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 Aquatic Center. (Occasional practices are held at the Truman State University natatorium.)  More information can be found on the Pools tab.

 

How good of a swimmer do you have to be to join the swim team?

A: Swimmers, ages 6-18, are ready for the Aquadogs youth swim team if they can:

               OR if they have passed Level 5 of a Red Cross swim lesson program.

Stroke techniques do NOT need to be perfect. Also, no diving or flip-turn skills are required (these will be team-taught), but the ability to swim underwater for a short distance and use basic breathing techniques is useful.


How is your team organized for practice?

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.  Intersquads are usually held within our own club (our prep group can compete in these) or we compete with another team nearby. 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.  During the summer season, we compete in the River Country League (Canton, Hannibal, Kahoka, Quincy).  We also often compete with Centerville, Fairfield, and Ottumwa, Iowa.

 

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.  Some are free, and some include a small ($5-$10) surcharge to the hosting team.  From time to time, ASA also asks families for a small amount ($10) to help cover the cost of coaching an away meet.


How does insurance work at swim meets?

A: For more information on your swimmer's USA Swimming insurance coverage at swim meets, and the types of meets covered, please click here. 

 

Does my swimmer need a sports physical?

A:  Although sports physicals are not required, they are alwasy recommended.  The Adair County Health Department offers free sports physicals year-round.  There is a doctor on staff every Monday to do physicals, although an appointment is needed (and times book up in advance, so please plan ahead).  The Health Department clinic is located at 1001 South Jamison (just east of the RIII school campus), and swim families can contact the Health Department at 665-8491 for more information. 

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: We do not hold "try-outs", but there are some registration periods.   Typically, you may register in April for the Summer Season, and during August/September or December/January for the Academic Seasons.  (See JOIN ASA for more information.)