Frequently Asked Questions

#Is the swim club a part of Jenks Public Schools?

The swim club is part of Jenks Public Schools directed by Jenks Community Education.

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#Is the swim club sponsored by the school system or Jenks Community Education?

The swim club does not receive any sponsorship from the school system or from Jenks Community Education.  The club is self-supported.

#What expenses does the club have?

The club pays for pool rental from the school system as well as coaches salaries, coaches and officials certification's, office supplies and equipment.  In addition, whenever the club attends meets, it must pay travel expense for the coaching staff and relay fees.

#Where does the money come from to support the club?

The money to pay club expenses comes mostly from swimmers dues.  However these dues do not completely cover the outlays.  In order to keep monthly dues from rising, and to avoid typical fund raisers, the swim club sponsors two swim meets during the year where the club can generate income.  The club also sponsors a poinsettia sale that offers a great product and an opportunity for additional income for the club.

#Who runs the club?

Jenks Community Education has the final decision ability, but the daily operations of the club are managed by the head swim coach and a volunteer advisory committee.

#If my swimmer doesn't attend for a month, can I skip the payment?

#What sort of equipment will my swimmer need?

We require goggles and strongly suggest fins, a swim cap, kick board and buoys.  Most swimmers find it easier to tote these items in a mesh bag.  We also suggest a swim bag to carry their clothes and towels.  Female swimmers should wear a one-piece suit.  The parent volunteer who coordinates equipment sales can be found in the pool area lobby.

#How can I tell which practice group my swimmer belongs in?

Grouping is determined by a set of progressive standards taking into consideration social and emotional development, ability and age.  The coaches will determine which group will best suit your swimmer.  Your swimmer will have the opportunity to move into a more advanced group as their skill and endurance increases.  Your tuition will increase accordingly.

#What times do the different groups practice?

Novice   M-F   6:00-7:10

Age Group   M-F   6:00-7:40

Advanced Age Group  M-F   3:45-6:00

John's Group  M-F   3:45-6:00

#What is a swim meet?

If your swimmer is an "age-group" competitor, a swim meet is usually a two or three day event.  Friday evenings are usually reserved for long events, so your swimmer may not compete that night.  Otherwise a swimmer will either swim in the mornings (7:30-noon) or afternoons (noon-4:30) on Saturday and Sunday.  If your swimmer is a "park and rec" competitor, a swim meet is usually an evening event held on a weekday.

#Who runs these swim meets?

Parents.  Each parent of a Jenks swimmer is expected to volunteer a few hours at these swim meets.  Parents are needed to help run the snack bar, time events, enter race times, or a variety of positions.  In lieu of volunteering, a parent can provide monetary support or provide items to sell at the snack bar.

#Where are the swim meets held?

Two meets are held in our pool.  The club decides which other meets to attend.  Those meets are usually in Claremore, Bartlesville, Oklahoma City and Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Most parents elect to spend the weekend in Oklahoma City or Fayetteville for meets held there.  Park and rec meets are usually held within an hour driving distance.

#Tell me more about Park and Rec meets.

Park and Rec is for Novice and Age group swimmers without "B" times.  It is paid by the season, with four seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) with usually four meets and a championship weekend.

#What are "B" times?

Each event is broken down into different time categories.  The slowest time is known as a "C" time.  The times progress to B, BB, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA.  New swimmers will start with what's known as  a "NT" or "No-time" since they haven't swam that event before.  For more on this subject, click here.

#Are the times the same for boys and girls?

No.  All the times for boys are different than for girls.  Times are further broken down by age group, so for example, a "B" time for a 10-year-old girl is much slower than a "B" time for a 13-year-old girl.

#How are the ages broken down for times?

Oklahoma swimming breaks down age groups into 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-19.  For more information see their website at OKS.org.

#What's a heat sheet?

These are booklets sold at swim meets that list all of the events and swimmers.  They are very helpful to track the events and when your swimmer needs to head to the starting blocks.

#What does my swimmer need to take to a swim meet?

In terms of equipment, the team cap, team suite and goggles are necessary.  Most swimmers will pack an extra set of goggles or a swim cap "just in case", although goggles are usually available for sale at most swim meets.  Other items parents and swimmers find helpful are:

• Folding chairs for indoor meets at Claremore and Norman, and outdoor meets at Bartlesville and Norman.
• Three or more dry towels per day for indoor meets (swimmers can get cold on deck.)
• Nutritional snacks and drinks.
• Sharpies for marking their events on their arms or legs.
  

#What is the difference between long course and short course?

A short course season starts in August and runs until March or April.  It is called short course because the events are in YARDS and are usually held in a 25-yard pool.  Short course events are almost always held indoors.  Long course season is during the late spring and summer.  Those events are in METERS and are often held in 50-meter outdoor pools.  50 meters is about 16 feet longer than 50 yards.

#What are J.O.'s?

That is short for "Junior Olympics", an older term used to refer to what is now called "Age Group Championships".  Those are more or less state championships held at the end of each season.  In order to attend, a swimmer must qualify with a fast enough time for each event.

#How do I get communication about JTSC, meets and events?

Information on club activities, meets and practice times can be found on this website.  Go back to the home page and follow the menu tabs on the left side of the screen.

Club information is also routinely sent out via email, so make sure your email address is on file. You can also call our recorded  team hot line at 299-4415 x2216. 

In addition, feel free to check the pool lobby for information on the posters and white boards.  Parent meetings are held in September or October, then again in February or March.