Club Structure

The ACST is a non-profit corporation dedicated to teaching young people the sport of competitive swimming.  The ACST is run by a Board of Directors that consists solely of parent volunteers that are elected by the members of the club.  The club employs the coaching staff who are all certified professionals that are dedication to helping your child be the best swimmer they can be.  The club is allowed to use the Avon Community School facilities free of charge, but is not affiliated with the school system.

The ACST is a member of USA Swimming.  USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States.  It was formed in 1978 with the passage of the Amateur Sports Act specifying that all Olympic sports would be administered independently.  Their headquarters is located in Colorado Springs, CO at the Olympic Training Center.

As the national governing body for the sport, USA Swimming is responsible for the conduct and administration of swimming in the U.S.  In this capacity, it formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts the national championships, provides our charter and insurance, and selects the athletes that will represent our country in international competition.

In order to help meet the needs of the individual swimmers, the ACST is divided into three training groups.  These groups are designed to allow the swimmer to continually grow and progress in the sport.

Bronze Group

This group is designed for beginning swimmers and is the first step into the world of competitive swimming.   The Bronze Group will focus on water adjustment skills, body positioning, learning the four strokes, streamlining and diving progressions.  They will also learn basic meet procedures.  The Bronze swimmers will practice in two training groups: Bronze A, for ages 10 and under, and Bronze B for ages 11 and over. 

 

Silver Group

The Silver group is the second step in the development of the swimmer.  To qualify for the Silver Group a swimmer must be able to do all four strokes legally, have mastered the basic skills required of the Bronze swimmers, and met one of the minimum times standards.  The swimmers will focus on learning turns, perfecting starts, use of the pace clock, and technique for all four strokes.  The Silver swimmers will practice in two training groups: Silver A, for ages 10 and under, and Silver B for ages 11 and over.  Members of the Silver Group are required to practice two times per week.

 

Gold Group

The Gold Group is the final step in the age group program.  To be eligible for this group the swimmer must have attained a B cut from the National Motivational Times, show a positive attitude, and have excellent attendance.  The Gold swimmers will practice in two training groups: Gold A, for ages 10 and under, and Gold B for ages 11 and over.  The Gold Group will continue to focus on skill development and technique, but they will also add a conditioning element to their practices.  Members of the Gold A are required to practice three times per week, and members of the Gold B are required to practice four times per week. 

Who Can Join

Any swimmer that is able to complete a length (25 yards) of the pool and swim comfortably in water over the head.  Past participation in swimming lessons is helpful, but it is not a requirement. 

Finacial Requirments

Dues

The board sets dues at the beginning of each season. 

They may be paid at the beginning of the season or in monthly installments.  They are to be paid by the 8^th of each month or a $10 late fee is assessed.  There is discount for all dues paid in full at the beginning of the season. 

USA Swimming

Each member of the club is required to join USA Swimming.  This fee is $32.00 paid once yearly.

Meet Entry Fees

The meet entry fees are paid per event.  They are usually less than $2.00 per event.

Equipment

Each club member is required to have a team suit and cap for each meet.