A: USA Swimming is the National Governing body that oversees competitive swimming within the United States. There are over 3,000 USA Clubs across the country serving nearly 300,000 athletes of all levels, from beginners to Olympic Gold Medalists. These teams are divided into Local Swim Committees (or LSC) based off of geographic regions. ASA is a member of the Missouri Valley LSC, which oversees clubs in Kansas and the western 2/3 of Missouri. When you register with ASA, you must also register with USA Swimming. There is a yearly fee, which includes insurance coverage while participating at USA Swimming sanctioned events (such as swim practice or meets). You can view the insurance policy by clicking here.
 

A: The ASA Aquadogs train primarily at the Kirksville Family Aquatic Center. (Occasional practices are held at the Truman State University natatorium.)  More information can be found on the Pools tab.

 

A: Our team is divided into four groups, all based on skill level, commitment, and desire to either swim recreationally or train for competition. The groups are PREP, WHITE, RED, and BLUE. Most swimmers begin in the Prep group, which is designed to be the transition from private lessons to swim practice. As a swimmer's ability and/or interest advances, they are moved up to the next group. With each group there is an increase in practice hours and expected commitment level from the swimmer. More information on the group structures can be found on the Practices tab.

 

A:  We do not have team suits but encourage swimmers to wear swimsuits made to withstand chlorine and heavy usage, and that allow range of motion without slippage (see our Apparel tab for links to manufacturers).  Goggles are also necessary, and swimmers may purchase their own pairs or can purchase pairs at the Kirksville Aquatic Center front desk for around $5.  There are a variety of good swim cap materials and styles to choose from, and, although caps are optional, it is helpful to have hair pulled back and secured in some way.  Competitive swimmers generally wear caps, and we offer a team cap with the Aquadog logo for sale (see Apparel).  Competitive swimmers are also encouraged to sport Aquadog colors at swim meets (purple, black & white), with a solid black swimsuit of their choice.  Aquadog t-shirts and sweatshirts are offered for sale at times throughout the year for parents and swimmers.(see Apparel).

 

 

A: We divide the year into three swim seasons; Summer, Fall, and Winter. Every year includes at least a few open invitationals, one or two intersquads, and some possible championship meets at the end of the season. Open meets are large meets that last two or three days (generally a Friday night followed by Saturday and Sunday) involving many different club teams. We try to find meets within a 3 hour drive from Kirksville. Intersquads are usually held within our own club (our prep group can compete in these) or we compete with another team near by. The championship meets at the end of the season are qualifying meets. There are usually two championship meets with different qualifying times (one faster and one slower) to let different levels of swimmers experience a championship prelims/finals meet.

 

A: No. Swimmers are always allowed to choose whether or not to attend any meet. Many of our members prefer to remain recreational swimmers and thus do not attend meets, while others prefer to attend meets and frequently sign up to do so. Meets are scheduled individually, and a calendar of possible meets is put out at the beginning of each season so that swim families can choose which meets they wish to attend. Swimmers move up in practice group levels based on skills, attendance, age, and interest, regardless of the number of meets they attend.

 

A: Costs for swim meets vary, but they generally include a $5-$10 surcharge to the hosting team, and each event entry costs between $1.50-$3. ASA also charges a surcharge for swim meets; $5 for an intersquad hosted out of town, and $10 for an open meet. This helps cover the cost of sending a coach to the meet.

 

A: Not at this time.  We expect swimmers to have a certain amount of swimming proficiency and comfort in the water before they look to join our program.  If a swimmer does need more instruction before joining our group, we can refer them to one of several good options available in the Kirksville area for lessons.

 

A: As we are a small year-round club, swimmers may join at any time.  We do not hold "try-outs" or registration periods, and fees for joining mid-month are prorated.  (See JOIN ASA for more information.)