MARS Store
MARS FAQ's
Below are questions and answers to some of the more common questions our families have from time to time.
1. What is "escrow" and why do I have to pay it?
"Escrow" money is our way of dealing with paying for meet entries. All swimmers in Age Group 1 or above must deposit escrow money with the team to pay for their meet entry fees. The current target balance in escrow is $50. We do it this way to streamline the meet entry process. Meet entries are entered into the MARS team computer and a single check is electronically sent to the host swim team. The entry fee amount for each swimmer is then deducted from their escrow account. It would be very difficult to accept individual checks or cash from swimmers for meet entry fees and maintain accuracy. Coaches are not allowed to accept payments at the pool. Swimmers must maintain a positive balance in their escrow accounts to be entered in a meet. Escrow balances are listed on the monthly statement each family receives. Novice Group swimmers do not need to maintain an escrow balance since, by and large, they are not competing in meets. In the event a Novice swimmer is asked by their coach to enter a meet, the meet entry fees will be added to their account and should be paid with their next month's invoice. If a swimmer decides to leave the team any remaining escrow will be returned.
2. How do I fill out the meet entry sheets and who do I give them to?
The North Texas Consolidated Swimmer Entry Forms are available at each pool and should be used to enter a swimmer in a meet. These forms are also available on-line (link on the bottom of the margin). Please fill out the form completely. Be sure to write in the meet name and date at the top. The USAS ID# number is derived as follows: 6-digit birthdate, first three letters of the first name, middle initial, first four letters of the last name. Asterisks (*) are used in place of missing letters (i.e. no middle name or only three letters in last name). List the event number from the meet information sheet and circle the stroke and distance. It is not necessary to write in the entry times for each event. The team database has every swimmer's times and will automatically enter the best time for each event. Place the completed meet entry forms in the "Meet Entries Only" boxes at both pools by the due date written at the top of the meet information (usually 15 days prior to the meet). Do not place checks or money in these boxes! On the due date meet entry forms will be removed and swimmers will be entered in the meet.
3. What happens if I forget to turn in my meet entry form on time?
If a swimmer misses the deadline for turning in the forms in the meet entry box they may still enter the meet. They will have to send in the entry themselves or deck enter at the meet. If they send in the entry themselves they must send it by the meet entry deadline as listed in the meet information - 10 days prior to the meet. Payment must accompany their meet entry form. MARS will not pay the host team for late entries with your escrow funds. If a swimmer decides to deck enter at the meet they must make payment to the host team at the time they enter. Late fees for deck entering are double the regular fee. Swimmers are discouraged from depending on this option for entry into the meets. Coaches use the meet entry reports to configure relays and late entered swimmers will probably not be used on any relays.
4. What do I need to do if I decide to "take the summer off"?
This is a question that is asked more than any other question. If a swimmer decides to take a leave of absence from the team they must notify the team treasurer in writing (e-mail preferred) 30 days prior to the first day of the leave. The swimmer's account will then be annotated and they will not be charged for the time they were away. If a swimmer takes leave after the first of the month they must pay for that entire month (coaches salaries and pool rent are calculated from numbers at the beginning of the month). Upon their return, if there is space available in their training group, swimmers may rejoin by completing a new registration packet and paying the appropriate fees (MARS registration is required; USAS registration fee only if not current). Failure to notify the team of the leave in writing at least 30 days in advance will cause continued billing each month. If a swimmer returns they must pay any outstanding balance on their account.
5. What happens when the pool is closed, and why?
Occasionally something happens at one of the pools that causes it to temporarily close. These rare closures are usually the result of water chemical problems, high school meet scheduling, or severe weather. We fully support the high school programs in both AISD and HEBISD. We are an important part as a "feeder system" for these programs. From October through January the Trinity pool may be closed 3-5 times for a scheduled high school meet. Swimmers are notified well in advance these dates and are usually given the opportunity to train at the TCC pool. In the case of pool closure for water chemical problems or severe weather, every effort is made to notify the swimmers as soon as possible. Unfortunately we are often given little or no notice for these types of closures. Please check your e-mail often for a message, especially if severe weather is threatening. You may always call the team phone line for information (817-925-0505). We also utilize the phone tree system to help you stay informed of pool closures and other team events. If the pool is closed Novice swimmers may make-up any missed classes by making arrangements with their coach.
6. What if my swimmer has a scheduling conflict today and can't make it to practice? Can I make up the practice?
Generally, no. Practice times are arranged to maximize our pool space and coach - swimmer interaction. Altering those times (except in the case of a pool closure) is not conducive to maintaining a high quality level of instruction. We are not able to reschedule missed classes for short illnesses or occasional scheduling conflicts.
7. What is my families fundraising commitment?
Each MARS family is responsible for a $100 annual activity fee. This commitment is renewed each calendar year. Families may select to participate in one of our optional fund-raising activities (Swim-a-Thon, etc.) or to pay their activity fee to the team at some point during the year. Activity fee dollars go to offset expenses for equipment purchases and other expenses not covered by tuition revenues. Each family's activity fee status is listed on their monthly statements. The activity fee is charged to the swimmer's account at the end of the year or upon withdrawal from the team.
8. How many volunteer hours must I have each year?
We require families to log 16 volunteer hours each year. We ask for your help in running our team by volunteering to help out with some of our team activities. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities within the team. We also are always looking for folks to volunteer to work as certified officials. Training classes are being held constantly to certify officials. Please see the Coach Suzanne for more information.
9. How do swim meets work? How long will I be there?
Swim meets will seem very strange to those of you not familiar with them. There is lots happening, but most people will seem to be sitting around doing very little. Most meets in our LSC are designed to be completed within 4 hours in each section. Most teams do a good job with this. The 8 & Under sections typically last only 1-2 hours. Meets are typically Friday night, Saturday and Sunday affairs with available events on each day. Most swimmers will have approximately one meet per month, or about 10 per year. Don't be afraid to ask your swimmer's coach if you don't understand something. There are no "stupid questions". The following link is a page that one of our MARS parents, Rebecca Dark, wrote to help parents with their first swim meet (first swim meet). Additionally, here is a link from USA Swimming on the Role of Parents.
10. When and where do I need to get a team suit?
Swimmers are not required to purchase a team suit until they begin swimming in meets. Team suits may be purchased from D & J Sports in Dallas. MARS is a Speedo sponsored team. The official team suit for the boy's from Speedo is the Quantum Splice in Navy/Red. The girl's suit from Speedo is the Victory Splice in Navy/Red. Contact D&J Sports to order a suit. Be sure to tell them you're with MARS. All MARS swimmers must wear the team suit in competition (except Novice). All MARS swimmers must also wear a team cap (girls & boys) in competition.
11. When do I get my t-shirt and cap?
MARS team t-shirts are ordered by the team each fall or as needed. Each new or renewing member gets a new t-shirt and cap when their registration fees are paid. Swimmers should see their coach if they have questions.
12. Are there parent's shirts or other MARS team apparel available?
At MARS we design and make most of our non-Speedo clothing and act as our own official team apparel vendor. Extra team clothing, parent shirts, and spirit items are available through our website. Please contact Coach Brian with any questions.