 swimmers (10%), 4+ swimmers (12%)

 

Fees during High School season:

 

If you choose to train exclusively (“swim in”) and train completely with your high school team, your monthly training fees with Force will be reduced by 50%. You must notify Coach Amy of your intentions by Oct 15. It is not feasible to waive all monthly training fees because we depend on this revenue to sustain our team. It is not practical or possible to take on new swimmers during this short high school season just to make up the difference in lost revenue. We thank you for your understanding in this matter. We choose to keep our team on the smaller side for quality purposes. Team accounts will be assessed this 50% reduction in fees for the months of Dec, Jan, and Feb. It is recommended that swimmers request to train with Force through our “taper meet” in Nov and then join the training schedule their high school team has in place. Those swimmers opting to continue training full time with Force (or “swim out” from their high school team) will continue to pay regular training fees. No monthly training fees will be assessed for the month of March if swimmers return to attend Sr. Championships to end their season.

 

Payment Methods and Schedule:

 

All fees are billed through our Sports Engine platform. A credit or debit card must be on file in order to create an account. Accounts will be billed monthly training fees on the first of the month (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, and March (pro-rated for those swimming well into the month of March). Sept 2025 fees will be billed on the first day of the season (Sept 2). Checks are not accepted. Please note there is a processing fee attached to all ACH and credit card charges made to accounts. Our team is unable to absorb these fees and thank you for your understanding. ACH fees are typically lower than those associated with credit cards. These fees are standard across many organizations, schools, and businesses.

 

Meet Fees

 

Meet fees will also be billed to your account following the conclusion of a meet. Host teams typically charge per event (individual and relay) in addition to a facility fee (used to cover pool rental costs). Because we need to request a check from our corporate office in Chicago prior to the meet (10 days prior), we are unable to issue refunds/credits once the check request has been made. No refunds will be given for individual events that are not swum (scratched at the meet, missed events). Meet hosts do not issue refunds to teams so this makes it difficult for our team to absorb this cost.

 

Attendance Policies

 

*If you know that your child will be absent, please notify their coach ahead of time via email. Swimmers need to cc a parent on all communications to coaches per the USA Swimming Center for Safe Sport policy. Coaches need to do the same for all communications with minor athletes.

 

Attendance Policy for training groups Senior and below:

 

Consistent attendance is required for improvement in skills to occur. Force Aquatics is a competitive swim team, not a recreational program. Commitment for the entire season is expected. If your family plans on being absent for several consecutive weeks during a season, please do not register for the season. If an athlete's attendance falls below 50% at any point during a season, they will be placed on probationary status for one month. Before this happens, parents will be contacted by the coach to discuss a plan to improve attendance. If poor attendance continues, it may jeopardize a swimmer’s ability to register for the upcoming season.

 

Attendance Policy for Force Gold training group:

 

It is expected that athletes maintain a minimum of 75% attendance at all times. Exceptions are illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances as discussed with the head coach. This is our top training group and commitment is expected. If maintaining a minimum attendance rate of 75% is problematic, placement in the Force Gold group is most likely not appropriate. We have a limited number of spaces in the group as to maintain a productive training environment and prevent the overcrowding in lanes.

 

If attendance falls below 75% for 3 consecutive weeks, the head coach reserves the right to reassign the athlete to the Senior training group until the attendance rate is at 90% for 2 consecutive weeks. Failure to reach this attendance requirement (while placed in the Senior training group) will result in dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season. Before this occurs, parents will be contacted by the coach to discuss a plan to increase attendance going forward. Accounts will be billed through the end of the month in which dismissal occurs. No refunds will be issued. During the time in which the athlete is reassigned to the Senior training group, the account will continue to be billed at the Force Gold training group rate.4 Excused absences = illness, injury, family emergency, athletic activities pre-approved by coach. Unexcused absences = vacations, social events, regularly needing to miss practices as a result of poor time management

 

Communication with coach: Per Safe Sport minor athlete policy, athletes under the age of 18 must copy a parent on any communication with coaches. This applies to emails, texts, and phone calls.

 

Volunteer Requirements for Families

 

Beginning in the 2025 spring/summer season, we implemented a new volunteer program. Registering for the team means that your family agrees to make a volunteer commitment to the team. This policy DOES NOT apply to those in our Pre Competitive group. Once your child moves onto the competitive team (beginning with the Maroon group) this policy applies. If you wish to defer volunteer involvement, you may opt to have pay a $200.00 fee directly to our booster club at the start of the season or request that your team account be billed this same $200. Please contact Coach Amy by Sept 9 (following our parent meetings) if you wish to opt for this choice. Once the fee is paid, your family’s name will be removed from the volunteer tracking system.

 

Failure to volunteer for a position during the season or notify Coach Amy by Sept 9 that you opt to pay the $200 fee will result in your team account being billed a $250 fee at the conclusion of the season. We take volunteering seriously at Force because it takes everyone’s assistance to create a program that families admire and wish to be a part of. Modeling volunteerism for your children teaches them to be caring and responsible human beings. This is an integral part of our Force Aquatics culture. New families will be contacted after registration about available volunteer positions.

 

Force Aquatics Booster Club:

*Volunteer positions are coordinated and tracked through the booster club, not the head coach

 

This is an independent/non-profit organization run by our parent group. While the team is owned by Power Wellness Corporation which manages our facility for Mt Carmel Health System, we need additional funding to support all the initiatives we wish to pursue. All initiatives are to benefit our swimmers and contribute to their advancement. Meetings are held on a monthly basis in the evenings (usually 6 pm) in the conference room closest to the facility entrance. Reminders and minute summaries are emailed to membership.

 

The booster club hosts team dinners and leadership workshops, coordinates a swim a thon, assists in the purchase of training equipment, coordinates spirit wear sales, and runs an annual fall fundraiser around the OSU-Michigan game.

 

To date (all in the year 2024- 2025) we have purchased:

• 2 Colorado system backstroke ledges (Winter/Spring 2025)
• Paid for long course training sessions at the Gahanna outdoor pool (Summer 2025)
• Subsidized a new record board to be installed at our pool (Spring/Summer 2025)
• Hosted a motivational workshop conducted by Mr. Jeff Raker of Level Up Leadership (June 2025)

The club also provides a complimentary t shirt each season to all swimmers and coaches as well as awards at our annual banquet. Jr. Champ, Zone, Sectional, and national meet qualifiers receive5 complimentary caps in addition to a championship t shirt. Our senior athletes receive a shadowbox with a personalized Force cap and plaque with all records achieved during their career.

 

Volunteering @ Meets: *separate from the above volunteer assignments

 

We are often asked by host teams to assist with timing duties. This is always the case at every championship meet. Once assignments/requests are received from the host team, our volunteer coordinator (Heather Hanks) will send out a Sign Up-Genius to membership attending the meet. If you are at a meet, we ask that you consider filling a shift or even splitting a shift with another parent or family member. Swimmers 12 and over are able to volunteer as are siblings! Force has traditionally been very good about filling these positions. By doing so, it builds good relationships with other clubs and can be a factor in whether we are invited to their meets.

 

Become an Official! We need more parents to get involved!!!

 

What are the benefits?

1. Becoming a working official fulfills your volunteer requirement! (min of 3 meets/season)
2. You get meet fees waived for 1 swimmer per meet that you work (minimum 2 sessions per meet needed for reimbursement)
3. USA membership ($84) and online training fees paid for by the team
4. Free white polo shirts with a Force logo
5. Free food in hospitality at meets
6. You get to be on deck with your swimmers and get a front row seat to the action
7. New friends!
8. You give back to the sport!
9. You show your kids that you are invested in their passion!!!!!

See our website for more info. https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohfas/page/covid-procedures

 

Communication:

 

Team Website: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohfas/page/home

Billing inquiries: Coach Amy Saribalas

 

Performance group questions: Reach out to your child’s lead coach first

 

Email: All team communications will be sent via our Sports Engine platform. Individual coaches are best reached through email. They will provide this to parents at the beginning of the season along with their phone contact. This is preferred over speaking before or during practice time when coaches should be attending to their coaching assignments.

 

Coach Amy’s Weekly Communications: This initiative began in late summer 2025 to decrease the number of emails sent to membership. Included in these are meet highlights, upcoming meets and registration reminders, policy reminders, interesting readings for parents, booster club updates, ect.6

 

Team Policies

 

Force Aquatics abides by all policies set forth by USA Swimming, Ohio Swimming, and the Center for Safe Sport. We also have our own athlete, parent, and coach codes of conduct. These can all be found on our team website. https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohfas/page/home

 

Expectations for swimmers:

• Abide by policies set forth by the above -mentioned codes of conduct
• Represent Force Aquatics and Ohio Swimming with dignity, respect for self and others, while displaying good sportsmanship during practice and competition.
• 100% attendance at practice on the week of championship meets.

Apparel while in our facility:

 

Team members are expected to abide by the policies of the center. No suits outside the pool area and proper athletic attire while on the fitness floor (ages 14 and over). Athletic shoes need to be worn on the fitness floor and while doing all dryland training (this means no Crocs).

 

Locker room usage:

 

While in the facility for ANY team related activity (this includes meetings, meals, and workshops), team members MUST use the TEAM locker rooms in the pool hallway (not those in the therapy pool). This is regardless of age. Absolutely NO use of the hot tub, steam room, or sauna while in the center for team related activities.

 

Notes and Additional Considerations:

 

Unless cleared prior to practice by coach, swimmers can only attend practices for their assigned practice group. This is to ensure there is not overcrowding in lanes. No parents on deck policy- parents are not permitted to sit or stand on the pool deck during practices. This is a USA Swimming requirement we MUST abide by for liability reasons. It is also important for each swimmer to be focused on their coach’s instructions with no distractions to the coaching staff for safety reasons.

 

When groups are practicing close to facility closing time, we ask that swimmers be prompt in exiting the building and parents be prompt in picking up. Coaches cannot leave until every child is in the appropriate vehicle. Swimmers are our responsibility while in the building. We ask that parents wait outside of the rear door of the natatorium either on the sidewalk or in their vehicles. This is the only way coaches can be sure all swimmers have left safely. Coaches cannot leave the pool deck to look for lost children and Safe Sport policies prohibit us from entering the team locker rooms. If a child cannot be located, the building will be placed on lockdown.

 

There are typically no swim practices for any training group on weekends that we are attending a meet. Exceptions: Barbara Kay 8 and under championships, Senior championship meets, and those with qualifying time standards which some swimmers might not achieve (i.e. Golden Bear, UA Classic). If practice for a particular group is to be held on a “meet weekend” this will be communicated to group membership by the lead coach (via email).

 

Training groups:

Our training group compositions are based on both age and ability. Pre-Competitive, Maroon, and Force Prime groups are heavily technique focused. Force Bronze begins to incorporate some endurance training while still maintaining the important technical foundation. This endurance training is continued through Force Silver in preparation for senior level swimming. Many of our swimmers will spend several seasons in both Force Bronze and Silver since there is so much to learn before making that successful transition to Senior group or Force Gold (and senior level swimming).

 

We typically advance swimmers to the next training group at the beginning of a season. It is rare that a move is made during a season. Much consideration and discussion go into the decision to advance a swimmer. Age, emotional maturity, and the ability to successfully handle the increased workload are all important factors. Advancement is not based solely on speed. If a swimmer is advanced before they are ready, this can be detrimental to their overall/long term progress. Having success at the top of one’s training group is always helpful in developing confidence and leadership. There is always a period of adjustment in a new group and this time varies with by swimmer. Ages listed for the training groups are strictly parameters. Children develop emotionally and physically at different rates. The time and rate of development for boys and girls are vastly different. We as coaches continually stress that children cannot be compared to one another in terms of development. Parents need to realize this as well. If a child begins competitive swimming past the age of 10, they will likely not be practicing with their peers. This is just the nature of swimming. There are 4 competitive strokes that take years to develop, even if a child is athletically gifted.

 

Training Group Descriptions:

 

Pre-Competitive: Ages 10 & under. This group is designed to introduce swimmers to the concept of competitive swimming by teaching basic stroke technique while growing a love for the sport. The group meets twice a week for one hour. Swimmers are also introduced basic dryland movements which aid in developing strength, body control, and body awareness. Please note that enrollment in this group does not guarantee advancement onto our competitive team. Because this group runs parallel to our competitive groups, an annual USA Swimming membership is required ($84).

 

Swimmers are required to have their own kickboard, goggles, and fins (closed heel). A mesh bag for equipment in is highly recommended. Appropriate swim wear is also required for both boys and girls (no two-piece suits, swim shirts, baggy trunks, or leggings). Each new swimmer will receive a t shirt, cap, and team bag tag. Monthly training fees are $160.00.

 

Maroon (formerly Maroon & Silver): Ages 10 & under. This is our base level competitive group.

 

Swimmers are expected to compete at meets on a regular basis with the goals of improving both their technical skills and as well as confidence levels. Upon advancement from this group, it is expected that swimmers will be able to complete 50 meters of both freestyle and backstroke uninterrupted. They should have a basic knowledge of breaststroke and able swim a 25 of it legally. Swimmers should be working towards an understanding of butterfly through drilling and kicking with fins. They should also be comfortable diving off a starting block and beginning to learn how to do an in-water backstroke start. The concepts of circle swimming, using the clock, and team building are introduced in this group. Swimmers will practice 3x per week for one hour. Basic dryland movements which aid in developing strength, body control, and body awareness are done with coach led supervision prior to water time. Please refer to both the attendance policy and equipment lists detailed in this registration packet. Monthly training fees are $180.00.

 

Force Prime: Ages 11 & under and select 9-10 year olds.

 

This group is the next level up from our Maroon group. Regular participation is expected at meets throughout the season and required for all championship level meets that a swimmer qualifies for. Upon advancement from this group, it is expected that swimmers will be able to swim 50 meters of each stroke legally. Their skill level of forward starts should continue to grow and they should be able to successfully perform an in-water backstroke start. It is expected that they can also perform a level freestyle and backstroke flip turn. Basic direction on goal setting is introduced. Dryland training before water time also continues with this group. One of the primary goals of this group should be to qualify for Ohio Swimming Junior Championships. The group meets for two 60 min and one 75 min practice sessions per week. Monthly training fees are $200.00.

 

Force Bronze (formerly Force 1): Ages 11-14 and select 9-10 year olds.

 

This is our most diverse group in terms of age and skill level. The amount of time a swimmer spends in this group is dependent on both factors. By the time swimmers advance out of this group, they should be comfortable swimming a distance of 200 meters in backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Swimmers should be working towards competing in longer distances such as the 500 free and 200 IM. They should have a working knowledge of interval training as it relates to using the pace clock and the ability to descend effort levels. Dryland training before water time continues with this group and is expanded for those members who are ages 12 and over. Regular participation is expected at meets throughout the season and required for all championship level meets that a swimmer qualifies for. More advanced work on goal setting is introduced to this group. Again, one of the primary goals of this group should be to qualify for Ohio Swimming Junior Championships. The group meets 3x per week for 90 minutes. Please see the group’s attendance policy and equipment list outlined in this registration packet. Monthly training fees are $230.

 

Force Silver (formerly Force 2): This group is comprised mostly of 11-14 year olds.

 

Emphasis is placed on developing more endurance to build success in races 200 or longer. Like Force 1, there is still a heavy emphasis placed on stroke drills as they relate to refining technique. Swimmers also learn to train more “independently” in terms of learning send offs and tracking their times within sets. Due to depth of skills needing to be learned before advancing to our Senior and/or Force Gold groups, swimmers typically spend numerous seasons as members of group. There are 4 water practices (2 hours each) and 3 dryland sessions (45 min each). The focus of Force Silver dryland is developing core strength, increasing flexibility and body awareness/control, and injury prevention. As with our other training groups, swimmers are expected to participate regularly in meets and compete at the highest championship level meet qualified for each season. Amongst the goals for this group are qualifying for Jr. Championships, placing at this meet, and qualifying for Central Zone championships. The equipment list is posted within this packet as is our attendance policy. Monthly training fees are $260.00.

 

Senior Group (formerly Force 2+):

 

This group is exclusively for high school age athletes who are at the upper training level of the Force Silver group. The purpose of this group is to allow high school age swimmers to train with their peers, something which is important to development as well as retention rates for this age group. As with Force Gold, emphasis is on advanced and competitive stroke technique, racing strategies, and strength/conditioning. There are a total of 4 water practices (2 hours each) and 3 dryland sessions (45 min each). One goal of this group is to progress to the level of advancement to the Force Gold group. Another is for swimmers to achieve qualifying times to advance them to the district level meet. Season planning and goal setting are emphasized with this training group as well as with Force Gold. On select days of the week, the Senior group will practice alongside Force Gold. This is done so that our entire group of high school swimmers can be in the water at the same time. Attendance at the highest level of championship meet qualified is a requirement for membership in the Senior group. Equipment requirements are the same as for the Force Gold group. Please see our attendance policy outlined in this packet for additional details. Monthly training fees are $260.00.

 

Force Gold (formerly Force 3):

 

This is our top level training group for high school age athletes and select 13-14 year olds. The group does 5 water (2 hours each) and 3 dryland practices (45 min each) per week. We are offering a new option this season to train on Wed and Fri mornings (water) and Mon, Tues, Thurs mornings (dry). This would be in place of evening practices. Emphasis is on advanced competitive stroke technique, racing strategies, and strength/conditioning which complements water practices. Season planning and goal setting are important pieces of a swimmer’s development at this level. Attendance at the highest.level of championship meet qualified for is required of all members. Amongst the goals for swimmers in this group are to qualify/score at Jr Champs (13-14 yr olds), qualify and score at Central Zone Championships (14 & U), qualify for Speedo sectionals, Futures, and Jr/Sr National meets. Equipment requirements are listed in this packet and on our website. Swimmers are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance and compete on a regular basis. Please see our attendance policy section in this packet for additional details. Monthly training fees are $280.00.

 

Dryland Training:

 

We are pleased to offer dryland sessions for training groups Silver, Senior, and Force Gold with a certified fitness specialist. Sessions are tailored for each training groups in terms of age and objectivesbwe are pursuing in the water. All three of these groups meet 3x per week, either before or after water practice. Dryland training is meant to supplement and complement what are doing in the water. Focus is on flexibility/range of motion, core strength, and explosiveness (via plyometrics). The program is aimed at both strengthening as well as preventing injury. We are fortunate to have a lead coach who is also a practicing doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Coach Amy San Filippo works with our athletes both in and out of the water to maximize their potential. High school age athletes train on the fitness floor at least two sessions per week. We also utilize the conference room where the majority of our equipment is located. The younger training groups (Maroon, Force Prime, and Pre-Competitive) do basic exercises under coach supervision on the pool deck prior to getting in the water. All dryland training sessions are included in monthly training group fees.

 

Coaching Staff:

• Force Gold Lead: Amy Saribalas
• Senior Lead: Amy San Filippo
• Force Silver Lead: Amy Saribalas
• Force Bronze Lead: Eric Gerlach
• Force Prime: Liz Eng
• Maroon Lead: Kylie Baker
• Pre-Competitive Lead: Kylie Baker
• Assistant Coaches: Joey Hanks, Aubrey Pritchard, Oliver Newcomb
• Dryland fitness specialist: Vince San Filippo, Amy San Filippo

Team Equipment and Uniform:

 

Force has team stores through Swimville USA and Swim Outlet. There are links to both on our website. Swimville USA also has a physical store at: 837 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 (Olentangy Plaza near Microcenter). Please call before you go as they have varying hours depending on the day. Parkas and warm ups can be ordered through the Swim Outlet team store. We also have a spirit wear vendor to order through. This information may be found our our team site.

 

All swimmers are required to have their own gear. At competitions, swimmers are required to wear a Force cap and black suit. You may have our logo placed on a suit by taking it into the Swimville store.

 

Swimwear:

 

Swimmers are expected to arrive at practice with a competitive quality suit that fits snugly and conforms to USA Swimming regulation 102.8.1.

• Boys- the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees
• Girls- shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the knee).

Suits or trunks that are baggy and loose-fitting are a drowning risk, especially for inexperienced swimmers. Please do not wear swim shirts or 2 piece bathing suits.

 

If your child has hair that fall below the shoulders or covers their eyes, they need to wear a swim cap. This is for safety reasons and allows children to move more easily through the water.

 

Equipment Lists:

 

Pre Competitive

• Kickboard
• Fins (closed heel and long)
• Cap and goggles
• Mesh bag for storage of equipment
• Water bottle
• Competitive style swimsuit (no swim shirts, baggy trunks, two piece suits)

Force Maroon (formerly Maroon & Silver)

• Kickboard
• Fins (closed heel and long)
• Mesh equipment bag
• Water bottle
• Cap & goggles (keep extra in bag)
• Competitive style swimsuit (no swim shirts, baggy trunks, two piece suits)

Force Prime

• Kickboard
• Fins (closed heel and long)
• Mesh equipment bag11
• Water bottle
• Cap & goggles (keep extra in bag)

Force Bronze (formerly Force 1)

• Snorkel (new requirement for spring/summer 2024 season)
• Kickboard
• Fins (closed heel and long)
• Mesh equipment bag
• Pull buoy
• Water bottle
• Aap, goggles (keep extra in bag)
• Fin socks (optional)

​Force Silver (formerly Force 2)

• Kickboard
• Fins (closed heel and long)
• Pull buoy
• Snorkel
• Mesh equipment bag
• Hand paddles (prefer yellow Finis brand)
• Fin socks (optional)
• Water bottle
• Cap & goggles

Force Gold and Senior Group (formerly F3 and F2+ respectively)

• Kickboard
• Fins (long or short, but prefer BOTH)
• Pull buoy
• Snorkel
• Mesh equipment bag
• Hand paddles (prefer yellow Finis brand)
• Nose clip
• Fin socks (or crew socks if needed)
• Water bottle
• Cap & goggles (extra in bag)
• Tempo trainer (optional but encouraged)

Meet Schedule and Notes:

 

The meet schedule is subject to change. We will do our best to communicate changes asap. There is always a chance our team could be closed out of a meet (that we wanted to

attend) due to over subscription.

 

All swimmers are required to attend the highest level meet for which they qualify for.

• All 14 & under who don’t qualify for Jr champs are required attend regional champs
• All Jr Champ qualifiers are required attend Jr Champs12
• All 15 & over swimmers are required attend Sr. Champs
• All swimmers who qualify for a national level meet are required to attend. Reimbursement may be obtained through Ohio Swimming

Participation in Central Zone Championships is optional

 

Whenever there is a national meet in which a Force swimmer qualifies, the head coach will attend this meet. If there is another meet at which Force swimmers are competing, arrangements will be

made for assistant coaches to cover these coaching assignments.

 

100% attendance is REQUIRED the week of your championship meet. This is crucial for getting the best results possible. This also keeps swimmers “mentally engaged” in the preparation

process and adds to the excitement level.

 

Entering meets and attendance:

 

Meet attendance is CRUCIAL for the development of a swimmer. Performance at meets is a measure of progress as well as a learning experience for both swimmer AND coach.

 

PLEASE make an effort to attend meets!

• Parents are responsible for “committing or declining” each meet on the schedule via their Sports Engine account
• Swimmers are asked to actively participate in choosing events for a meet
• The coaching staff is exploring the idea of designating one event per meet that each swimmer in the group will swim. This is to encourage swimmers to try new events in an effort to diversify their training.

How to enter a meet, what to bring to a meet:

 

https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohfas/page/teamfeed/how-to-enter-a-meet

https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ohfas/page/teamfeed/meet-prep

 

Parent Education: Please see our website for helpful information and readings under this tab

Thank you for making Force Aquatics your team of choice! We look forward to another great season in and out of the pool!