Where are practices held & what nights? Swim practices are held at MFHS located at W142 N8101 Merrimac Ave. The pool is on the north side of the school (near the tennis courts). Practices are held Monday-Friday. A monthly calendar is provided on the website www.mfswim.org.
What times are practices held? Practice times/lengths vary depending on the level of your swimmer.
How often does my child need to come to practice? Typically it is suggested that beginning swimmers in the novice groups swim 2-3x/week. Age group swimmers benefit from 3-4x/week and senior swimmers should expect to swim 4-6x/week. All swimmers are encouraged to swim as often as possible.
What does my child need to bring to swim? Two towels, goggles, caps, water bottle, and swimsuit.
How do I go about signing up my child? If you are interested in MFSC, please contact board members Amy DeGrace or Laurie Siehs . Once contact has been made a free trial period of one week (5 practices over a two-week period) will be set up for your swimmer. After a one week trial you must let us know whether or not your swimmer would like to continue.
How will I know what group my swimmer will be in? During the one week free trial, the coaches will evaluate your swimmer and place him/her in the group best suited to ability and age.
What are the fees and how are they established? Fees are based upon the number of pool hours available for each group during the session. For current fees please check with the registration person. USA Swimming registration fees, which apply to all swimmers, are $47 to $55 depending on the swimmer’s age. There is a $100 mandatory fundraising fee. Click on the fundraising tab on the home page for more fundraising information.
Does my child need to swim at meets? No. While attending swim meets is not mandatory, it is encouraged especially at our home meets. Meets are a reward for all the hard work put in at practice. It is during meets when swimmers can see for themselves how training is helping them. Meets are also fun!
Can I watch my swimmer during practice? Absolutely and many parents do. This is a great way for parents to connect to the club and to watch their child at the same time.
What’s the difference between Short Course and Long Course sessions? It basically has to do with the length of the pool meets are held in. Short Course season runs from September – February. Most meets are held in a 25-yard pool including the State Meet. Long Course season runs from late March - August and many meets (but not all) are held in a 50-meter pool including the State Meet.
Do you offer swim for the very young or older swimmers? Yes. We offer Pre-Comp lessons for those children beginning at age 5 who do not yet know how to swim. We also have a master’s program for those over 18.
How do I talk with the coaches about my child’s progress? Coaches are available before or after practice, by email, or by conference. Feel free to contact your child’s coach as they encourage an open line of communication.
What are the parent volunteer requirements? Parents are required to volunteer at all home meets. MFSC usually runs 3 meets per long course or short course session. For each meet your child swims, a volunteer needs to work the meet. Be prepared to work the entire meet regardless if your swimmer(s) are only in one session (a.m. or p.m.) If you are not needed for the whole meet, you will be informed. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the website approximately one month ahead of time. MFSC has adopted the following ―no work, no swim policy: One parent/guardian (or family recruited responsible person) from each family must work one session for each session a swimmer(s) is entered in at all meets hosted by MFSC. If a parent/guardian fails to work at the required number of sessions, that swimmer will be unable to compete/swim unless $25 per session not worked is paid. Additionally, families are required to pay mandatory home meet food fees used to cover the costs of food items sold during the meets. The Kitchen coordinator may also request donations of specific food items. Families that donate will receive a credit towards their club fundraising fees.
How are club members’ concerns addressed? Club members are encouraged to contact any Board member with their concerns. Any issues/concerns will be presented at the monthly Board meeting. All club members are invited to attend these meetings. See the MFSC website or the bulletin board located in the pool area for meeting dates and times, as well as agendas and minutes.
For any other questions please feel free to contact any board member listed on our website.
Please feel free to read the MFSC By-Laws which are available on the website.
