FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions... 

Q: What is the Swim Club?

A: The Victor Swim Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization sanctioned under the national direction of United States Swimming (USS) and participates in the McDonalds of Rochester Swim League (MCDR). Our purpose is to further interest and education in competitive aquatic sports under the direction of an experienced coaching staff and with active parent participation. 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The standard cost for 1 year of swimming as a Blue Team member (10 & Under) is $540, a Gold Team member (11 & Up) is $570, a Modified or Varsity swimmer is $500 (reduced rates for those swimmers who are involved with the Modified or Varsity Swim Programs as well as multiple swimmers), dues include USA Card (required), a subscription to Splash Magazine, team jacket & Meet Entry Escrow. (Additional child discount $100 and is only available with registration on or before 11/1/09).

Q: Do you have and optional payment plan?

A: We do offer parents the option of making three scheduled payments that will include a $30 fee. Payments would be made as follows:

Q: When can I register?

A: Registration for the full year program is typically is September. Joining at other times may be possible and is determined by consulting with a coach.

Q: How do I enter meets?

A: All meets require a response form to be filled out prior to the entry deadline. Team entered meets will be paid for with a club check but individually entered meets must be paid in cash to the host club. Meet packets can be found in the blue crate in front of Coach Shields office at the pool or on the website at "Other Sites" , "Niagara Swimming". 

Q: When do I practice?

A: Below is a typical week, check the current schedule for updates.

Q: What are positive response forms?

A: These forms provide the coaching staff with the number of entrants in a particular meet and are needed prior to meet submission deadline in order for programs and/or entry cards to be printed.

Q: What is an Invitational?

A: An Invitational is a meet with many other clubs. It usually runs through the weekend and provides multiple sessions for different age groups. A gym and/or cafeteria are usually provided to swimmers and their families for use during the meet. Concessions and merchandise are also available. You should plan to bring several towels, a sleeping bag or blanket, chairs, and something to do during non swimming times.

Q: What is a dual meet?

A: A dual meet is a meet between just two clubs.

Q: Can I observe practice?

A: Practice can only be observed on Friday evenings.

Q: How do I get a team suit, cap or goggles?

A: Club merchandise cabinet can be purchased from our Website and billed directly to your account. Merchandise will be delivered to the pool and placed in each swimmers mailbox. 

Q: What type of suit do I need to wear for practice?

A: Any suit can be worn for practice. Girls typically wear one piece suits and boys like to wear the longer suits called jammers. Some still wear the smaller speedo’s. 

Q: How can I help?

A: Any parent can help. Our club is run solely on a volunteer basis. We always look to parents for help with the running of the meets, concession sales, social events, officiating and of course Board positions. 

Q: How should I communicate with the coaches?

A: An email address is provided for each of the coaches.  For an important matter or concern it would be preferable to set up an appointment with the coach.  For any quick questions, the coaches are available before and/or after practice.  Please do not disturb coaches during practices! 

Q: What are Drylands?

A: Drylands is a once per week stretching, exercising and nutrition session the 10 & unders participate in with a coach. The coaches encourage the swimmers how to eat right and the correct way to stretch before and after exercise.  A 15 min. lecture on a life skill is given each night.

Q: How do I become an official?

A: You need to see our officials coordinator to get applications and to schedule clinics to be certified. 

Q: What are timed Finals, Prelims, Finals and Consolation Finals?

A: Each event is divided into “heats”. This is because only 6-8 swimmers can compete at one time due to lane availability. Heats are seeded according to each swimmer’s submitted times. Most of the time each event has Preliminary heats (Prelims) and then Final heats (Finals). Prelims are in the morning or afternoon and Finals are in the evening of the same day. It is a VSC policy that if a swimmer makes Finals, they participate. “Scratching” from the event is discouraged. If there are two final heats they will consist of the top 16 swimmers. The first heat is called a Consolation heat and includes the 9th-16th top prelim qualifiers (7th-12th in a 6 lane pool) swimmers. The next heat will be the top 8 (6) swimmers and is the Final. Any of the top eight (six) may compete for the top spots in that final heat. 

Q: What happens if I make a final?

A: If you qualify for a final you must swim it. If for some reason you cannot you need to tell your coach and be "scratched". You have 30 minutes to scratch from a race after it has been announced and posted. If you qualify and don’t show for the final you will be fined $25. 

Q: How Do I know My Swimmers Times?

A: We encourage parents to keep a personal record of their swimmers’ times. These can be kept in a standardized logbook or any small notebook. A record of times is needed when you enter your swimmer in an invitational meet. Our club Age Group Coordinators will issue a record of swimmers times. Please check your swimmers times against this master list for any mistakes made. Keeping a record of best times is not only fun but is useful in a variety of ways. You will be amazed at the progress your children make, especially new swimmers. 

Q; Do we have practice if school has been cancelled?

A: It is district policy that all school functions and activities are cancelled if school has been officially cancelled.