Haney Neptunes' FAQ
everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Just what IS this "Blue Box" I keep hearing about??
If you're new to the Neptunes, you may hear brief whispers about a mystical and magical Blue Box and wonder what all the fuss is about. The Blue Box goes back to the olden days, before email and website communications. Historically, it has been the place where information has been passed back and forth between club members, executives and officials. It continues to be the place where you should look to find any and all printed materials that you may receive throughout the year. Your children's medals and ribbons are deposited there, as are sign-up forms and information flyers regarding fundraising activities and any other random bits we need to pass on. They can be found in the folder with your family name on it. Yes, it IS actually a BLUE box and you can find it on the bleachers at most practices. Don't see it? Ask one of the Executive members or a head coach to get it out of "the cage" for you. If everyone helps out, we can keep the lines of communication flowing! Don't see a folder with your name on it? Make one or ask that one be made for you, there are usually some blank ones in the box. Oh yeah, one last note, please do not steal the box or take it home, there was a dark period with little communication that lasted almost a year the last time it went for a stroll!
When is the next session starting?
All three of our disciplines, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming and Water Polo all start May 1, for Summer Session, Sept 1, for Fall Session and Jan 3, for Winter Session.
Who do I ask about...?
We suggest you start by contacting our Chairperson of Communications. The contact email is on this web page under contact us. Well informed and always in the loop, if you can't get the answer, you will most definitely be put in contact with whoever will be able to help.
Information about our club is also available through the Blue Box. Each family has a file and should be checked regularly. We also have our bulletin board (located across from the washrooms in the Lobby) at the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre.
I didn't get notified about the .......?
This is our number one FAQ! All notices are sent out via email according to the email addresses you handed in upon registration. It is your responsibility to keep us informed of any changes to your email. Only those who have no email will be contacted by phone.
What swimming level is my child required to have to join competitive swimming?
Since swimming lessons focus on water safety we do not care what level children have achieved at lessons, we only require that children be able to swim 25 meters of any discernable stroke. We will teach swimmers proper stroke technique for competitive swimming.
What type of commitment is required from swimmers?
Although we encourage all swimmers to come to as many practices as possible, we do not require that you attend every practice. Please be aware that if you miss the same practice time each week you may be missing a certain skill that is practiced on that day. E.g. Fridays are usually starts and turns day, and may be the only day these skills are practiced
Can I change my pool time?
Requests for practice changes must be submitted in writing to the director of swimming and be approved by the Head Coach. We offer morning and afternoon practice times for most groups to try to fit in people’s schedules. Unfortunately we have no choice in the pool time we are given by the leisure center, if practice times conflict with school dismissal, please try to attend morning practices. Pool times change again in July.
Does my child need goggles, they were prohibited in swimming lessons?
YES! Please provide your child with goggles, their eyes will be in the water for a full hour and will get very sore. Lessons restrict the use of goggles so children learn to feel safe in the water if they fall in deep water.
Does my son need to wear a Speedo?
If your child feels uncomfortable wearing a Speedo, they may wear jammers or swim briefs. Please do not send your child in swim trunks, they will drag in the water causing your child to tire quickly, they also cause chaffing. Don’t worry, if all the kids are wearing them nobody will notice if you are.
Why are they only doing parts of strokes?
Drills are used to strengthen muscles used in full strokes, and lead to proper technique. (They may look exaggerated but they help the brain memorize body placement so it can become second nature.)
Why can’t my kid do butterfly?
Well, have you tried it? Butterfly is a very difficult stroke to master. Strong core, shoulder and leg muscles are required to do this stroke properly. Until a child’s muscles are strong enough they will not be able to master this stroke, so relax and don’t laugh, you try it.
What should I do when my child starts to cry at practice?
Swimming is hard work. Please don’t forget that your child knows now to push your buttons, heck, they probably installed them. Some children try to manipulate their parents into letting them quit early, if this happens, go get a coffee. Our coaches are not beasts and if they see a child lagging and needing rest, they will let them sit on the deck until they are ready to rejoin the group, believe me they won’t cry if you are not there.
Who is responsible for the children in the change room?
You are. Coaches are only responsible for children during practice. Please be aware that the club cannot supervise children in the change rooms or in the lobby before or after practice. Please deliver children to the coach at the beginning of practice and pick them up from the deck, after practice.
What equipment is required for swimming?
All children should have a good competition suit, goggles, cap, and a bottle of water. If your child finds flippers uncomfortable, please use a pair of socks in the water with the flippers.
How do you get chlorine out of hair?
You can buy special shampoo to strip the chlorine out of hair or you can make a paste of baking soda and regular shampoo in your hand and use it to wash hair. Use as much baking soda as you can, it stinks but it works.
How does fundraising work?
At the beginning of a session the swimmer's family gives the Haney Neptune’s a cheque for fundraising ($50.00 for the fall and winter sessions and $150.00 for the summer session). During the session, when you participate in a fundraiser, the profit from your participation goes towards that $50.00 or $150.00.
What happens if I do not earn the total amount ($50.00 or $150.00?)
At the end of the session we take the total amount you have earned (let’s say you raised $35.00) we would then cash your cheque and write you a new cheque for $35.00 we keep the $15.00 not raised or $115.00 in the summer session
What happens to my cheque if I complete my fundraising obligations?
If you complete your fundraising we would then destroy your cheque.
Who would I ask if I had questions or what to know how much I have earned in a session?
You would call the director of fundraising