Registration

Forms To Be Completed and Returned

 Team Contract  (2007-2008)

Registration Fee:

Each application must be accompanied (unless previously submitted) by a nonrefundable, $95.00 registration fee postmarked no later than September 25, 2007.  The fee covers insurance required by USA Swimming, registration with USA Swimming, registration with KY Swimming, WA team t-shirt & swim cap, and office expenses.  This fee is due for each swim team member and is required to participate in United States Swimming sanctioned meets, practices or Wildcat Aquatics organized events.   

Coaching Fees:

All swimmers are financially obligated to a minimum of one year of coaching fees beyond the registration fee.  See attached appendix for fee structure.  All yearly fees will be billed in nine installments, beginning in September and ending in May.  No one will be billed for coaching fees during June, July, or August.  During this three-month period you will only be responsible for maintaining the minimum balance in your Escrow account. The billing for these fees will be sent out the 25^th of the month unless that day falls on a weekend, which would require mailing on the next Monday.  The fees are due and payable postmarked by the 15^th of the next month (approximately 17 days after delivery).  If dues are received postmarked after the 15th your account will be penalized $25.00 as a late fee.  In the event you wish to leave the team for any reason a 30-day written notice is required to deactivate your account with Wildcat Aquatics Inc.  If given proper notice, you can be waved from further financial obligation and permitted to return to the team at a later date without penalty provided spots on the team are still available.  Any swimmer with an account that is past due will not be eligible to participate in any future practices, meets, or other Wildcat Aquatics functions until the account has been brought to current status or you are granted relief by the staff.  You are responsible for all fees incurred by your child, including but not limited to fundraising, team trips, meet entries, and coaching fees.

Meet Entry Fees:

There is an entry fee and service charge for each swim meet in which a child is entered.  The parent(s) accepts the financial responsibility for such fees.  Each new swimmer must begin the season with a $50.00 balance in their Entry Escrow Account.  This payment is due with the submission of all 2007-2008 registration materials.  Meet fees will be deducted from this account.  Each swimmer must maintain a $30.00 minimum balance in their Escrow Account.  Only swimmers appearing in the meet sign-up book will be entered into meets.  Once the entry has been mailed to the host team, the swimmer/parent is responsible for the fees for that meet regardless of participation in the meet.

Fundraising Requirements:

Each swimmer is required to raise $100.00 to fulfill their fundraising obligation.  The maximum requirement for a single family is $250.00.  We will provide you with structured and planned avenues to meet these requirements.  Selling advertisements for our meet heat sheets (programs) is the most common form of fundraising, but other opportunities will be available.  Information regarding ad sales will be distributed shortly after the season begins.  In addition to selling ads we will also conduct a fundraiser set-up with USA Swimming called a Swim-A-Thon.  The event will be held in early January and information / instructions regarding the event will be distributed by the beginning of December.

If the fundraising money is not received by January 15, 2008, the amount will be billed to the family's account in equal monthly installments.  If at any time after January 15, 2008 fundraising money is turned into the fundraising chairman, the next monthly bill will reflect full credit of the contribution including any money paid to that point on the monthly fundraising charge.

Work Requirements:

Each family member is expected to fulfill minimum work requirements at swim meets hosted by Wildcat Aquatics. 

Worker Sign-up sheets will be posted at the pool well in advance of each event

1.     Wildcat Aquatics Autumn Classic - November

  No more than four sessions per family

2.     KYLSC Short Course A Championships - March

  No more than four sessions for families with swimmers qualified for the meet

  No more than two sessions for families without swimmers qualified for the meet

3.     Wildcat Aquatics May Invitational - May

  No more than four Sessions per family

*The number of sessions required for each meet will depend on the number of team members and meet requirements.  In past years we have occasionally been able to reduce the number of sessions required slightly for some meets to less than the maximum requirement.

Inability to Satisfy Work Requirements:

Families who notify the Meet Coordinator they will not be able to fulfill work requirements must do so at least two weeks prior to the meet.  These families are subject to the fine but might have the opportunity to meet the work requirement by completing an alternate task crucial to the event (limited availability).  Families who miss work assignments, will be assessed a fee of $75.00 per session not worked. 

It is hereby acknowledged and agreed by the undersigned that in consideration of your child (children), listed herein, being accepted as a member of the Wildcat Aquatic Swim Team you agree and understand the following obligations are included as part of your entire commitment to Wildcat Aquatics Inc. during the time period from 9/01/2007 through 8/31/2008.

Unless otherwise noted in writing WA, Inc reserves the right to use photos of team activities for use on its website and other forms of promotional media.

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Fee Info & Schedule

                                                                       Wildcat Aquatics Inc.

                                                                       Lancaster Aquatic Center

                                                                       Dorm Complex Drive

                                                                       Lexington, KY  40506-0219

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Team Handbook

Welcome:

Welcome!  The Wildcat Aquatics staff is excited to have you with us for the 2007-2008 swimming season. We feel confident that Wildcat Aquatics will continue gaining National recognition in the swimming community and are glad to have you as a part of our team and tradition.

Team Philosophy:

The philosophy of Wildcat Aquatics is to furnish young athletes with a chance to excel as an individual, while at the same time providing the opportunity to be a contributing member of a successful swimming team. For the individual, swimming teaches self-reliance, discipline, and dedication. Being a part of a team offers the chance to form friendships with teammates, and work with them in pursuit of a common goal. Practicing and competing as a Wildcat swimmer teaches lessons that last a lifetime and are transposed into daily living.

Team Goals:

#1 To be good ambassadors for Wildcat Aquatics, Lexington and USA Swimming.

We are recognized as a team with class, as well as speed. Each team member must understand the importance of displaying a positive image. This positive attitude will be visible through our thoughts, words and actions, in and out of the pool.

#2 To compete as a unified and spirited team.

Each team member will cooperate and contribute to the team effort. Positive support during meets, practice and social functions creates an atmosphere that inspires success, achievement and fun.

#3 To swim tough by facing obstacles with courage and determination.

When faced with a challenge or obstacle we will rise to the occasion. It will be a team trademark to respond to the challenge of a close race under any circumstance.

#4 To enjoy the athletic experience.

We have fun being athletes! We love being a part of this team. We set goals! We achieve those goals and we encourage our teammates to do the same!

Team History & Tradition:

Wildcat Aquatics is the oldest and most prestigious swim team in Central Kentucky. Its roots date back to 1962, as the Greater Lexington Swim Association (GLSA) under the guidance of Wynn Paul, UK Swimming Coach. In 1974 the team assumed the name Lexington Thoroughbred Swim Team (LTST) under the direction of Steve Hellmann. With the completion of the Lancaster Aquatic Center in 1989, on the University of Kentucky campus, LTST moved its headquarters to Memorial Coliseum and additional swim time became available at the new facility. A dedicated group of swim team parents provided the leadership under the team's new name, Wildcat Aquatics.

Wildcat Aquatics is currently under the supervision of University of Kentucky Head Swim Coach Gary Conelly. Coach Conelly continues the tradition of exceptional leadership.  By making the University of Kentucky facilities available to our athletes and by hiring a full time staff of dedicated coaches, Wildcat Aquatics has established itself as a top notch program.

In just the last ten years, WA has produced well over 100 Kentucky Swimming Champions, nationally ranked age group swimmers, numerous Junior National and National qualifiers, one National and three Junior National Champions and one Olympic Gold Medalist. In addition, WA has helped develop many collegiate scholarship student athletes.

WILDCAT AQUATICS GROUP STRUCTURE

Wildcat Aquatics is organized into two levels: Age Group swimming and Senior Swimming. It is the long-term goal of WA to move each participant through the various levels of the Age Group program and into the Senior Program. In addition, WA swimmers will be provided with the skills necessary to be a successful collegiate swimmer. Furthermore, we try to instill a love for swimming that lasts a lifetime.

Age Group Objectives:

1.     Participation- Our desire is for athletes to participate in as many meets, practices, and social activities as possible. Enjoyment in the sport can only be realized through involvement in both practices and meets.

2.     Educational Benefits- There is great opportunity to learn social skills such as cooperation, communication, and independence as well as developing life-long friendships with teammates and competitors.

3.     Physical & Mental Conditioning- Swimming builds strong bodies and strong minds. Our sport develops cardiovascular and musculoskeletal growth important to fulfilling a healthy life.

4.     Development of Individual Talent- Not every swimmer can become a world-class athlete. However, every swimmer can gain from his/her experience in the sport.  Skill improvement, time management and fun are the foremost goals of our age group program.  Racing and competing are important but not most important. 

Senior Objectives:

1.     Participation- Attendance requirements are required for advancement and retention. Swimmers are expected to display a high level of dedication and consistency throughout the season. Competitions may be based on reaching time standards as well as the coach’s assessment of readiness based on workout attendance, health, and (or) attitude. 

2.     Educational Benefits- Senior level swimmers are expected to have a clear understanding of training principles, and biomechanics. Senior swimming also offers potential opportunities to attend regional and national camps through the Athlete Development division of United States Swimming.

3.     Physical & Mental Conditioning- Swimmers who reach this level of our program are undoubtedly an elite group of athletes from the standpoint of overall physical fitness. Top mental preparedness is also a prerequisite to this high level of competition.

4.     Development of Individual Talents- The goal of senior swimming is to prepare swimmers for national and potentially, international competition. Training will be both physically and mentally challenging each day while continuing to focus on the enjoyment that the journey towards success offers.

Your Responsibility as a Swim Parent (Please Read):

1.     Encourage your child to swim, but don’t pressure. Let your child choose to swim or to quit if he or she wishes.

2.     Understand what your child wants from swimming and provide a supportive environment for achieving these goals.

3.     Put your child’s swimming in perspective. Don’t make swimming everything in your child’s life; make it a part of life.

4.     Keep winning in perspective and help your child do the same.

5.     Help your child set challenging but realistic performance goals, rather than focusing on winning or getting best times.

6.     Help your child understand the valuable lessons that swimming can teach.

7.     Help your child meet responsibilities to the team and to the coach.

8.     Turn your child over to the coach at practice and during meets. Don’t be a coach.

9.     Be a good sport and your child will too. Maintain a cool head and expect your child to do the same.

10.   Cheer for your team. Show enthusiasm and support for your child and their friends.

Facility:

Wildcat Aquatics is privileged to train in the best natatorium in Kentucky. The Lancaster Aquatic Center (LAC) is a state of the art aquatic center. It can be set up to accommodate two 25-yard courses or eight 50-meter lanes. LAC seats over 700 spectators and has the most advanced timing system and scoreboard system in the country.  It is expected that all staff, swimmers, parents and visitors use the facility as intended and respect the University of Kentucky at all times. Appreciate your surroundings.

Parking:

We work with the parking office each year to have evening parking passes available for purchase for our parents and swimmers who drive.  The pass you need to ask for is called a RESTRICTED PS1 parking pass.  These passes cost approximately $18.00 each, per semester, & $36.00 for the entire year.  This pass allows you to park in the parking garage to your left, as you are coming to the pool, on weekdays after 3:30 and anytime on weekends (excluding football gamedays).  Just go down to the UK parking office on Press Ave., off of Virginia Ave., and tell them that you are with Wildcat Aquatics and need the RESTRICTED PS1 parking pass.  There is also a pay-parking garage, past the pool on the right on the corner of Sport Ct. and Complex Dr that costs $2.00 per hour. 

Communication:

Communication is key to our success as a prominent swimming team. The coaching staff, parents and swimmers need to share the responsibility of being informed. Every Monday, a Bulletin called the WILDCAT WEEKLY, will be released with information concerning the upcoming week’s schedule. It is the responsibility of each family to retrieve the WILDCAT WEEKLY from the WA website (www.wildcataquatics.org), the team email distribution (wildcataquatics-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) or the WA bulletin board.  The bulletin board can be found in the balcony area of the Lancaster Aquatic Center. The Monday Bulletin is an incredibly valuable source of information. Make sure to take advantage of this resource.

In addition, the coaches are available as your number one source of information.  Emailing coaches is the easiest and best way of contacting them.  If you need to speak to a coach call the Wildcat Aquatics phone at 327-3123.  All full-time coaches have voice mail and email.  Part time coaches can be contacted via the full time staff or by sending a message through your son or daughter with a request for a return call.  Furthermore, coaches are available for meetings by appointment.

A team roster including names, telephone numbers and group listings will also be available so that swimmers and parents can contact each other. This is very useful to our membership, but we ask you not to share this information with anyone outside of the team.

Numbers to keep handy: Wildcat Aquatics 327-3123

Lancaster Aquatic Center Pool: 257-SWIM

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Wildcat Aquatics; Lancaster Aquatic Center;  Univ. of KY,  Complex Drive; Lexington,  KY   40506-0219
bdavis@wildcataquatics.com

859-327-3123