Frequently Asked Questions about Northfield Swim Club
WHEN AND WHERE IS PRACTICE HELD?
Practice sessions from September until the beginning of June are held at the Northfield Middle School Pool. During the Fall and Winter practice is held in the evenings. Spring practice times vary from 4pm to 6pm depending on the day. Summer (June – late July) practices are held in the morning at the outdoor pool in Northfield. Practice schedules are posted regularly on the club website, www.northfieldswimclub.com Certified coaches supervise all practices.
HOW DO I SIGN UP MY CHILD FOR THE NORTHFIELD SWIM CLUB?
If you are new to the club you may attend a registration and team evaluation night held the first day of each session. During the evaluation, your child will be asked to swim for the coach so he/she can determine their ability level. Based on your child’s age and ability the coach will let you know which level your child will start at. The basic structure of the teams are as follows:
Developmental team – ages 8 and under
Junior team – ages 9-12
Senior team – ages 13+
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO PARTICIPATE?
Swimmers need a swimsuit, goggles and towel. Many swimmers prefer to wear swim caps as well but it’s not required. Two caps are provided with paid registration. Showers and lockers are available in the Middle School locker rooms. It is encouraged that your child does not bring valuables to the locker room.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN SWIM MEETS?
Clubs throughout Minnesota sponsor competitive swim meets. Some of the meet locations Northfield Swim Club has participated in include: U of M Minneapolis, Lakeville, the Metro Area, Rochester and Red Wing. In addition the club participates in one travel meet each summer (Yankton, SD or Mason City, IA). Swimmers are not required to participate in meets; however Junior and Senior team members are strongly encouraged to compete in meets throughout the year. Developmental swimmers can participate in mini meets 4 times per year at the end of each developmental session.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A SWIM MEET?
Parents work with the coach to determine events and sign their child up for swim meets. The fee to participate in a meet varies, but is usually approximately $3/event plus a $2.50 participation fee. Parents take their child to the meet. Admission to most meets is free, but the host club may sell programs and concessions. Warm-ups are usually scheduled about 1 hour prior to the beginning of the competition. Parents may bring blankets and activities for their swimmer, since there can be quite a bit of “down time” between events. Families can “camp out” for the day in designated locations.
DO SWIMMERS HAVE TO WEAR A TEAM SUIT?
No, your child is not required to wear a team suit although many swimmers chose to do so. All swimmers are given 2 caps and a t-shirt with paid registration that can be worn to meets as well. If you would like a team suit, they are available for purchase.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A SWIM PARENT?
Fundraising is essential for maintaining fees at the lowest possible rates. Parents are expected to help with fundraisers throughout the year. Our club typically hosts at least 1 swim meet each year in early December and all families are asked to help by providing food for concessions and working shifts during the weekend. There are several different types of volunteer opportunities during our home meets.
The Swim Club also sells bottled water during the DJJD Celebration. Swimmers and their parents organize and run these fundraisers by staffing positions and providing food and beverages for each event.
Finally, volunteers are needed to fill the parent Board that oversees the NSC program.
ARE THERE REFUNDS IF MY CHILD DOESN’T WANT TO FINISH A SESSION?
If a child is joining Northfield Swim Club for the first time and decided he/she does not want to swim after they have started a session, a parent needs to notify the Treasurer in writing, within 2 weeks of the start of that session. After the 2 week period, no refunds will be given.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact any Board member or talk with your child’s coach if you have any questions. Board Member's phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be found on the Northfield Swim Club website. Also, don’t forget to frequently check out the Northfield Swim Club website, www.northfieldswimclub.com or the Swim Club corner at the pool (near the drinking fountain). Important information about swim meets, clothing/suit orders, and other communications are posted throughout the year in both places. In addition, coach Erik’s blog has important information and weekly newsletters. There is a link to the blog on the club’s website.
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