Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who do I talk to about coaching and what are the procedures to go through?
A: We ask that your first point of contact is your child's coach via email, or talk with them BEFORE or AFTER practice, but not while they are on deck coaching. If you are unable to make contact with the coach we ask that you contact the coaching liaison member listed on the website.
-------
Q. What is the Piranhas Family File Box?
A: This is a black box that can be found in the lower viewing area of the pool, near the deck around the main pool. (It will be on a table or on the ground). Each family will have a folder (your child’s/children's name(s) will be on it. Info about swim meets, fundraisers like the Swim-a-thon, Purdy's or bottle drives, and ribbons/medals will be placed in the file folder. Swimmers (and parents) are encouraged to check their file at EVERY practice.
-------
Q. How many practices can my child attend?
A: In the winter, there are usually three different practice times available for each group to swim. Your child can join two practices per week, preferably on the same days each week for consistent coaching. In the summer, swimmers are assigned a group and practice anywhere from 3-6 times per week, depending on the swimmers ability.
-------
Q. Who do I talk to about coaching and what are the procedures to go through?
A: We ask that your first point of contact is your child's coach via email, or talk with them BEFORE or AFTER practice, but not while they are on deck coaching. If you are unable to make contact with the coach we ask that you contact the coaching liaison member listed on the website.
-------
Q. What is the BCSSA and why do we pay insurance?
A: BCSSA stands for British Columbia Summer Swimming Association. The Association Board of Directors act on behalf of all BCSSA members to govern the BC swimming clubs and swim meets. The insurance is charged to cover liabilities not covered by each clubs' local pool and when clubs are travelling to other pools for competition.
-------
Q. If my child is sick and cannot make it to the practice, is it possible to have a make up time?
A. You are always welcome during another practice to make up time; however Novice swimmers must attend times offered to their group; and there are rules for the number of coached hours a child is allowed to swim per week during winter season. Please see the website for a list of Novice swimmer group assignments & Swimmer Status Rules.
-------
Q. Am I allowed to go on deck to watch my child?
A. No, you are welcome to watch from the designated viewing areas on the lower deck or up on the mezzanine. Due to liability parents are not allowed on deck, unless they have insurance with BCSSA. All Members of the Board are required to have insurance.
-------
Q. How much am I allowed to swim during the winter and what is the '2 Hour Rule'?
A. This is a very important question and the answer may vary on your expectations for competing as a "Summer Club" swimmer. Please view this document for updated info -> 2011/2012 S&O Rulings & School Swim Team Exemptions
If you have any questions or want to read this rule for yourself, all of the info can be found in Section 2:A.3.f/i in the Administration section of the rulebook found on the BCSSA website: www.bcsummerswimming.com .
-------
Q. What qualifies a swimmer as "Novice"?
A. A Novice swimmer is defined as a swimmer who takes 30 seconds or more to complete 25 meters of the pool in a specified stroke. Once a swimmer's 25m time for a specified stroke is less than 30 seconds, he/she is no longer considered a Novice for that stroke.
-------
Q. Does my swimmer HAVE TO compete at swim meets?
A. Absolutely not! All swimmers have the opportunity to compete at swim meets through out the summer season starting in May and ending in August, but are not obligated to. Many swimmers start out swimming for the fitness and fun, and then enjoy racing so much, they often decide to compete, but it's not a requirement in order to be a member of the club (just A LOT OF FUN!)