Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between the groups?
A: The groups are progressively more intense and with longer and more strenuous practices. To advance through the groups, the swimmers must demonstrate both physical and technical progress. If your swimmer wants to advance please encourage them to talk to their coach and discuss the goals necessary to move up a group.
Q: What is required to be on the team?
A: To be in the Age Group, a swimmer must know how to swim freestyle with side breathing and backstroke for 25 yards without stopping and have some ability to swim breaststroke and butterfly. Each group has different requirements as the levels progress. The requirements are listed in the group descriptions on the website.
Q: How do I join the team?
A: Join our COTA family! Email [email protected] or follow the Contact Us link on our website and we'll work with you to schedule and evaluation with our coaches. We may also set up a week long trial period to make sure our team suits both you and your swimmer, and to figure out which group your swimmer best fits in.
Q: When can my swimmer move up a group?
A: Changing groups is a big step for the swimmer. That being said, a lot of progress through the groups is based on physical maturity, coupled with getting faster and demonstrating the ability to focus and pay attention to the level required by the next group. If your swimmer is fast and beats everyone in their group, but they lose technique they are not ready to move up. Put simply, there is no definite answer and if you think your swimmer may be ready talk to the coaches.
Q: Are parents required to stay at practice?
A: Not at all. Older swimmers prefer parents to drop and go. For the younger swimmers, parents can be a distraction and can prevent the swimmer from giving all of their attention to the coach and the workout. Without your swimmer’s full attention, the coaches have to work twice as hard (if not more) to help your swimmer improve. Please no parents on deck during practice. If you prefer to stay, there is seating available near the pool entrance. If you have a question please get the coach's attention and they will come talk with you. Please also feel free to email or text our coaches, they're happy to share their contact information and if needed set up a time to visit with you before or after their scheduled practices.
Q: Can parents talk to their kids during practice?
A: NO! See above. Even if a parent is swimming laps in the lane near a swimmer, any parent communication is a disruption to practice and can distract not only the swimmer, but the coach as well. If parents want to communicate with the swimmer, or have an emergency, please tell the coach and they’ll effectively communicate with the swimmer without disrupting practice.
Q: Are swim meets required?
A: Swim meets are required for Junior and Seniors practice groups. Swim meets are not required for Age Group or High School Conditioning groups.
Swim meets are a fun and engaging way to measure progress and reward hard work done at practice. Although swimmers can see long term progress in just practice attendance, meets quantify the efforts in a much more tangible way. It’s easier to tell a swimmer that they dropped 5 seconds, than for that swimmer to realize their 10x100m average has dropped 5seconds in the past two months. (Plus, ribbons and medals are fun!)
Q: How do I know when my swimmer qualifies for a meet?
A: You will be emailed an invitation to all the different swim meets we attend. When you click on the link you will be asked to attend or decline. Please choose one, otherwise you will keep getting emails! When you click attend you will be asked to choose your swimmer's events. If the event times are in black your swimmer can attend, if the times are listed in red your swimmer cannot attend.
Here are a few general rules for meets:
1. Unclassified – ALL SWIMMERS!!!
2. Meets in the beginning of the season (September – November for 25 yard short course) are typically available for all swimmers.
3. Meets in the middle of the season (December – March for short course) typically require qualifying times. These are designated by "USA Swiming Motivational Times" and can be found on our website under "Time Standards".
4. Attendance at the Unclassified meets at the beginning of the season is highly encouraged to earn the qualifying times required later in the season.
Team Unify Billing System Information
All of your membership dues and meet fees will be handled through the Team Unify billing system. Read below to find out information about the Team Unify billing system and how it works.
Q: When will I receive my bill?
A: We do not generate montly invoices, however, you may log into your secure acount at any time and view your current invoice. Our automatic billing system runs on the 1st of each month and will automatically charge your credit card or bank account. .
Q: What will be incluced in the automatic billing?
A: Billing will include your monthly dues and any applicable meet fees.
Q: How will I know when I am billed?
A: Our billing cycle runs on the 1st of each month, at that time all automatic charges will be applied to the bank account or credit card on file. You may log into your account at anytime prior to the 1st of the month to view your upcoming invoice and projected charges.
Q: Where can I find my bill?
A: You will need to login to your account to view your invoice using your login email and password. You will receive these after completing registration.
Q: What do I do if I have questions about my bill?
A: Email [email protected]
Q: How do I pay my bill?
A: You have 3 options to pay this invoice:
1) Automatically Charge Bank Account Each Month:
On the 1st of each month the amount on your invoice will be automatically deducted from your bank account. This is the COTA preferred method of payment to avoid credit card fees and keep as much dues money as possible here with the team. If you prefer this method, you must set up the auto pay in your Team Unify account by following the Auto Pay Setup Instructions. We will include these instructions in the email you receive after we approve your registration.
2) Automatically Charge Credit Card Each Month:
On the 1st of each month the amount on your invoice will be automatically charged to your credit card on file. If you prefer this method, you must set up the auto pay in your Team Unify account by following the Auto Pay Setup Instructions. We will include these instructions in the email you receive after we approve your registration.
3) On demand Credit/Debit Card Payment:
You may also log into your account at any time and pay any dollar amount of your choosing.
Q: Can I pay my bill by manual check?
A: COTA does not currently accept manual checks for recurring billing. This may be available on an exception basis, please contact [email protected] if you have circumstances that require a manual check.
We are not affiliated with Capital Area Aquatics.
