Parental/Guardian Obligation Letter

Applicable to: Lakeshore Performance Senior Junior Provincial Regional Advanced Blue Yellow

Our Shared Commitment: Investing in Our Swimmers and LSC

As a member-run, not-for-profit organization located in Toronto, Ontario, Lakeshore Swim Club (LSC) fundamentally depends on the mandatory engagement of every family. Your participation is a required obligation and a condition of membership in good standing, directly ensuring your child's swimming success and the very existence of our club. Collective participation is the bedrock of LSC, helping ensure affordable fees, a thriving community, and a robust environment for our athletes.

As LSC Parents, you are obligated to the following commitments:

1. Contributing to Club Operations

  • Active Participation in Organizing Events/Activities: At least one parent/guardian per family will participate in an area of managing club activities (e.g. swim-a-thon, awards, events, etc.). Sign-up opportunities will be available at the September Parent Orientation Meeting. See examples of these on our website under Parent Information and Committees.

2. Supporting Hosted Swim Meets

  • Meet Participation Requirement: The success of our hosted meets, which are vital for our club's financial stability and competitive opportunities, relies on the collective effort of our families. The anticipated total of 15 sessions (the “Session’s Commitment”) for the full season will be communicated early to allow for planning. If your swimmer joins the club in January or April, your required meet participation commitment will be proportionately decreased and communicated to you directly at the new parent orientation and in an email following that orientation. You will be expected to sign up for sessions on Pool Queue when the Officiating Sign Up Period opens as instructed by LSC.
  • Ensuring Adequate Staffing: To guarantee the fair and effective operation of our hosted meets, every family is required to fulfill their assigned Sessions Commitment by signing up for meet roles as directed by LSC. Following the conclusion of the last hosted meet of the season, a non-compliance fee of $150 per unfulfilled session will be applied to families who have not met their total Sessions Commitment. Additionally, to ensure a baseline level of participation for the year, families who fail to complete the required training and at least two (2) meet sessions for the year will also be subject to a $250 non-compliance fee. Furthermore in these situations, families will have their membership at LSC reviewed by the board. 

Requests for consideration of individual circumstances that may prevent fulfillment of these obligations (participation in activities/events and officiating) must be submitted in writing to the Director of Events and Officials Coordinator (COC) as soon as possible. 

3. Commitment to Officiating Roles

  • Initial Certification Requirement: When your swimmer joins the competitive program, at least one parent/guardian must complete the Introduction to Swimming Officiating and Safety Marshall clinics. 
    • When joining the competitive program in the Fall, new officials need to be prepared for the Blue vs. Yellow Meet.
    • When joining the competitive program in the Winter, new officials need to be prepared for the Division 1 Short Course Championships and 
    • When joining the competitive program in the Spring, new officials need to be prepared for the Marilyn Bell Meet. 

These clinics can be accessed on the Swim Canada Learning Management System (LMS) 

  • Building Essential Skills: Within the first competitive season, (the first year of competitive swimming) at least one parent/guardian is required to complete Deck Evaluations for the Timer Position. Timers are a fundamental role for all swim meets. As well at least one parent/guardian must complete the Inspector of Turns and Judge of Stroke clinics. This demonstrates a growing commitment to the technical aspects of swimming.
  • Continuing Your Growth and Expertise: Starting in your swimmer’s second (2nd) year in the competitive program, at least one parent/guardian will be required to complete 2 (two) successful Deck Evaluations as an Inspector of Turns and 1 (one) successful Deck Evaluation as a Stroke Judge. To demonstrate ongoing learning, at least one parent/guardian, will take at least one officiating Level II clinic (Chief Timer, Administration Desk Clerk, Chief Finish Judge/Chief Judge Electronics, Starter, Meet Manager) per year, following the Swimming Canada Certification Pathway (available on the Swim Ontario website). This continuous development strengthens our officiating team and the quality of our meets.
  • Building Expertise and Club Swim Meet Hosting Capacities: In your swimmer’s third and fourth (3rd and 4th) year in the competitive program, at least one parent/guardian will be required to complete successful Deck Evaluations in the Level 2 pathway. Ongoing Growth will require at least one parent/guardian, to continue developing skills as a Level 2 official (Chief Timer, Administration Desk Clerk, Chief Finish Judge/Chief Judge Electronics, Starter, Meet Manager) following the Swimming Canada Certification Pathway (available on the Swim Canada website.) This continuous development strengthens our officiating team and the quality of our meets.
  • Building Leadership: After completing all clinics in the Level 2 Pathway, and completing successful Deck Evaluations for these positions, at least one parent/guardian is encouraged not required to consider training for the position of referee. This position takes a few years to complete and requires you to work at other meets for other clubs. Every Swim Club needs several affiliated referees as part of the roster in order to fulfill the Swim Canada and Swim Ontario requirements to host meets.

4. Supporting Fundraising Efforts

  • Participating in major fundraising events is crucial for keeping our club financially healthy. Your swimmer(s)’ participation in the Swim-A-Thon is mandatory, as it directly supports our programs and helps keep fees affordable.

5. Adhering to Club Guidelines

  • Adherence to the club’s bylaws and policies, as posted on the club’s website www.lakeshoreswimclub.com, is a requirement of membership. Members are responsible for regularly reviewing the website for updates.

6. Ensuring Proper Registration

  • Proper registration of swimmers and officials in Swimming Canada's Registration and Event Management System (REMS) is mandatory before participation in any LSC activities, events, or practices. This includes unconditional agreement to Swimming Canada’s terms and policies and the return of all required waivers. Swimmers and Officials will not be permitted to participate in any LSC on deck activities or meets until the REMS registration is complete. LSC will initiate the registration process, and parents are required to promptly complete their portion.

Agreement

Completion of the registration package signifies you have read and understood the Club Fee Structure and parent requirements outlined herein and as communicated to you and agree to honour all financial and other commitments, including the prompt payment of all fees and charges. Active participation by LSC families is recognized as essential to the success and sustainability of LSC and the positive experience of its swimmers.

 

v. 2025-07

As of 2025-07-30 1:30 PM