MISSION STATEMENT:

Our purpose is to offer a program in which each athlete may achieve his or her highest potential as a swimmer.  In so doing, we believe the opportunity exists to develop each child’s values and character.  In order to achieve these goals, we build self-esteem and encourage discipline and dedication while providing a fun, yet challenging environment in which to learn and grow.  A cornerstone of our program is teaching stroke technique and race strategy while providing as much individual attention as possible in a positive team setting.  In addition, we look at each child’s swimming career as a lifelong project.  We hope your swimmers will compete successfully through high school and college and continue to enjoy the many benefits of swimming throughout their lifetimes.

While swimmers train for many reasons, such as to improve their strokes, their health and their level of conditioning, most swimmers train in order to compete.  The coaching staff firmly believes in the value of competition for all levels including novice.  Racing is fun, and most swimmers will eventually NEED this motivation to work hard.  In addition, racing provides a myriad of learning opportunities.  For these reasons, we encourage parents to enter their swimmers in meets as soon as their coaches tell you they are ready.

First and foremost, we are a United States Swimming (USAS) team. USAS is divided into 60 local swim committees (LSCs). Our LSC is WV Swimming, which is headquartered in Charlestown, WV. As a USA Swimming team, we are bound by all rules and regulations set forth by US Swimming, which is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. USA Swimming publishes an official guidebook each year containing all pertinent information.

 All WVA swimmers MUST be registered with United States Swimming regardless of whether they choose to compete or not.  The cost is $63.00 per child per year..  USAS provides WVA with insurance for registered swimmers.  Just one unregistered swimmer in the water during a workout negates our insurance policy.  Registration expires on December 31st each year. 

The levels of United States Swimming can be seen as a series of steps.  The first level is the “C” level.  From there, swimmers may progress to B, A, AA, AAA, Senior, Sectional, and National level by achieving increasingly difficult time standards.  All meets are set up by level to enable swimmers to be more competitive.