FAQS
The following section provides answers to frequently asked questions. For additional information on summer swimming, please refer to the British Columbia Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA) website.
What does it mean to be a "S" swimmer?
An “S” swimmer is defined as a swimmer who has not participated in more than two hours of organized aquatic activity per week (Sunday–Saturday) between September 1 and April 30 of the current year, subject to specific exceptions outlined by the BCSSA. For further details, please refer to the BCCSA Form Swimmer's Declaration of 'S' or 'O' Status.
What is the difference between a swim group and a Division?
The Vancouver Vikings offer eight training groups: SR1, SR2, INT1, INT2, JR1, JR2, JR3, and NOV1. Groups are organized by both age and ability, with SR1 representing the oldest and most experienced swimmers, and NOV1 the youngest and newest. Swimmers train within these groups for both pool and dryland sessions.
BCSSA Divisions are separate from training groups and are based solely on age. Divisions are used for competition at swim meets and range from Div I (youngest) to Div VIII (oldest). For information on your swimmer’s division, please refer to the BCSSA Age Locator under Speed Swimming.
Vikings training groups may include swimmers from multiple divisions. For example, a group such as JR1 may include swimmers from Divisions I, II, and III.
What are the competitive divisions for "S" swimmers?
A swimmer’s age as of April 30 determines their competition division for the season. Please refer to the BCSSA Age Locator to confirm your child’s division.
What is the difference between an "A" and "B" swimmer?
Summer swimming has 2 tiers of competition, ‘A’ & ‘B’. Swimmers compete in one of these tiers based on their times.
Can I go away to summer camp or on a vacation for a week or more?
Swimmers may miss practices for holidays or camps; however, coaches should be informed as early as possible. Given the short duration of the summer season, swimmers aiming to progress beyond Regionals are encouraged to schedule vacations in late August where possible, to maximize training and development. All swimmers and families are expected to attend key club events, including the Vikings Invitational Meet (mid-July) and Regionals (early August).
How many meets must a swimmer attend? At a meet, do I swim both days?
We recommend swimmers attend as many meets as their schedule allows. Meet experience is an important part of development, and regular participation is encouraged. Swimmers may choose to compete on one or both days of a meet, as appropriate. All swimmers are encouraged to attend both days of the Vikings Invitational Meet.
Can I choose which events I will swim in at a meet?
Group coaches will choose the events for each swim meet, but may accept requests from swimmers to change events if there is sufficient reason to do so.
When will I know if I am in a relay? If I am in, can I NOT swim?
Relay events are held at the end of each swim meet session. If a swimmer is unable or unwilling to participate in a relay, the coach must be informed as early as possible, ideally prior to the meet. The latest deadline to withdraw from a relay is during warm-ups on the day of the meet.
Swimmers selected for relay teams are expected to remain for the duration of the event. Leaving before the relay may prevent the team from competing and impacts other swimmers who are relying on participation. Repeated absence from relays may affect future relay selection at the discretion of the coaching staff.
What type of Equipment is needed?
Equipment lists for each Vikings training group will be provided during the first week of practice in May (e.g., fins, paddles, goggles, etc.). Required and optional equipment, can be purchased online through Team Aquatic Supplies at a club discount: http://www.team-aquatic.com/.
