Swim Team Parents Club (STPA) Structure and Function

The purpose of the STPA is to provide an organization through which team parents help the YMCA and its coaches to produce a successful swim team. The STPA Board of Directors, as elected representatives of the STPA membership, takes an advisory role in team operations and administration. The Board’s active role is to initiate fundraising projects that support team activities and some operational costs, as well as to organize parents into an effective volunteer structure. The STPA also organizes team activities and outings.

Every swimmer who is registered with the Sea Dog Swim Club must also have a parent or guardian registered with the STPA. The STPA registration fee ($75/swimmer for SCY season, $50/swimmer for LCM season) must be paid at the time the swimmer is registered. This STPA fee only begins to support the many functions paid for by the STPA on the swimmers’ behalf. What your swimmer will receive directly from the STPA by the end of the season is a team cap, team t-shirt (if you are a new swimmer), team trophy and free admission to the team banquet or other team function. Some of the other expenses covered by the STPA are:

• travel expenses for coaches to away meets
• miscellaneous operational expenses (i.e. printers, computer supplies, postage), and
• team equipment purchases.

This money comes from a variety of fundraising programs administered by the STPA Board. Without every family’s cooperation and participation in these programs, our team would suffer extreme financial hardship.

The STPA also offers constructive and useful ways for you to be a part of your child’s swim experience. In fact, the team cannot function without your contribution of time and talent. All swim meets are run by parent volunteers: a simple YMCA dual meet requires 20 timers, 4 scorers and ribbon writers, 2 runners, concession workers, and of course 2 dedicated volunteer officials. We are always looking for new volunteers willing to be trained as officials, people to work on committees such as travel or social activities, and candidates willing to serve on the STPA Board. Volunteer and fundraising opportunities are posted on the bulletin board, the website, and our newsletter.