WHO OWNS DSC AND HOW IS THE CLUB MANAGED?

Diplomat Swim Club is a parent-administered, non-profit organization [IRC 501(c)(3)]. Business operations and club policy planning are the responsibilities of an annually elected Board of Directors, each of whom serves for a two-year term.

2009-2010 Diplomat Swim Club Board of Directors

Bob Rueppel, President
Mark Haines, Vice President
Charlene Urban, Treasurer
Heather Uhlin, Secretary
Mike Albert
Ken Wareham
Dale Nelson

HOW LARGE IS THE DIPLOMAT COACHING STAFF?

See the "Coaches" page.

WHAT IS THE SEASONAL DUES STRUCTURE?

Dues vary based on the swim group in which your swimmer trains. Currently there are 7 swim groups and corresponding dues levels. Multiple-swimmer family discounts are available. Every DSC swimmer must also be registered with United States Swimming. In addition, meet entry fees are periodically billed to each family.

IN WHICH SWIM-GROUP LEVEL WILL MY CHILD BE PLACED?

That's solely a coaching decision. The coaching staff determines group designation based on a swimmer's abilities, fitness and conditioning level, and age.

WHAT IS THE WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE?

Depending on assigned swim group, your swimmer will practice from 3 to 6 days a week.  Click here for the practice schedule.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A DIPLOMAT PARENT?

There are many, but none more important than the active and continuing support of your child as he or she progresses in our sport. As a DSC parent, it is your responsibility to make sure club policy is followed, and that the rules established by F&M College are adhered to, especially as they relate to facility and pool access. In terms of club involvement, we ask that you serve on a club committee and volunteer your time to work or coordinate a function (timer, concessions, computer, tickets, or safety, for example) of our hosted meets. Each DSC family is expected to work during these meets, which are the only fund-raisers employed by DSC.

TO WHOM WITHIN DIPLOMAT DO I TURN WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

On club-related issues, you can always ask a DSC board member for help (see Contacts). Parents' meetings, held in the Woods Room on the second floor of the swim center, are an excellent forum in which to ask questions and to learn more about DSC current events.

DOES DIPLOMAT HOST ANY SWIM MEETS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?

Yes, and they're some of the finest in the Middle Atlantic. Each short-course season in December, the club hosts the hugely popular Holiday Classic, which attracts nearly 1200 swimmers representing approximately 50 clubs from throughout the Middle Atlantic region. Diplomat is also host club to the May Maelstrom and June Summer Storm long-course meets at F&M College.

WHAT IS DIPLOMAT'S RELATIONSHIP WITH USA AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC SWIMMING?

Diplomat Swim Club is a member club of United States Swimming (USA Swimming), the national governing body of competitive swimming in the U.S. DSC is also a part of the Middle Atlantic Swimming LSC, or Local Swimming Committee, which supervises competitive swimming within established geographic boundaries. MA, in turn, is within the Eastern Zone, which includes 11 other LSCs. See the "Links" page for links to these organizations.