Further Info Regarding Colman, Volunteering, & Officials needed for WEST
WEST Families,
We wanted to touch base with all our swim families regarding some commonly asked questions in hopes to help answer many of them. Please read below and let us know if you have further questions - we’re happy to help!
Importance of Long Course training at Colman Pool
The summer season is short but can be the most crucial to year-over-year training. Swimming is one of the most demanding sports and developing into a high caliber athlete takes upwards of a decade. Long course training, specifically at Colman Pool, is a special opportunity that has significant benefit for our swimmers. Whether swimmers compete in Long Course this summer or not due to COVID, the experience gained will benefit them now and in the future. As a reminder, in non-pandemic years the entire summer season is in Long Course Meters with half of annual championships being Long Course. Swimmers hoping to someday achieve Olympic Trials must do so in Long Course as there are no Short Course equivalent time standards. Access to Colman Pool is limited, expensive and something that we as a program prioritize to offer greater potential to our swimmers. Attendance at Colman is something we will consider when reviewing a swimmer's 'good standing' with the team.
Volunteer Matching Funds Towards Fundraising
We often get asked why Volunteer Matching Funds aren't being counted towards Fundraising. It is not fair nor appropriate for us to credit families towards their fundraising requirement simply for meeting their minimum hour requirement. We always need people to go above and beyond volunteer hours, so therefore will count the matching funds towards fundraising for hours only after the requirement is satisfied.
The reconciliation of Volunteer Service Hours happens at the end of summer, after Swim-a-Thon and Fundraising requirements have been closed for the year. Therefore, any Volunteer Matching Funds for hours beyond the Volunteer Service Hours minimum requirements will be applied to the following year's Fundraising.
Officials Needed
We are very much in need of parent officials and run the risk of upcoming meets being unsanctioned if we cannot find enough officials. We must continue training new parents and we need to then continue to promote our officials to work upwards to higher positions such as starters and referees. This is a rewarding position where you can be part of the action, get a better understanding of the sport and a chance to support your child's swimming without interfering with the coaching process. WEST will reimburse all registration costs and you will easily satisfy your Volunteer Service Hour requirement. More information will be available soon for a clinic in August, please let us know if you are interested.
Below are some important links that for officials:
PNS Site for Officials (See Drop Down Menu)
Clinics: Starting in August. WEST will reimburses fee:
Stroke and Turn clinics will be available adjacent to WEST (MCCA Office Conf Rm).
USA Swimming Registration WEST reimburses fee.
Background Check. WEST reimburses fee.
