FAQ About Joining Columbia Swim Club
Q: I have a son of daughter who is interested in joining the club, what should I do?
A: The first step is contact the Head Age Group Coach Sarah Smith and set up a time to have your child come and try out at Hickman Pool. Email info @ csctigersharks.org or come to our annual Fall registration event in late August. 2011 Registration is August 30 and 31 from 5:30-7 PM at Hickman Pool. Come anytime during registration to tryout and sign up!
Q: How much swimming experience does my child need to join?
A: If you child is 10 or younger, he or she needs to be able to swim one length of the pool on front and back and have no fear of deep water - we teach the rest! For older swimmers (11 and 13) should be able to swim Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke at a minimum or have passed level 4 swim lessons. Senior swimmers (14 and up) should contact Coach Sarah to discuss group options.
Q: I really don't want my young child to compete yet - just learn the strokes, is that an option?
A: For our novice swimmers the emphasis at CSC is having excellent technique and strokes while having a ton of FUN! The most important thing for young swimmers is to love swimming while learning the best possible skills. We frequently get in the water with young swimmers, lesson style, to make sure that they are learning every aspect of swimming and we play many learning games to keep it fun. When the child is ready for competition we have many meets that we attend each year for that opportunity.
Q: My child is excited about competition - can we do that too?
A: CSC is a competitive swim club and our goal is for swimmers to have lots of opportunity to compete at all levels. CSC attends many meets a year and hosts several, making competition easy to attend.
Q: How much does CSC cost?
A: The cost varies depending on what training group your swimmer is in. Our prices and dues policies are HERE. When compared with other swimming program in Mid-Missouri, Columbia Swim Club offers the best swimming instruction prices. With a dedicated, professional coaching staff, great opportunities and outstanding swimming instruction there isn't a better deal in Columbia.
Q: What is the practice schedule?
A: The schedule depends on what group your swimmer is in. For new swimmers under age 10, practices are MWF evenings and Saturday mornings. For swimmers age 11 and up the practices are M/T/Th/F evenings and Saturday mornings. More specific scheduling questions can be answered once your swimmer has been placed in a group.
Q: How many times a week does my swimmer have to go to practice?
A: In the novice groups (Dolphin and Barracuda) there are no minimum practice requirements - you can make it work for your schedule! However, the more practices your swimmers attends the faster they will advance in the sport. Once you have joined the team the coach of your swimmer's group can help you plan what practice attendance plan is best for your swimmer and his/her swimming goals.
Q: What are the opportunities for older, advanced swimmers?
A: CSC has swimmers competing at the national level and has had 2 Olympic Trail qualifiers. This year, 75% of the CSC senior class are swimming at the collegiate level at Division I, II and III schools and many are on athletic scholarships.
Q: What are my parent obligations as a member of CSC?
A: We host three meets per year and volunteering at these meets (whether or not your swimmer is attending) is required. Usually that involves a few hours of your time timing for the swimmers, working at concessions or other meet related activities. Hosting meets is a source of revenue for CSC and volunteering is an important way to make sure your child's team is successful. Compared to many other sport requirements the volunteer time is not significant.
Q: Why should I invest in swimming as a sport for my child?
A: Swimming is a healthy, fun, lifelong acitivity. CSC Swimmers have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, professional athletes, and great well-rounded people. Our goal at CSC is to not just help people become great swimmers, but to help them learn life skills to become great people. Skills learned in the sport of swimming help children succeed in all areas of life.
