National Stream
The following are offered within the National Stream:
- Intro to National Stream 11-12 - 12.75 hours/week
- 13-15 NS Team - 16 hours/week
- Junior NS Team - 16 hours/week
- Solos and Duets - 1.5 - 2.5 hours/week
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What is a National Stream athlete? What will they do?
The Dollard Artistic Swimming National Stream Program is for dedicated, high caliber athletes who seek to realize their full potential. Athletes in this program train many hours in a disciplined environment to perfect their skills so that they are ready to compete against the strongest athletes in the country and in some cases the world. Competitive National Stream teams practice to refine their flexibility, core body strength, figure and routine skills. The end goal is to compete at national and in some cases international level competitions. This program is not for every athlete. It is geared toward those who thrive from high intensity training.
Head Coach National Stream, Laura Swift: [email protected]
What does a National Stream athlete need?
Athletes wear matching track suits and club bathing suits at competitions. They also wear performance suits that are handmade to match the theme of the routine. Please refer to the DDO Artistic Swimming Information file above for more information.
What are the fees and expenses involved?
Participating in artistic swimming entails several costs which vary according to the level of participation. Most of these are collected by the Club. Each swimmer has an individual account which itemizes their charges and payments throughout the swimming season.
Please refer to the Parent Handbook and the Fee Structure for the detail of these fees.
Please refer to the Parent Handbook and the Fee Structure for the detail of these fees.
How is private coaching organized?
All athletes receive individual coaching time (alone or in small groups) to help advance and improve their technical and routine skills. If a private is missed due to the coach's absence, then the private will be rescheduled for another time. If the private is missed due to an athlete's absence, the private will not be rescheduled.
If a private is missed due to the coach’s absence or other extenuating circumstances (ex. pool closure, unplanned events resulting in loss of pool space, etc.), the private will be rescheduled for another time. If a private is missed due to an athlete’s absence it is not guaranteed that it will be rescheduled. Rescheduling in this circumstance is at the coach’s discretion if time and pool space permits.
If a private is missed due to the coach’s absence or other extenuating circumstances (ex. pool closure, unplanned events resulting in loss of pool space, etc.), the private will be rescheduled for another time. If a private is missed due to an athlete’s absence it is not guaranteed that it will be rescheduled. Rescheduling in this circumstance is at the coach’s discretion if time and pool space permits.
What is the alternate policy?
ALTERNATE POLICY World Aquatics regulations state that teams in the National Stream can compete with a maximum of 8 swimmers in the team event. To develop a strong National Stream program, these teams often train with up to 10 members. In addition to providing more athletes with the opportunity to train and compete at a higher level, this also prevents teams from competing with less than 8 swimmers when unforeseen circumstances arise such as illness or injury. Alternates are decided by the team's head coach and are chosen based on the athlete's technical and routine ability, work ethic, attendance, and attitude. Alternates may vary throughout the season and can be changed from one competition to another. Being an alternate on a National Stream team is an opportunity for swimmers to gain experience training in an elite environment and further develop their skills. Alternates are provided with the same coaching and training opportunities as other National Stream swimmers and are considered extremely valuable members of the team.
How is fundraising organized?
To help athletes meet the costs of participating in their sport, fundraising activities such as bag packing, fruit drives, FlipGive, etc. may be undertaken. The Board might try and organize events for all members to participate in, however each team is responsible, if they so wish, to undertake a fundraiser to benefit themselves. It must be stressed that these campaigns require the participation of volunteer parents who agree to undertake and organize the activity. The team coaches cannot be expected to organize and participate in such activities. Participation in these efforts is not mandatory, however, please note that athletes who do not participate in these fundraising activities will not benefit from the funds raised. We strongly encourage members with ideas to bring them to the Board for approval to help reduce the cost of the season.
What Is the Parental Commitment Policy?
In order to fulfill the Dollard Artistic Swimming Parental Commitment all families of competitive athletes are asked to become involved in all club-hosted meets. See complete policy on our website here.
What is event hosting? How do I participate?
Dollard Artistic Swimming is hosting a competition during the season. Please refer to the Parental Commitment Policy for additional information. An e-mail will be sent to all competitive athletes' parents in the weeks leading up to the competition allowing families to sign up for food/monetary donations and volunteer time slots.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
National Stream Head Coach, Laura Swift: [email protected]
