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Title	Owner	Last Updated	Size (Kb)	Information
2011/2012 Fall & Winter Practice Schedule	Steve Nye	1/1/12	82.50	Download
2011/2012 Swim Team Application	Steve Nye	8/16/11	34.50	Download
2012 USA Swimming Athlete Registration Form	Steve Nye	8/16/11	45.60	Download
2012 Athlete Transfer Form	Steve Nye	8/16/11	49.00	Download
2012 Non-Athlete Registration Form (Officials, Coaches)	Steve Nye	8/16/11	52.50	Download

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Fall/Winter Swim Team 2011/2012

 

Important Notes 
1 - NEW SWIMMER ACCEPTANCE FROM OTHER TEAMS: The topic of athletes
switching from one team to another has always been a delicate issue in, not only this sport, but in youth sports in general. It has become an even greater issue in the recent years as more and more teams spring up. The more teams there are in an area the easier it becomes for team jumping to occur. The "greener grass" syndrome becomes easier to succumb to it seems. Until such time as our national governing body begins to control how many teams they allow to operate in a given area swimming will continue to have this problem. We are not helpless as a result of there being no control at that level. We can take control of this ourselves. While we have followed this policy in the past we have not published it so we are taking the time to do so now and have chosen to tighten up our requirements on this even more. Yes, there is a time when a team switch is needed or is simply inevitable. As such, it is important to understand how this should be done. Whether this is reciprocated by another club or not this is our policy:

Any athlete wishing to switch to GCSTO from another USA Swimming OR Y Swimming must first contact the head coach of the current club to discuss the situation with that coach. Communicating your concerns or reasoning for your desire to switch with that coach in the form of direct, two-way communication is simply the right thing to do. If you can talk to us about what it is you want in the form of a program you should be able to speak with them about that. No athlete will knowingly be permitted to participate in any form of practice with GCSTO until that is done. Once that is done you should contact GCSTO's head coach, Steve Nye. Coach Nye reserves the rights to then contact that coach concerning the issue. Only after these 2 coaches have communicated will the athlete be allowed to participate in practices with GCSTO if any training positions are open at that swimmer's level on our team. No current GCSTO member will be passed up to move through the ranks on our team as a result of a swimmer from another team wanting to switch teams to GCSTO.        

2 - PRICING: You will see that we chose not to raise prices this season. Much deliberation and thought went into this before the decision was made to keep our prices the same even though our expenses are sure to increase. Simply stated... this is our way to help our families considering the phase in which we find our economy. We feel that a concentrated effort on the part of our staff and our current membership to ensure that each of our practice groups are filled to their capacity will ensure greater financial stability than will simply raising prices. Tryouts for this year's team are going through the roof with athletes who are new to year around swimming. It's become clear to many that GCSTO has withstood the challenges of performance, of business, of consistency and continued to prove that it is a program at the top of its' game... that it's a GREAT place to be. We chose our words very, very carefully over the course of the last 2 years and stand by those words now. We are...

GCSTO STRONG... GCSTO PROUD!

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Fall Swim Team Meeting

The General Information Meeting for fall/winter swimming at all Columbus area pools will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the balcony of the pool at Columbus Academy. This meeting should be a "must" for everyone interested in swimming with us this fall... both old and new.

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Locations
The Columbus Academy (4300 Cherrybottom Rd. in Gahanna, 43230) - CA

The Columbus School For Girls (56 S. Columbia Ave. in Bexley, 43209) - CSG
(this site will not be used for the 2011/2012 season as they complete construction of their new 8 lane facility to be opened in the fall of 2012)

The Concourse Hotel Fitness Club (4300 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219 at the airport) - CHFC

The St. Charles Preparatory School (2010 E. Broad St. in Bexley, 43209) - SC

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Week #1 is Monday through Thursday 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. September 12-15, 2011 at, either, the Columbus Academy or St. Charles. Please report to the pool at which you would like to swim this season. Novice swimmers may report to either pool for tryouts. Please note that practices may also incorporate dry land work so please plan accordingly in terms of shoes, shorts, t-shirts and such. This way, new athletes get a flavor for all aspects of our program. Week #2 is the following week and is with the level in which the new athlete best fits into within our program structure as determined during the August try-out days and the first trial week. Again, this tryout structure is to be followed by all Novice, Level 1, 2 & 3 athletes. Level 4 athletes new to the team should report directly to Level 4 practices for their 2 week trials. If any vacancies remain on the team after the initial tryout period, athletes missing that tryout period who desire to join the team late will be given their 2-week trial period commencing the first day it is that they are able to start practicing with the team. After December 1, this trial period will be only 1 week in length.

 
Seasonal Practice Schedules & Financial Information

All fall/winter fees cover the cost of a team t-shirt (except for the pre-season high school groups)

SENIOR Team Dry Land Practices

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5:30-7:15 p.m. and Saturday 8:15-10:00 a.m. from September 6-10, 2011 at Columbus Academy. These are for Level 4, Level 5 & Pre-Season High School swimmers. No cost to participate.

AGE GROUP Team Dry Land Practices

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 5:45-7:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30-9:45 a.m. from September 13-17, 2011 at Columbus Academy. These are for Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 swimmers. No cost to participate.

Age Group Introductory Practice Options

Novice Team (Ages 6-10) – Tuesday 5:30-6:45 p.m. & Thursday 5:45-7:00 p.m. (at CHFC) or Sunday 4:45-6:00 p.m. (at CA) from September 21, 2011 to November 3, 2011 then from November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Tuesday & Thursday 5:30-6:45 p.m. (at CHFC) or Sunday 4:30-5:45 p.m. (at CA). From January 2 to February 22, 2012 the Novice group will be split into 2 practice groups, Group A and Group B with Group A practicing Tuesday 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. at SC, Saturday, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. at SC or Sunday, 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Academy. Group B practices Wednesday 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. at SC, Saturday, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at SC or Sunday, 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Academy. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Note that novice swimmers are allowed a maximum of 2 practices per week. Cost is $385. Corporation/Re-association fee is $25.  

Age Group Development Practice Options (ages 8-13)

Academy Level 1 – Monday, Wednesday & Friday 5:30-7:00 p.m. (all at CA with Wednesdays till 6:45, only) and Sunday 4:45-6:15 p.m. (at CA) from September 19 to December 19, 2011 with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices will be Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 5:30-7:00 p.m. and Sundays 4:15-5:45 p.m. all at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $565. Corporation/Re-association fee is $35.

SC Level 1 – Tuesday 6:15-7:45 p.m. (at CHFC), Wednesday 5:30-6:45 p.m. (at SC), Thursday 5:45-7:15 p.m. (at SC) and Sunday 4:45-6:15 p.m. (at CA) from September 20 to November 3, 2011 then from November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Tuesday & Thursday 6:30-7:45 p.m. (at CHFC), Saturday 9:00-10:45 a.m. (at SC) and Sunday 4:15-5:45 p.m. (at CA) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices will be Monday & Wednesday 5:30-7:00 p.m. at CA, Saturday 9:00-10:45 a.m. at SC and Sunday 4:15-5:45 p.m. at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $565. Corporation/Re-association fee is $35.

Academy Level 2 – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 5:30-7:15 p.m. (all at CA with Tuesday till 7:30 from September 20 to November 3, 2011 then from November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. and Sunday 5:15-7:15 p.m. (all at CA) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices will be Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:15 p.m. and Sundays 5:15-7:15 p.m. all at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $670. Corporation/Re-association fee is $45.  

SC Level 2 – Monday 5:30-7:15 p.m., Wednesday 6:15-8:15 p.m., Friday 5:30-7:15 p.m. (all at SC) and Sunday 5:30-7:15 p.m. (at CA) from September 19 to November 3, 2011 then from November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Tuesday & Wednesday 5:30-8:15 p.m. (at SC), Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (at SC) and Sundays 5:15-7:15 p.m. (at CA) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices are Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. all at SC and Sunday 5:15-7:15 p.m. at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $670. Corporation/Re-association fee is $45.

Academy Level 3 – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 5:30-7:45 (all at CA with Fridays until 7:30, only) from September 19 to November 3, 2011 then from November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 5:30-7:45 p.m. (all at CA with Thursday until 7:30, only) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices we will return back to the Sept. 19 to Nov. 3 schedule. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $770. Corporation/Re-association fee is $55.

SC Level 3 – Monday 6:30-8:45 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 5:30-7:45 p.m. (all at SC with Fridays till 7:30, only) from September 19 to October 23, 2011 then from October 24 to November 3, 2011 Monday practices switch to 6:00-8:15 p.m. with the other days staying the same. From November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Monday 6:30-8:30 p.m. (at SC), Thursday 6:30-8:45 p.m. (at SC), Friday 5:30-7:45 p.m. (at CA) and Sunday 5:15-7:30 p.m. (at CA) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 22, 2012 practices are Mondays & Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at SC, Fridays 5:30-7:45 p.m. at CA and Sundays 5:15-7:30 p.m. at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $770. Corporation/Re-association fee is $55.  

High School Practice Options (freshman and above)

High School Pre-Season Group – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:15-8:45 p.m. (all at CA) from September 12-18, 2011 and then Monday 6:15-9:00 p.m., Tuesday 6:30-9:15 p.m., Thursday 6:30-9:15 p.m. (all at CA) & Sunday 5:45-8:00 p.m. (at SC) from September 19 to November 3, 2011. Cost is $295. Corporation/Re- association fee is $25.

Elite Senior Practice Options (ages 13 & above)

Level 4 – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:15-8:45 p.m. & Saturday 7:30-10:15 a.m. (all at CA) from September 12-18, 2011 and then from September 19 to November 3, 2011 practices are Monday 6:15-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday all from 6:30-9:15 p.m. & Saturday 7:30-10:15 a.m. (all at CA). From November 4 to December 19, 2011 practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30-9:15 p.m. & Saturday 7:15-10:00 a.m. (all at CA) with a specialized holiday training schedule published in November. From January 2 to February 23, 2012 practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30-9:15 p.m. (with Wednesdays starting later at 6:45) and Saturday 7:15-10:00 a.m. all at CA. From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $995. Corporation/Re-association fee is $70.  

Level 5 – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5:30-8:15 p.m. (all at SC) & Saturday 7:30-10:15 a.m. (at CA) from September 12-18, 2011 and then from September 19 to November 3, 2011 practices are Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 5:00-8:00 p.m. (all at SC), Wednesday 6:15-9:15 p.m. (at CA) & Saturday 7:30-10:15 a.m. (at CA). From November 4, 2011 to February 22, 2012 practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:15-9:15 p.m. & Saturday 7:15-10:00 a.m. (all at CA). Note that December 19-31, 2011 practices will all be held in the morning and will end before 11:00 a.m. with the exact schedule to be announced in early December. From February 23 to March 4 practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:45-6:45 p.m. (all at SC) & Saturday 7:30-10:00 a.m. (at CA). From Feb. 23 onward there will be a "championship season practice schedule" announced later. Cost is $1,035. Corporation/Re-association fee is $80.

Elite Distance Team Practice Options (ages 11 & above)

Level 3, 4 & 5 – Sunday 5:45-8:00 p.m. at SC on September 25, October 2, 9, 16 (9:45 a.m.-noon this day), 23 & 31, November 13 & 27, December 4 & 11, 2011 and January 15 & 22 and February 12, 2012. Cost is $125.

Additional Elite Team Options

Sibling Practice Options – This option is available to those with multiple swimmers who are in back to back levels on the team… it allows them to take the “upper” level athlete to the practice of their “lower” level athlete once per week AND allows the reverse to also occur once per week (with coaches permission in both cases). No additional cost is associated with this extra practice.

Swim Fit Program For Teens – This program is specifically designed for teens age 12-17 who do not want to be part of the competitive team but who want to be able to come together with their peers to work on their conditioning levels and work on all aspects of personal fitness. Please see our specific “Swim Fit” brochure for more information.

Additional Fall/Winter Financial Information

Additional Mandatory Fees

USS/Ohio/Central Ohio Swimming Fees - This once-a-year $65 fee is mandatory for each and every swimmer joining the team in the fall or winter (exclusive of Novice swimmers) whether they compete in swimming meets or not. This membership fee will be added to your team fees and is payable to GCSTO.

Booster Club Fee –This fee is due from each family as a once a year fee due to the GCSTO Booster Club. The fee is simply $30 for Level 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 families for the first child that they have on the team. Each ensuing child a family has in one of these levels on the team is only $20. Novice swimmers Booster Club Fee is only $20. This fee will be transferred, in its entirety, to our 501(C)3 Booster Club entity. Pre-Season High School athletes are exempt from these fees.

Corporate Fees -This fee is due from each family the first fall/winter season that they become members of the team. If you have more than 1 athlete starting with the team, pay the corporate fee of your "highest" level athlete. Swim Fit athletes are exempt from these fees.

Re-Association Fees - This fee is due from any swimmer who has left GCSTO to go to another central Ohio USS team and then returns. If you have more than 1 athlete coming back to the team, pay the corporate fee of your "highest" level athlete. Swim Fit athletes are exempt from these fees.

Multiple Swimmer Discounts

For all families with more than one swimmer in Novice, Level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 GCSTO will provide you with an approximate 10% discount for each subsequent child that you have swimming on the team within the same level on the team or a less expensive level ($105 for a level 5 swimmer, $150 for a Level 4 swimmer, $80 for a Level 3 swimmer, $70 for a Level 2 swimmer, $60 for a Level 1 swimmer and $40 for a novice swimmer). This discount IS additive for each ensuing swimmer). Pre-season high school athletes are exempt from any discounts.

Fall/Winter Payment Due Dates - Old Team Members

Aug. 31, 2011 - $200 minimum deposit per swimmer due to avoid a $15 late fee.

Oct. 11, 2011 - $350 total due in the account of each swimmer (i.e. another $150 payment) or the remaining amount due if the swimmer owes less than $350 total to avoid a $15 late fee.

Nov. 22, 2011 - $500 total due in the account of each swimmer (i.e. another $150 payment) or the remaining amount due if the swimmer owes less than $500 total to avoid a $15 late fee.

Jan. 10, 2012 - All remaining team fees must be paid, in full, to avoid a $15 late fee.

Fall/Winter Payment Due Dates - New Team Members

Sept. 27, 2011 - $200 minimum deposit per swimmer due to avoid a $15 late fee.

All remaining due dates are the same as those for old team members.

Notes Concerning Team Fee Payments

GCSTO reserves the right at any point in time within the season to disallow an athlete from participating in practices for failure to pay their appropriate team fees, entry fees, fundraising fees, Booster Club fees and/or missed meet session fees in a timely manner. GCSTO maintains a $15 return check charge for checks returned as non-sufficient funds (NSF). As well, anyone signing up for a program and then requesting a refund before the start of the season will be charged a 10% administrative fee for their refund if it is deemed that a refund is warranted. There will be no refunds for anyone signing up for GCSTO and then deciding to quit swimming once the season has started. Special payment arrangements for team fees may be made as long as the family adheres to those arrangements.

Fundraising Requirement

All swimmers practicing with the team in Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 will be required to participate in our team raffle fundraiser. Anyone swimming year around as a full-time, full-paying swimmer in the 2010/2011 swimming season who participated in the fundraiser last year before will be exempt from the fundraiser this year. This fundraiser amount ranges from $45 for level 1 swimmers to $150 for Level 5 swimmers. Our fundraising raffle will be held in December.

Fall/Winter Volunteer Requirement

GCSTO requires that all families, participating in meets or not, volunteer for 6 sessions of our own hosted swimming meets in order to help us ensure that these meets are run successfully. This requirement is in place for families with swimmers in Levels 2, 3, 4 & 5 with Level 1 families required to provide a volunteer only if they have a swimmer in the meet as the volunteer help will be needed. Failure to do so for any family will result in a fine of $25 (for 1 session missed) to $300 (for 6 sessions missed). There are other volunteer positions on our team that are given meet session credit and you may inquire with coach Nye as to the availability of these positions.