General Information

The Monocacy Aquatic Club is a year round swimming program, dedicated to advancing the sport of swimming. Since 1976, MAC has provided a program for all swimmers who wish to improve their swimming skills by training year round. Our coaching staff has developed a program that provides each swimmer with the required skills and conditioning to be successful at any level of swimming. The skill level of MAC swimmers ranges from the noncompetitive swimmer who is just learning to swim up to and including swimmers who are competing at a national level.

Training Groups

Novice:  This group is typically for swimmers ages 9 years and younger.  The emphasis at this level is on technique, development, balance and kicking skills.  Swimmers in Novice learn the basics of all strokes, turns, and starts, which are the essential building blocks for all competitive swimmers.
Tues/Thurs – 5:30-6:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm (determined by coaching staff)
Sat – 10:30-11:30am

Age Group I:  Age Group I is for swimmers who are between 8 and 11 years old.  The major emphasis is on refining individual stroke technique, kicking, and balance in the water.  Minimal training is introduced at this level with the focus on teaching the swimmers how to train together.  Dryland or “out of water” training is introduced at this level. 
Mon/Fri – 4:30-6:15pm
Wed – 6-7:45pm
Sat – 7:30-9:00am

Age Group II:  Swimmers in this group are typically between the ages of 11 and 13 years.  Although the group continues to reinforce technique, training becomes the major component of these practices.  Dryland work of sit-ups, etc… is included in this group.
Mon/Fri – 6:00-8:00pm
Tues/Thurs – 6-8:00pm
Sat – 9:00-10:30am

Senior Prep:  This group is designed to prepare the swimmer for the high school swimming season and for year round swimming. Swimmers should be at least 12 years old. The program will emphasize the fundamentals of the four competitive swimming strokes as well as turns and starts. Stroke drills and conditioning will be a part of every practice. This group has four one hour practices per week.
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs – 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Senior White:  This group is comprised of swimmers age 13 and up who may need additional time to progress towards the top two levels of the club, or who may not be willing to completely commit to swimming. 
Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri – 5:45-8:00pm
Sat – 9-10:30am

Senior Black:  This group is comprised of swimmers who have chosen swimming as their primary focus outside of school.  These athletes are developing the training habits to make the transition to Senior level swimming.  Dryland workouts become a more integral part of the practice.  Attendance at all practice is expected.
Mon/Wed/Fri – 4:00-6:45pm
Tues/Thurs – 4:00-6:15pm
Sat – 6:30-9:00am

Senior Red:  This is the highest level of the program, and is designed for the serious athlete that is committed to the sport throughout the year.  At this level, rigorous training and conditioning methods are used with continued emphasis on racing techniques and strategies. 
Mon/Wed/Fri – 4:00-6:45pm
Tues/Thurs – 4:00-6:15pm
Sat – 6:30-9:00am
Mornings (as needed) – 5:15-6:45am

Progression through the training groups involves many factors.  All of the following are considered when making a decision in the best interest of the athlete.  This decision is the sole discretion of the coach:

• Practice ability
• Dedication (attendance/work ethic)
• Physical/Mental/Emotional stage of development
• Age

Fee Structure
Trimester sessions:  Sept-Dec/Jan-April/May-Aug
Cost per trimester:

Annual USS registration fee (insurance):  $64.00
This fee must be paid before a swimmer can enter the water.
Every swimmer in the club must pay this fee annually.

Family Registration Fee:  $110.00
This is a non-refundable one-time fee.  Fee will be reassessed if out of water for more than one session.

Annual fundraising fee:  $100.00 per family.

Additional Costs

• Training equipment: caps, fins, floats, paddles, etc., amounts based on training group.
• Swim meet attire: caps, suit, t-shirt, warm-ups, etc. Only MAC apparel allowed at swim meets.
• Travel meets/Training: some groups will take travel trips for meets and training.

Communication

• MAC website:  www.macswim.net includes:  Handbook, Team contacts, Team records, MD and USA Swimming links, announcements, etc.
• MAC News by e-mail, sent by noon every day (simultaneiously posted to website)
• File System:  Each family on the club will have a file in the cabinet (located near the baby pool) that will contain information regarding any written communication from the club.  Swimmers are advised to check the files regularly.

       
Additional Information

• Team apparel is purchased through Pools, Patios and Porches located at 179 Thomas Johnson Drive in Frederick (301-698-1200).  A bulk order purchase is offered three times per year with reduced pricing (typically September, November and February).
• Questions regarding registration, please e-mail Ed Goundry at fgoundry@vglaw.org