General Questions

 

Is my child ready to join the team?
Our requirement is that the child be past level 6 in Swim America, can swim the length of the pool freestyle, and backstroke, and is comfortable in deep water.

How often should we come to practice?
We only allow our new 10 and unders to attend three practices per week.  Our new 11 and older swimmers can attend up to five practices per week and should make a minimun of three.

 

How much does it cost?
Dues vary according to practice groups. Monthly dues start at $47.00 and vary depending on the practice group. You can include your first month’s dues with your registration fee and thereafter you will be billed monthly by mail.

 

What are the registration and Osborn fees?
The registration fee is required by USA Swimming for liability insurance reasons and is $56.00 annually. The Osborn fee covers the rental of lane space for practices.  CAT has an annual contract with the city and the cost is split by all swimmers.
 

Does my annual Osborn fee allow me to swim during open rec?
The Osborn fee covers the rental of lane space for practices.  You either have to buy an annual membership or pay each time you want to come other than our designated practice time.
 

Do you prorate your fees?
USA Swimming registration fees can not be prorated.  However, USA Swimming has a seasonal registration for athletes only participating during the summer.  If you start to swim with CAT in the middle of the month, you will only need to pay 1/2 of that month’s dues. The Osborn fee will also be prorated depending on the time of year you start swimming.
 

How often do the swimmers compete?
Ideally, swimmers should try to compete at least once a month. Competition is not mandatory. The ability of the swimmer will determine which meets they will attend. Many meets require advanced registration, and these notifications are done by email, posted on our website (meet schedule) and placed in your mailbox. CAT typically hosts 5 to 6 meets a year.
 

What do you mean by meet support?
Meet support means specific jobs or duties during our home swim meets. These jobs include activities like timing, concessions, officiating and more. Families are expected to volunteer for 4 hours per home meet (excluding duals). Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet other CAT families and to get the whole family involved. There is almost always the opportunity to watch your swimmers race while you are volunteering. If you have questions about meet support, you may contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Pfeifer.  At away meets all visiting teams are required to provide back-up timers for each lane.

Who do I contact about my bill?
Contact our team treasurer, Jeannie Schoper.

 

I have a question about my child’s swimming ability/coaching. Whom do I talk to?
Please contact the child’s coach. While parents are not supposed to be on deck during practice due to insurance reasons, you may catch the coach before or after practice, or contact them by phone or email. Contact information is always available in the newsletter.

 

I have a general question about CAT and don’t know who to call, or I have a question about registration.
Please e-mail Laura Pfeifer (membership).