Starting a New Club
WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE YOU JOIN US
How to get started
This page includes all of the information and forms necessary to apply to USA Swimming as a NEW member club.
USA Swimming offers two classes of membership: (1) Group members, including clubs, seasonal clubs and organizations; and (2) Individual members, including athletes, coaches, officials, and non-athletes. Individual members register through their clubs, or, if not associated with a member club, directly through the local Registration Chair.
If you have any questions, please contact your Local Swim Committee (LSC) Registration chair or the Member Services Department at the National Headquarters. We recommend that you review all of the material on this web page before submitting your application. When you are ready to initiate the application process, please reach out to your LSC Registration Chair to ensure all required memberships are in Good Standing.
REQUIREMENTS & INSTRUCTIONS
1. Forms
Only one form must be completed as part of your application:- Facility Use Confirmation Form, for each facility to be used by the team.
2. Additional Submissions
In addition to completing the above referenced forms, clubs are required to submit the following items:
- Mission Statement
- Club Leadership and Business Management 101
- First-Year Budget
- Safety Action Plan
3. Coach Certification & Education
A key component of the new club requirements is coach certification and education. All coach members of USA Swimming must meet the safety certification requirements and basic education requirements. In addition, Head Coaches of new clubs must meet additional education and/or experience requirements. The club application should include documentation of the Head Coach’s experience and qualifications.4. Club Leadership Business Management School
Two or more leaders of new clubs must complete the Club Leadership/Business Management School (CLBMS) 101 Online Course and submit certificates of completion. Prior to the second year of membership, club leaders must attend a CLBMS 201 Course.5. Registration Fee
The USA Swimming registration fee is collected at the time the online application has been submitted. Do not send the documentation or fee directly to USA Swimming. The LSC Registration fee is collected directly by the LSC.
Seasonal Clubs
Seasonal clubs are an LSC option. Although completion of all requirements is recommended, seasonal clubs are not subject to all of the new club stipulations. Seasonal clubs are only required to complete the LSC application form, pay the registration fee, and have a member coach who has completed all USA Swimming requirements. Please check with your LSC for more information.Checklist
DOWNLOAD Forms & Secure Pool Time
Please review all of the material in this section before submitting a new club application. Be sure to address important legal issues in pool contracts before completing the Facility Use Confirmation form. This document is required and must be uploaded to the online application.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SWIMMING COMMITTEE (LSC)
Reach out to your LSC to obtain a membership for yourself and your staff. Once all required memberships are in Good Standing, your LSC Registration Chair will reach out to USA Swimming to have the online application released to your account. To determine your zone/LSC/registrar, please view the LSC Zone Map.
Pick a name for your club
Choose something unique and fun. All name submissions will need to be reviewed for approval by your LSC. Please work with your registrar to ensure that the club name is available before applying for the EIN.Determine the structure of your club
Please review the following links to determine how your club will function.Coach Documentation
Secure necessary coach documentation including safety, education, background screening and athlete protection training.Legal & Financial Operations
Hire an attorney and accountant to guide you in the set-up of your legal and financial operations. (Secure a Federal Tax ID number, set up a nonprofit or for profit business, sample bylaws, articles of incorporation, etc)Meet with primary supporters and lay out your plans
Formally establish your governing body.CLBMS 101
Have two or more club leaders complete the Club Leadership and Business Management School 101 Online Course.Safety Action Plan
Establish a safety action plan for each facility that is being used (including pools used for meets only). Familiarize yourself with risk management and insurance issues. (Safety/Loss Control Manual, Insurance Coverage FAQ.)Club Handbook
Establish training schedules, group requirements, team policies (Sample Club Handbook).Staffing
Hire, train, and be sure that all staff meet the requirements for coach membership in USA Swimming (coach safety, educational, and background screen requirements). Be sure to follow hiring practice guidelines established by USA Swimming.
All USA Swimming member clubs are encouraged but not required to designate an adult member as the Safe Sport Coordinator. The purpose of this individual is to identify, plan, and execute efforts to raise awareness for Safe Sport within the club. It is recommended that this individual be someone other than the Head Coach or Club Owner.
Submit Your Application
Complete all additional requirements (listed below) for new club membership. Once completed, submit your online application, pay the USA Swimming registration fee, and wait for approval! Your LSC will invoice the LSC registration fee separately.
- Meet individual member requirements (refer to #8 of the Requirements Checklist)
- Qualified Head Coach experience
- Team Mission Statement
- First Year Budget
- Safety Action Plan (one for each facility)
- Facility Use Confirmation Form (one for each facility)
- Two or more CLBMS 101 Certificates of Completion
After your LSC has approved the application to USA Swimming, please allow up to 14 business days for the NHQ liaison to contact you and discuss next steps.
Athlete Registration
Register all athletes with USA Swimming and conduct Racing Start Certification for all swimmers.DIVE IN!
Questions?
We recommend that you review all of the material in this section before submitting your application. If you have any questions, please contact the following:
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