Everything is Earned
At Parkland Pirates, no promotion is given — it is earned.
Every set, every practice, and every race is a step toward excellence.
Our swimmers grow into champions through discipline, grit, and undeniable results.
Building champions in and out of the pool—committed to being, pound for pound and stroke for stroke, the best team in Canada
Foundation Division
Building Fundamentals, Inspiring Dreams
Focus is on discipline, kindness, & courage to try new things.
- Bronze: Learning Basics
- Silver: Developing Skills
- Gold: Ready to Compete
Identity Division
Sharpening Technique, Building Endurance
Focus is on responsibility, accountability, & consistency
- Bronze: Foundation Strength
- Silver: Race Preparation
- Gold: Advanced Competition
Leadership Division
Chasing Excellence, Preparing for University
Focus is on ownership, humility, and mentoring others
- Bronze: High School Ready
- Silver: Varsity Bound
- Gold: National Contender
Foundation Division-early ages-K to 7th grade
| Tier | Description | Prerequisites | Expectations | Time Spent on Technique vs Training | Volunteer Service Expectations | Annual Financial Commitment (AFC) | Annual Training Fee w/discount | Instalments: Sept, Dec, March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Focus on fundamental skills | Legal technique in Freestyle and Backstroke for 25m; 10m Dolphin kick; 10m Breaststroke arms | Attend 2-3 practices/week, swim meets encouraged. | 70%-30% | 40 | $400 | $1,425 | $500 |
| Silver | Develop efficient technique and race readiness. | 100 IM legally, race skills | Attend 3-4 practices/week, swim meets expected. | 60%-40% | 50 | $800 | $1710 | $600 |
| Gold | Prepare for competitive swim meets. | Perform 200 IM under 3:30 SCM; 400 Free with race integrity | Attend 4-5 practices/week, swim meets required. | 50%-50% | 60 | $900 | $2565 | $900 |
Identity Division-6th to 9th Grade
| Tier | Description | Prerequisites | Expectations | Time Spent on Technique vs Training | Volunteer Service Expectations | Annual Financial Commitment (AFC) | Annual Training Fee w/discount | Instalments: Sept, Dec, March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Strengthen stroke technique and training habits. | Complete 8 x 100 Freestyle on 2:00; 4 x 100 kick on 2:30 | Attend 4-5 practices/week, commit to seasonal meets. | 50%-50% | 75 | $1100 | $2565 | $900 |
| Silver | Introduce race strategies and develop endurance. | Complete 4 x 200 IM on 4:10; 7 x 100 kick on 2:20; 10 x 100 Freestyle on 1:50 | Attend 5-6 practices/week, compete at Provincial. | 40%-60% | 75 | $1100 | $2850 | $1000 |
| Gold | Compete at regional and provincial levels. | Complete 6 x 200 IM on 4:00; 8 x 100 kick on 2:10; 12 x 100 Freestyle on 1:45 | Attend 6+ practices/week, target championship meets. | 30%-70% | 75 | $1100 | $3135 | $1100 |
Leadership Division-10th Grade and above
| Tier | Description | Prerequisites | Expectations | Time Spent on Technique vs Training | Volunteer Service Expectations | Annual Financial Commitment (AFC) | Annual Training Fee w/discount | Instalments: Sept, Dec, March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Prepare for high school-level competition. | Complete 6 x 200 IM on 4:10; 8 x 100 kick on 2:20; 12 x 100 Freestyle on 1:45 | 85% practice and meet attendance required. | 30%-70% | 80 | $1200 | $3420 | $1200 |
| Silver | Target varsity success and leadership. | Complete 6 x 200 IM on 3:40; 8 x 100 kick on 2:10; 16 x 100 Freestyle on 1:40 | 85% practice and travel meets expected. | 20%-80% | 80 | $1300 | $3420 | $1200 |
| Gold | Prepare for college and national competition | Complete 4 x 400 IM on 6:40; 12 x 100 kick on 1:55; 24 x 100 Freestyle on 1:25 | Full commitment to highest level of training and competition. | 10%-90% | 80 | $1400 | $3705 | $1300 |
Annual Financial Commitment (AFC)
What is AFC?
AFC = Annual Financial Commitment = the minimum fundraising amount each family is responsible for each season.
- Each fundraiser you participate in reduces your AFC.
- 25% of all fundraising efforts go towards our Capital Campaign (this year: new timing system).
- Past campaigns funded our scoreboard, starting blocks, touch pads, and headwall.
Ways to reduce your AFC:
- Sell fundraising items
- Work Bingos ($75 credit per session)
- Participate in special events
Example:
If your AFC is $400 and you work 2 Bingos ($150) + sell raffle tickets ($80), you’ll owe only $170 at year-end.
Bingos & Fundraising
- No required Bingo commitment—participation is optional but highly encouraged.
- Bingos = $75 credit per shift toward your AFC.
- Missing a scheduled Bingo = fines up to $300 (per AFC policy).
- Fundraising events are held throughout the year.
Contacts:
- Bingo: bingoppac@gmail.com
- Fundraising: ppacfundraising@gmail.com
Payment Policies
- Sibling Discount: 5% off training fee for each additional swimmer.
- NSF Fee: $25 per returned payment (must be resolved within 7 days).
- Withdrawal Policy: 30-day written notice + 10% admin fee (based on annual training fee).
- No refunds for registration, instalments, meet fees, bingos, or fundraising.
Swim Meets
- Meets occur every 3–5 weeks.
- Coaches will enter all eligible swimmers; entries posted on Team website.
- Parents may request removal from specific sessions by logging into the commit website (team site) and switch commitment to decline before the deadline.
- Practice is not available for swimmers who are eligible for a meet but choose not to attend.
Meet Fees
Sanctioned Swim Meets costs vary by host. Fees are charged to your account around competition time and are non-refundable after the entry deadline.
Swimmer must be registered as Competitive with Swim Alberta to compete in sanctioned meets.
Volunteer & Parent Involvement
Our club thrives because of volunteers!
Key Events:
- Pirate Disco Zombie Apocalypse
- Rock'n Reindeer Meet
- Speed Demon Distance Diva Invite (SD3I)
- Parkland Pirate Invite
Points System: Families earn points by:
- Officiating at swim meets
- Assisting with meet operations
- Advancing as a certified swim official
- Serving on committees
Before Your Swimmer Can Enter the Water ✅
All must be completed:
- All registration fees paid (via Google Form)
- Swim Canada account set up/updated (SNC will email you)
- Date of birth verified
- SNC policies signed off
- One parent per household completes Safe Sport Canada certification (good for 5 years) — Link Here
Registration Costs (paid up front)
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swim Alberta / Swim Canada Registration | Competitive: $220 per swimmer Pre-Competitive: $38 | Paid annually; set by Swim Alberta/Swimming Canada; subject to change if governing bodies increase rates. |
| Fundraising Event | $190 per family | One-time purchase of 2 cases of chocolate per family. Does NOT counts toward your Annual Financial Commitment (AFC). |
| Pirate Registration Fee | $295 per swimmer | Includes TEAM shirt + 2 caps. |
| Training Fees | Varies by Division and Tier (see above) | Billed in 3 instalments: Sept 15, Dec 1, Mar 1. |
| All registration fees are 100% non-refundable. |
Communication
- Facebook: Like our page for updates.
- Band App: Primary communication tool — download and join.
- General Info: info@ParklandPirates.com
- Billing: treasurer@ParklandPirates.com
Quick Contact Directory
Question Type Contact Email
General Info info@ParklandPirates.com
Billing & Payments treasurer@ParklandPirates.com
Bingos bingoppac@gmail.com
Fundraising ppacfundraising@gmail.com
Pirate Evaluation Process
Purpose:
- To ensure each swimmer is in the appropriate group based on their commitment, ability, and growth.
- To reward hard work, discipline, and results — not just attendance or time served.
- To create a culture where earning your place is an expected and celebrated part of the team.
Timeline:
- Re-evaluations occur three times per year: September, January and July.
- Swimmers may also request an early evaluation with coach approval.
Process:
- Training Metrics (40%)
- Attendance record (target % based on division/tier: e.g., 85%-95%)
- Effort and engagement in practice
- Training performance
- Ability to hit required intervals
- Technical Skills (30%)
- Stroke legality in all four strokes
- Execution of starts, turns, and finishes
- Underwater and breakouts
- Coach evaluation: Checklists scored 1-5
- Competitive Results (20%)
- Best times vs time standards (Pirate Times)
- Racing habits (split discipline, race strategy)
- Meet attendance and championship participation
- Character & Commitment (10%)
- Sportsmanship
- Leadership within lane and team
- Response to coaching
Outcomes:
- Promotion: Moved up to higher Tier or Division.
- Retention: Remain in current group and continue development.
- Probation: 60-day improvement plan created if major deficiencies are identified.
- Demotion: Only if clearly necessary, with parent and swimmer conference.
Communication:
- Private 1:1 meetings with swimmers and parents (January and July).
- Written evaluation summary (scored rubric + coach comments).
- Set individual goals for the next 6 months.
Core Philosophy:
"The lane you swim in is earned, not given. Excellence is the standard, not the exception."
