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Parkway Swim Club-Rockwood Swim Club Update
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Thank you for your interest in the Parkway and Rockwood Swim Clubs. This page has been created to share updates regarding upcoming discussions related to a collective future between the swim clubs.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions based on information that is known at this time. This page will be updated throughout the coming year as more information becomes available, so you are invited to check back often.
An electronic form has been created where feedback can be provided at any time. While information submitted through the form may not receive individual replies, the information will be reviewed as it is received. Submit feedback now.
Created: July 22, 2022
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Why are Parkway and Rockwood talking about having a combined swim club?
In June 2022, Parkway School District, which operates Parkway Swim Club, expressed interest in engaging in discussions about a combined swim club. Around the same time, changes at Rockwood Swim Club had created a need for future planning within that program. As a result, the districts agreed to begin a process to discuss a collective future for the swim clubs.
The districts believe there could be an opportunity to build upon the storied success of both clubs and provide an enhanced experience for swimmers while creating a premier program in St. Louis, the Ozark Region (LSC) and nationally within USA Swimming.
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What are some potential benefits of having a combined swim club?
There are many great things currently happening within both clubs, and the goal would be to bring these forward in a combined program while adding in new opportunities for swimmers. While the discussions will reveal how a combined club would ultimately look, benefits could include:
- A larger coaching staff with a variety of knowledge and experience working together to share best practices
- Additional opportunities for swimmers to receive coaching support, regardless of their swimming ability or performance level
- Additional practice locations/times allowing families to choose the schedule that best fits their needs
- A stronger overall financial position for the long-term, which could help with coach attraction/retention. In addition, strong financials could increase the ability to sustain potential disruptions in operations in the future that may be caused by outside forces
- A higher club profile nationally, which could benefit swimmers who desire to swim at the college level
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What is the timeline if the swim clubs were to combine?
Here is an overview of the current timeline:
- Swim Clubs: Both Rockwood and Parkway Swim Clubs will continue to operate as separate programs during the 2022-23 swim season. Discussions will begin in August and continue over the next year. At this time, the timeline would be to move forward with a combined program for the 2023-24 season. The timeline would be subject to change if the need to do so is identified.
- Learn-to-swim programs: The two learn-to-swim programs (Parkway Swim School and SwimAmerica) would be combined on a timeline that is determined during discussions and could be prior to the 2023-24 season.
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Why haven’t the coaches been invited to any meetings at this point?
Discussions are scheduled to begin in August and continue over the next year. The extensive knowledge of both clubs' coaching staff is valued and they will be an integral part of the discussions.
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Will swim club families have an opportunity to provide input and feedback?
Yes. Families will be kept informed of the discussions and provided opportunities for input/feedback during the coming year. In addition, an electronic form has been created where feedback can be provided at any time. While information submitted through the form may not receive individual replies, the information will be reviewed as it is received. Submit feedback now.
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We love our swim club coaches. Would any coaches lose their jobs?
It is expected that all coaches would remain in a combined swim club. If a coach were to leave, that position would be reviewed to determine if any changes were needed at that time.
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I’m concerned that group sizes could become too large and my child would no longer receive individual attention from their coach to help them improve their swimming skills. How would this be handled?
A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide more opportunities for swimmers to receive coaching support, not less. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify a structure that would ensure the highest quality coaching structure possible. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.
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I’m concerned that practice locations and times could become less convenient. How would this be handled?
A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide families with the option to choose from more practice locations and times, not less. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best practice schedule and structure possible. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.
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I’m concerned my child could get left behind in a combined larger club because coaches will only focus on the fastest swimmers.
A key outcome of a combined club would be to provide more opportunities for all swimmers, regardless of their ability or performance level. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best structure that would ensure the highest quality coaching possible is provided to all swimmers. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.
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I’m concerned that a combined club could create issues with attending swim meets as there would be too many swimmers from the combined club. How would this be handled?
This is a very important question. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify a competition structure that would allow swimmers to have as many, or more, opportunities to attend swim meets. This work will also include research of other similar-sized clubs around the country to understand how they operate and to determine if any of their operational methods could apply.
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The two clubs have different coaching styles. How would this work in a combined club?
A key outcome of a combined club would be to embrace the outstanding experience and talents from coaches of both clubs, and bring them together to create something even better. The coaches from both clubs will be working together over the next year to identify the best coaching strategies possible.
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The two clubs have different cultures. I’m concerned that with a larger club, we could lose the sense of community that we have now. How would this be handled?
A combined club would be founded on the outstanding traditions and cultures of both clubs. Understanding and honoring what makes each club unique while identifying a shared path forward is important.
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Would this be a takeover, meaning one of the swim clubs would make all decisions on how a combined program would look?
No. One club would not be taking over the other club. Both clubs would be equal partners in a combined program.
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I’ve heard that one of the swim clubs is struggling financially. Are the discussions regarding having a combined club happening because one of the clubs is experiencing financial challenges?
No. Both clubs are currently sound financially. It is believed a combined club could achieve a stronger financial position for the long term.
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Would my swim club fees increase if the clubs are combined?
It is understood that the two swim clubs currently have varying fee schedules. The fee schedule for a combined program will be evaluated during the discussions, and will include involvement of both districts’ finance departments. The goal would be to keep fees as affordable as possible while continuing with both districts’ expectation that all expenses are covered.