Woodland Hills Wahoos Swim Team

Woodland Hills Wahoos Swim Team By-Laws

What is a WAHOO?
A WAHOO is a large, warm water game fish known for their fighting ability. 

About the Wahoos
The Woodland Hills Swim Team (WHST) is the home of the Wahoos and was formed in 1978 making it one of Kingwood's oldest established summer swim teams. WHST is composed of children ages 4 to 18 residing primarily is the villages of North and South Woodland Hills. A Board of Directors, which is elected annually, governs the Wahoos.

We are part of the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) the governing body that determines swimming rules and regulations. NWAL is Texas' largest summer swimming organization and has become the second largest summer league program in the nation with almost 100 teams and over 15,000 swimmers. The core area of the league is located in northwest Harris County, from Cypress to Humble but stretches as far west as Giddings, north to Bryan, Huntsville and Livingston and east to Crosby.

Philosophy
The overall philosophy for the Woodland Hills Wahoos is to promote swimming as a recreational activity and introduce it to those who may not otherwise discover the benefits of the sports. We want to improve and enhance the swimmers' personal skills and foster a competitive team spirit. The season goal for each swimmer should be to get as many "Best Time" swims as possible.

Each swimmer should attend at least three practices each week to be eligible to swim in that week's meet. Exceptions due to illness or other circumstances must be cleared with the head coach. 

Each Swimmer MUST compete in at least two meets to participate in the Divisional Championship meet per NWAL rules. 

Eligibility
Children ages 4 through 18 from North and South Woodland Hills, Kings Mills, Kings Manor and other areas eligible under NWAL rules may apply to be on the Woodland Hills Swim Team. Mastery of specific swim strokes is not required at the time of application, but all eligible children must be water safe (able to cross the pool without coach assistance) by the time Rookie Camp ends. Age is determined by the child's age on May 31st of the current swim season and limitations are set per the By-Laws and exceptions cannot be made. 

Safety and Health Guidelines
There are several precautions that all parents and swimmers should take to ensure a safe and healthy swim season:

1. Always advise the coaches about any health problems. 
2. Outer ear infections can commonly occur in swimmers. Ear drops could be used after each swim session to assist in this area. 
3. Goggles should be worn to prevent eye irritation from extended exposure to chlorine. 
4. Shower after swimming to remove chlorine from skin and hair. Special shampoos are available. Also, to prolong the life of a swimsuit if should be rinsed after each use. 
5. Apply a waterproof sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before swimming to prevent sunburn. 
6. All normal pool rules such as no running, no horseplay, etc. should also be observed. 

Help Keep Our Pools Beautiful
We are grateful to South Woodland Hills Community Association and the North Woodland Hills Community Association for the use of their pools for our practices and meets. It is our policy to always leave either pool area cleaner than we found it. Please pick up the trash in your area before you leave after practices and meets. Please replace any chairs and lounges you may have moved. 

Alcohol and Tobacco Policy
There will be no alcohol at any swim function and no tobacco of any nature inside the pool area.

Lost and Found
There will be a Lost and Found "Bucket" started at the beginning of the season to collect personal belongings that have been left behind in the ready area after practices or team area during meets. Please label your swimmers' belongings: goggles, swim caps, team shirts, towels, water bottles to aid us in keeping lost items to a minimum. All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of each season. 

Newsletters
Emails will be sent each week to include practice updates, team info, merchandise ordering deadlines, meet locations, times, and other necessary information. The same information will be posted on our team Facebook page. 

Funding
Our expenses each season include coaches' salaries, equipment maintenance and replacement, NWAL dues and insurance fees, swimmers' entry fees, ribbons, medals, trophies. Registration fees do not cover all the expenses necessary to create a positive experience for each swimmer, We earn the balance through swim meet concessions, community sponsors, and fundraising events.

Fundraising Events
Each season the team holds fundraising events in order to offset operational costs and/or equipment needs not covered through registration fees. Each family is encouraged to participate in one or more of the following events.

• Lap-a-thon - Participants will obtain outside sponsorship of a per lap donation or a fixed donation if preferred. Highest lap awards will be awarded to each age group & gender at the Awards Ceremony. (Lap-a-thon fundraiser will replace regular swim practice schedule for the day and will take place at the South Woodland Hills Pool.)
• Corporate sponsorship - Community sponsors area a huge part of the Wahoos' success. We seek donations in the form of cash, discounted merchandise, raffle items and more.

Refunds
Refunds are given on a case by case basis handled only by the Board President. No refunds will be made after the date of our team time trials event. The Wahoos do not conduct tryouts. Anyone who wants to be on the team, meets safety guidelines, and residency requirements can join the team. However, in the coaches' opinion, if a beginner swimmer does not show reasonable progress and is a danger to herself or himself in the water, the parents may be asked to withdraw the child and wait until the following season. In this case a refund will be offered, minus any personalized merchandise ordered.