Frequently asked questions.

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

+ What is your contact information?

Phone: 780 417 6439

email: information@excelsynchroclub.com

Excel Artistic Swimming Club

P.O. Box 68204, R.P.O Bonnie Doon

Edmonton, Alberta, T6C 4N6

+ Can my child try it out before joining to see if she/he likes it?

Yes, she/he can. Please come to one lesson at the pool of choice to try out our program. Please contact us at information@excelsynchroclub.com to arrange this. We will request that you to fill out the registration papers, health information and waiver. (Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Swimmer can register and if the swimmer does not like the program she/he can withdraw and fees will be refunded. (Except for AAS fees) - Apply to one class attended only).

+ Are there dates that we can come to try the program?

(Temporarily suspended) Yes there are. They are called “Bring a Friend Day”. You can also try the program on the first day of class, given that there are open spots available. You will need to fill out the participant agreement prior to coming to try a class. Please contact information@excelsynchroclub.com to set up a trial day for your child.

+ Who do I make cheques payable to?

Excel Synchro Club

+ Can I pay by cheque or e-transfer instead of directly on the website?

If you wish to pay by cheque or e-transfer please contact treasurer@excelsynchroclub.com. Once you submitted payment, please contact us at information@excelsynchroclub.com to reserve a spot in the program. We can only reserve a spot once payment has been received.

+ Where do I buy swimming gear?

Many sport shops carry it. Some pools also carry equipment to sell. The Running Room at Millennium Place and Kinsmen have quite a bit of swimming gear. Online shops are also a great way to get reasonably priced gear for Artistic Swimming. Our wardrobe coordinator has the ability to sell caps, noseclips, theraband and other day to day equipment to the membership. Some other equipment such as club backpacks, parkas and club suits are ordered at the begining of the season as group orders.

+ Is there financial assistance available to pay for swim fees?

Financial assistance is available upon request. Specific grants available for new immigrants to Canada. Please email president@excelsynchroclub.com for more information. More information on grants can be found here.

+ Activities outdoors - policy

All our outdoor activities will follow Environment Canada's recommendations. Our activities will be adjusted when the Humidex Index gets to 40 or the Air Quality Index gets to 7. We may have to suspend activities if the Humidex Index gets to 46 or the Air Quality Index gets "very high" at 10 or above. The outdoor pool will close if there is lightning or if it is raining so hard that the lifeguards can't see the bottom of the pool. Outdoor dryland activities in surrounding green space will also be suspended in case of lightning. There will be no refunds due to unforeseen weather/Air Quality conditions.

PRE-COMPETITIVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

+ Should I register as a Pre-Competitive or Provincial Stream

Pre-Competitive programs are for young swimmers with no Artistic Swimming experience and a limited swimming background. Strong swimmers with no experience in Artistic Swimming are welcome on the 10 and under provincial stream teams. Very strong swimmers with no experience in Artistic Swimming are welcome the Novice teams

+ My child has basic swimming skills. Will she/he be strong enough to join the pre-competitive level?

The instructor will ask your child to swim for a bit to make sure she/he is strong enough to be part of the class. If she/he is not, the club will fully refund your registration.

+ Is there a pre-competitive level in Beaumont?

Excel started offering a pre-competitive program in Beaumont in 2020. Swimmers with no experience can choose to register to swim competitively or on the pre-competitive group. It replaces the “Dancing Dolphin” Program.

+ What do I need to bring for the first class?

A water bottle, a pair of goggles, a swim suit and a towel.

+  If my child is sick and can’t attend , who do I call last minute?

You can e-mail information@excelsynchroclub.com and the message will be delivered to your child's coach ASAP.

+ If my child decides not to swim after being registered, do I get a full refund? (pre-comps)

No. The Alberta Artistic Swimming yearly fee is non-refundable. A $50 fee will apply to all withdrawals.  Once classes start, refunds will be pro-rated to the end of the 3rd class. After the 3rd class, no refunds will be issued. 

 

COMPETITIVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

+ My child is a strong swimmer. Can she/he skip the pre-competitive program and go straight to the competitive program?

Yes, she/he can. It depends on the level of the team she/he will be swimming with. It would be best if she/he participated on a trial basis so that coaches can assess her/his ability level.

+ Can my child register mid-season for the competitive program?

Yes, she/he can register until December, as long as there is a spot available on the team she/he qualifies for.

+ If my child decides not to swim after being registered, do I get a full refund? (comp. programs)

No. The Alberta Artistic Swimming yearly fee is non-refundable. A $100 fee will apply to all withdrawals. All other fees are refundable before Jan. 1. After Jan.1, refer to the Cancellation Policy in the Excel Handbook.

+ Which age group will my child be swimming in for the 2023 -24 season?

10 & under - (8-9 YOA) - Swimmers born in 2017, 2016 or 2015 

 12 & under - (10-11 YOA) - Swimmers born in 2014 & 2013

 13 to 15 – (12-14 YOA) Swimmers born in 2010 to 2012

Novices - swimmers that never swam, independent of the age group

There are also teams that combine 2 age groups. If you are interested in one specific schedule, ask if the specific team can have combined age groups.