Pacific Wave Artistic Swim Club
PWASC Policies
Policies
Withdrawal Policy
LCOMP and Competitive Program Policy
From the start of registration until September 30, an athlete must provide written notice to the Registrar, Treasurer (treasurer@pwasc.ca) and coach from the program. Athletes are required to pay for all administrative, program, BCAS and CAS fees upon withdrawal. Any program fees paid from September 30 onwards will be refunded. If additional items such as uniform and swimwear apparel are ordered prior to withdrawal, these items are non-refundable.
From October 1 to November 30, an athlete must provide two weeks written notice to the Registrar, Treasurer, and Coach to withdraw from the program. The month in which notice to withdraw is offered and the next month’s fees must be paid.
December 1 forward, an athlete must provide written notice the Registrar, Treasurer, and Coach to withdraw. No fees will be refunded, unless the athlete is withdrawing due to medical reasons. In such case, the Medical Withdrawal Policy will apply.
AquaGO and Recreational Withdrawal Policy
Recreational and AquaGO athletes may withdraw from the program at any time by providing 30 days written notice to the Registrar, Treasurer, and Coach. Program fees will continue to apply during the 30-day notice period. If the notice period crosses into a new billing period, the athlete is responsible for the prorated amount up to the final day of participation.
Medical/Illness Withdrawal Policy
The LCOMP and Competitive Stream programs, in the case of injury or illness substantiated by a doctor’s note, agreed by the Head Coach and Board, may receive up to 50% refund of the program fee on a pro-rated balance. Any physician fees incurred for substantiating documentation are the responsibility of the athlete’s family.
The club can suspend activity to any participant if there is a concern of safety for the individual. Program fees will be considered for a partial or full refund from the time of inactivity and will be decided by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
Respect & Sportsmanship Policy
At practices, events, and competitions, athletes, parents and coaches are expected to represent the club in a professional and respectful manner by displaying good sportsmanship, supporting teammates, other teams and programs, and being a positive role model for others.
It is essential that there be mutual respect between teammates, families and their coaches.
Any disrespect toward others in-person, online (text, email, social media) will not be tolerated and will be addressed with the athlete, family and coaches immediately and as per our policies regarding conduct and harassment. Please read on our website Safe Sport Policy, Expectations and Conduct, BCAS Code of Conduct including Appendices A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H.
Injury & Illness Policy
If the athlete is injured (due to swimming or otherwise) and this injury will affect participation in artistic swimming, the athlete is still expected to attend team practices (each circumstance will be discussed with the families and coaches) to keep up with what is being taught. All injuries must be reported to the coach immediately, no matter how insignificant the injury seems and whether or not it is swim-related.
If an athlete becomes sick unexpectedly and must miss a practice, you MUST contact the athlete‘s coach prior to the start of practice .
All individuals are expected to remain vigilant by monitoring their own health on a daily basis, and consider whether they are experiencing any symptoms of a communicable disease or common cold, even if mild. If you are feeling sick, please do not come to training! Individuals are expected to continue to practice good hygiene as well as not sharing each other’s equipment.
Please also note that each culture has different views about menstruation and physical activity; please communicate to your coach about this if you have a concern about missing training. It is the responsibility of the athlete’s parents to make the athlete aware of what feminine hygiene products are suitable for active athletes.
Attendance Policy
Athletes are expected to comply with their team’s attendance requirements throughout the season. If an athlete will be absent from a practice, competition, or team activity, the athlete or parent/guardian (as appropriate) must notify the coach and any designated team personnel as far in advance as reasonably possible.
Athletes are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of each practice to allow sufficient time to change, prepare, and be ready for training. Being on time means being on the pool deck, fully prepared, and ready to begin practice at the scheduled start time.
Communication Policy
The Club is committed to providing timely and effective communication through TeamSnap, monthly newsletters, email, WhatsApp, the Club website, and social media. Parents/guardians are responsible for regularly monitoring these communication channels and staying informed of club and team updates. Parents/guardians are also expected to attend all scheduled parent meetings whenever possible.
To provide the most positive training environment for all athletes, parents/guardians are asked not to discuss concerns with, or in front of, athletes. Coaches should not be approached on the pool deck before, during, or immediately after practices, except in the case of an emergency. Coaching time is dedicated to the athletes and should remain free from interruptions.
The Club encourages respectful and open communication between parents/guardians and coaches. Concerns relating to an athlete should be addressed by scheduling a meeting with the coach or the Coach Liaison. For non-emergency matters, meeting requests should be made at least 48 hours after the incident or concern arises and, where possible, at least 7 days before the matter requires discussion. Emergencies involving an athlete’s health, safety, or well-being (such as injury or illness) should be communicated to the coach as soon as possible.