HUNT VALLEY SWIM CLUB

SPRING 2006 NEWSLETTER

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Hunt Valley Swim Club

7100 Sydenstricker Road

Springfield, VA  22153 

Pool Telephone:             703-451-9137

Information Line:          703-455-1224 

Mailing Address:            Hunt Valley Swim Club

P.O. Box 2083

Springfield, VA  22152 

Website:                          www.huntvalleyswimclub.org

 

Pool Operating Hours:  Monday – Saturday       11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. *

                                        Sunday                            12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.

                                        * Except for swim meets, social events, etc., as announced.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

May 7        Noon to 4:00 pm         Spring Cleaning Day

May 13      8:30 am to 12:30 pm   Spring Cleaning Day

May 16      7:00 pm                       Swim Team Kickoff Meeting (Hunt Valley School)

May 27                                         Pool Opens for Season

June 17      7:30 am                       Swim Team Time Trials

July 1         9:00 am                       Swim Meet at HVSC (Pool opens at noon)

July 12       6:00 pm                       Divisional Relay Carnival at HVSC (Pool closes at 4:00 pm)

July 15       9:00 am                       Swim Meet at HVSC (Pool opens at noon)

July 29       6:30 pm                       Swim Team Awards Banquet

September 4                                 Pool Closes for Season

 

2006 BOARD MEMBERS

President                                John Morgan              morgan.soccer@verizon.net

                                                                                    703-644-6880 

Vice President                       Joe Makarsky            jmakarsky13@cox.net

                                                                                    703-690-1395 

Treasurer                               Debbie Cerva             dacerva@verizon.net

                                                                                    703-644-5226 

Secretary                               Geoff Gray                grays3@msn.com

                                                                                    703-451-8906 

Operations                             Kurt Lorenz               avoncorp2@attglobal.net

703-866-0339 

Buildings & Grounds Bert Mayer                bertmn5053@aol.com

                                                                                    703-440-8212 

Membership                           Greg Lindsay             gregory@lindsay.net

                                                                                    703-440-0970 

Competitive Activities          Jo Ritter                     jritter07@juno.com

                                                                                    703-644-1958 

Social                                      Kerry Maxwell           dandkmax@aol.com

                                                                                    703-644-3998 

Special Projects/                    Patty Greek               pattygreek@verizon.net

Webmaster                                                                 703-923-0939

 

BOARD MEETINGS

            The HVSC website, www.huntvalleyswimclub.org, includes the minutes of monthly Board meetings.

            HVSC Board Meetings are generally scheduled for the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm.  During the warmer months, meetings will be held in the pool pavilion.  Otherwise, the meetings are usually held at the Hunt Valley Elementary School.  All members are welcome to attend.  Upcoming Board meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

May 18, 2006

June 15, 2006

July 20, 2006

August 17, 2006

September 21, 2006

October 19, 2006

November 16, 2006 (Annual Meeting)

(Please check the HVSC website for the latest information on Board Meetings.) 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

It’s time to start looking forward to the opening of the pool on Memorial Day weekend.  This spring the pool was drained, cleaned and refilled as it is every year; and the condition of the liner was inspected.  The off-season provides the best time to replace equipment and make necessary repairs so that our members can enjoy the summer months’ pleasures.  You will read about some of these changes described later in this newsletter.

            I must report one unfortunate action that took place over the winter.  As a result of a notice from Fairfax County Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health, it was determined that we must remove our 3-meter diving board.  The County took measurements of our diving well and found that the minimum depth requirements established by ANSI-NSPI -- the National organizations that codify pool and spa measurements -- were too shallow to continue operation of the high dive.  Our pool depth was between 8 and 10 inches too shallow for any diving board over one meter.  The County thus directed that “the 3-meter diving board and stand must be removed prior to the opening of the 2006 season” in order to continue to operate.  We asked for a variance from the standards; however, the County indicated we were too far off the requirement to grant relief (and our insurance carrier would have to be notified that we were operating under a variance and might choose not to insure us). We are therefore installing a one-meter diving board in its place.  

            I am glad to report that one of our board members, Patty Greek, will take over maintenance of the website, and by the time the pool opens she should have an updated, accurate calendar of all season events at the pool.  Please visit us on huntvalleyswimclub.org to keep up with all the latest news!  

            If you have suggestions for improving the pool, let one of us on the Board know about it.  Your input is always welcomed.

            Thank you for your continued support of the Board and the pool management company!  

John Morgan

 

MEMBERSHIP 

            Your Emergency Care Card is on the inside of this newsletter’s cover.  Please bring it with you the first day you use the pool.  Your card should be filled out completely including attaching your photographs to the back of the card.  Our by-laws restrict family memberships to include the heads of household and persons living in the same house.

            If you know of families wishing to join HVSC, please encourage them to register early.  Our club has a long waiting list of families wanting to join our club.  We were able to offer 2006 temporary rentals to families registered by April and we may be able to offer about 20 more families full season rentals in May.  The Club will offer August memberships to families added later this year and will offer them full season temporary memberships next year.  If you have any questions, please visit our website, www.huntvalleyswimclub.org, or call the pool membership information number, 703-455-1224. 

Greg Lindsay
 

OPERATIONS 

We are hoping for another pleasant season.  Last year’s staff did well and the pool looked fantastic.  We are again requesting that the staff focus on the following items: (1) ensuring that the front desk is adequately manned; (2) adding a third lifeguard when the pool gets crowded; and (3) paying particular attention to the cleanliness of the facility.  Please feel free to provide me with your comments on these and other issues by sending an email from the Operations link on the HVSC website.

A couple of repairs and improvements are scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of this season:

·       We had NV Pools install new Dri-deck flooring in the bathhouse.  As you may know, the existing Dri-deck was missing several areas and needed to be replaced.

·       We had NV Pools replace the existing lifeguard stands, which were becoming a safety hazard.  The previous stands were original to the pool and were approximately 30 years old.

·       We replaced the main pool pump due to several problems encountered last season.

·       Due to a directive from the Fairfax County Health Department, we have been forced to remove our high dive and replace it with another low dive.  Several Board members made extensive efforts to investigate ways to possibly keep the high dive but finally determined that it was not cost-effective.  Basically, the only way in which the high dive could be maintained would have required a major reconfiguration of the diving well, making it both deeper and longer.  The estimated cost of this project was approximately $100,000.  Another issue of concern was whether the project could have been completed prior to the beginning of the season.   

Some future items for discussion:

·       Replace the existing low dive stand.

·       A second pavilion on the new deck.

·       Bathhouse renovation. 

Pool Procedures:

      We also plan to continue the identification bands for the “swimmers in training.”  As you may know, we implemented a procedure to supply wristbands to the children that had not yet passed the swim test.  The wristbands help the guards identify these “swimmers in training” and help make sure they are not in areas of the pool that are off limits, including the diving boards, large slide, etc.  The use of the wristbands has been successful in the past. 

If your child has not passed the swim test, HVSC rules require that a parent or guardian must remain within “arms reach” of the child at all times that you are within the pool facility, not just while in the water.  If you wish to have your child take the swim test, just request one with the guards on duty and they will set one up at their earliest convenience.  If your child does not pass the test, he/she can take it as many times as necessary.  Please make sure, if you have little ones, that you do not let them out of you reach.  That’s when accidents tend to happen. 

Kurt Lorenz 

 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS 

            As part of our annual preparations to open the pool we are looking for volunteers to assist for one of two, 1/2 day “Spring Cleaning” days in May.  These days would be general cleanup, pressure washing, and trash pickup kinds of days to help us knock off a number of small items on our work list.  These would be “rain or shine” dates and volunteers should plan on participating regardless of the weather.  Dates for the Spring Cleaning are:

 

·                 Sunday May 7^th           Noon to 4:00 pm

 

·                 Saturday May 13^th       8:30 to 12:30 pm

 

We will be issuing a free guest pass to each of the families that participate on either of the mornings.  Yes - you could earn two for your family by participating on both days.  Please e-mail me at bertmn5053@aol.com if you would like to participate on either of the two days or have a specific item you would like to see addressed.  Please remember that “many hands make light work.”  Hope to see you there! 

Bert Mayer 

LONG RANGE PLANNING 

Your Board has undertaken several capital improvements the past few years that included increasing our deck size as well as replacing and moving our fence further back towards the land boundaries.  This year we will be replacing the pool pumps, lifeguard stands, and the high dive with a second low dive.  As we move towards the coming years, we will need to consider the following projects: (1) repave our parking lot (estimated cost $27,000); (2) resurface the tennis courts (estimated cost $35,000 - $70,000 depending on type of surface); (3) replace the fencing around the tennis courts (estimated cost $18,600); and (4) replace our older low dive (estimated cost $10,500).

The Board is looking for your input regarding possible long-range capital improvements that might be considered as we move forward in the next several years.  We want to hear what would YOU be willing to support (and pay for) if changes were to be made to the pool.  For example, we have the option of adding a pavilion onto our deck.  If you have suggestions for improvements to the pool, please forward them to me at jmakarsky13@cox.net and the Board will take them under advisement.  This is your pool.  We want to know what you think will make the pool better for your enjoyment and ultimately the rest of the membership. 

Joe Makarsky
 

SOCIAL 

The pool will be opening soon... It will be a great season and time again to relax with our “Summer Friends.”  The Battle of the Bands will take place in June, an American Celebration in early July, and the Margarita Party will be later in July (does anyone know a Saturday in July when there will be NO rain?), as well as Bingo, Bunko, Float Parties, and the Labor Day Party.

The schedule of events will be posted on the Bulletin Board right inside the entryway. Any suggestions are welcome and help is always appreciated.  See you soon! 

Kerry Maxwell 

COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES 

SWIM TEAM

The Stingrays have been placed in Division VI of the NVSL again this year.  We look forward to a fun summer of competition swim and social gatherings.  Afternoon practices will begin Tuesday, May 30^th (please see the Registration form enclosed for information). 

            Lynn Ann Nickley is returning as the Head Coach of the Stingray Team with Shannon Lindsay as her Assistant Coach.  Elizabeth Thompson is also returning for her second year as Team Representative.  Elizabeth is looking for a motivated parent interested in becoming Team Rep. to “shadow” her this summer. 

Tentative 2006 Swim Team Schedule 

May 16 - Kick Off  -  7pm @ HV School*	July 10 - Developmental meet – 6:30pm
May 30 - Afternoon Practice 4:15 & 5:15	July 12 - Div 6 Relay Carnival @ HV – 6pm
June 17 - Time Trials 7:30 am**	July 15 - Dual Meet Poplar Hts @ HV – 9am
June 21 - Morning practices begin 8 & 9 am	July 17 - Developmental meet – 6:30pm
June 24 - Dual Meet @ Fairfax – 9am	July 19 - All Star Relay Carnival @ LRR
June 26 - First Guppy Practice 8am	July 22 - Dual Meet @ High Point – 9am
June 26 - Developmental meet – 6:30pm	July 24 - Lollipop Meet (time TBD)
June 29 - Team Pictures 8am	July 24 - IM Carnival – 6pm
July 1 - Dual Meet SHRA @ HV- 9am	July 29 - Divisionals @ Ravensworth – 8am
July 3 - Developmental meet – 6:30pm	July 29 - Awards Banquet – 6:30pm
July 4 - Greater Springfield Open – 9am	August 5 - NVSL Individual All Stars
July 8 - Dual Meet @ Ravensworth – 9am

* Finalize registration; purchase new Team Swimsuits; meet the Coaching staff; get information about the program and answers to any questions/concerns about the team.

** This is a MANDATORY event for all swimmers.  You must be timed to qualify for Saturday meets. 

TENNIS

            Tennis – The Tennis courts will be undergoing minor renovations in the spring in order to be ready for use this summer.  There will be tennis lessons this summer.  They will be held in the early evening.  More information will be available in the guard office, on the Bulletin Board, and on our website as soon as it is available.

            Keys to the courts can be requested on-line under the Tennis section of our website.  

Jo Ritter

HUNT VALLEY SWIM CLUB, INC.

OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Effective January 20, 1987

Revised March 23, 1995

Revised May 23, 1996

Revised April 16, 2005

 

A.  MANAGEMENT.

 

1.  The pool manager or his/her designated representative is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the pool facilities.  The manager acts as the agent of your Board of Directors and is empowered to eject from the club premises any person or persons failing to observe proper conduct.  Comments or complaints concerning the operation of the swim club should be referred to the Chairman of the Operations Committee.

 

2.  Under special circumstances sections of the operating rules and regulations can be temporarily suspended by a quorum of the Board of Directors.

 

3.  A bulletin board, which will be under the control of the operations committee, will be maintained only for posting pool and pool-related notices only.

 

4.  Neither the swim club nor the pool management is responsible for the personal property of members or guests.  Lost articles not claimed at the pool office within seven days may be disposed of at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

B.  MEMBERSHIP IDENTIFICATION.

 

1.  Each head of household will fill out and submit a membership data form prior to use of the swimming facility.  These forms will request the following information: Member’s name; membership number; address; emergency phone number; home phone number; names of family members and ages of members under 18; emergency medical data; date swim test passed.  (Note.  The requirement for the swim test only applies to children ages 8-12 years old.  The information will be added to form when accomplished, with the signature of pool management personnel administering test).

 

2.  Separate Photo ID cards will no longer be created and used for entry into the pool.  Members will fill out an emergency care card, and attach photographs of the family members to the back of the card.  The attached photographs will then be used by the pool management to verify family membership.

 

3.  Members may designate supervisory personnel (maids, sitters, etc.) to accompany their children to the pool.  A designated supervisor may not enter the water unless he/she is a HVSC member or registered guest.  The designated supervisor must also conform to the age requirements as stated in Section H.

 

C.  SWIMMING AND DIVING LESSONS.

 

1.  Swimming and diving lessons require a fee and will be given only by the pool staff.

 

2.  Schedules and rates will be posted at the pool.

 

D.  POOL HOURS.

 

 

7.  Social Events.  Special nights for adults, teens, or pre-teens may be established at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Special rules will apply.  Whenever it is necessary to close the pool to general swimming because of special events of any kind, a notice to this effect will be posted on the pool bulletin board at least one week in advance.

 

8.  The pool will be closed by the pool manager during inclement weather or, if in his/her opinion, a hazardous condition exists.

 

E.  SWIM MEETS.

 

1.  The pool will be used for scheduled competitive events.

 

2.  Scheduled dates and times for the events will be posted at the pool.  Normally swim meets will be held on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings.

 

3.  The pool will be closed to general swimming during competitive events and for a reasonable period before and after the events.

 

4.  The pool area will be cleared immediately following events for the purpose of making the pool ready for general membership swimming.

 

F.  HEALTH, SAFETY AND GENERAL CONDUCT.

 

1.  The following are not allowed in the pools or adjacent areas:

Chewing gum and chewing tobacco;

Face masks with breakable lenses;

Running, pushing, wrestling, and horseplay;

Litter of any kind including tobacco products;

Spitting, spouting water or blowing nose in pool;

Pets;

Obstruction of doorways and entrance with lawn furniture;

Smoking or use of other tobacco products.

 

2.  In addition to items in Section F. 1. above, the following are also excluded from the pools and adjacent concrete areas and wooden decks: glass containers of any kind; all food and beverages.

 

3.  All bathers must take a shower in the bath house before entering the pool.  A foot shower must be taken prior to entering the pool from the grass area.

 

4.  Admission will be refused to anyone wearing bandages or with skin abrasions, colds, coughs, extremely inflamed eyes, open sores, infections, excessive sunburn, and/or nasal or ear discharges.

 

5.  All injuries occurring on the premises must be reported to the pool manager immediately.

 

6.  Adults and children unable to demonstrate to the lifeguards their ability to swim will be restricted to chest-deep or shallower water.  Parents shall make arrangements with the pool manager or his/her designated assistants for children to take the prescribed swim test.

 

7.  Any individual that cannot control bodily functions can not go into the main pool without wearing a cloth diaper and plastic liner.  County health rules provide that when pool contamination of this type occurs, the pool may have to be drained and refilled.  This requirement may, therefore, render the pool unusable for three or four days and cost several hundred dollars in water and chemicals.  Also, children not completely toilet trained must wear rubber pants when using the wading pool.

 

8.  Life jackets checked by a lifeguard for proper fit and adjustment may be permitted at the pool manager’s discretion.

 

9.  Life rings, small rafts, fins and face masks may be permitted at the pool manager’s discretion.  Soft toys may be permitted at the pool manager’s discretion.

 

10.  Cut-off jeans and other street clothing will not be allowed in the pool.

 

11.  The pool manager has the authority to rope off certain areas of the pool and restrict the use of these areas to certain activities.

 

12.  Lounge chairs are available on a first-come first-served basis.  Chairs vacated for periods in excess of 15 minutes are automatically available to those waiting.  Chairs and tables are not to be used for storing personal effects.  Chairs and lounges are to be picked up by frames, not the straps.

 

13.  All members and guests shall respect the property rights of homeowners in the immediate neighborhood of the pool.  Do not use lawns for short-cuts or in any way violate the rights of others.  Violation can result in suspension of swimming privileges.

 

14.  Broadcasting devices should be kept to a moderate volume as determined by the pool manager.

 

15.  The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are authorized to enter the pool premises at any time and exercise the same authority as in any public place.

 

16.  No alcoholic beverages are permitted on club property except during authorized adult parties.  Unlawful drugs are never permitted.  Violation is grounds for suspension.

 

17.  Abusive, offensive, or profane language will not be permitted on the club property.  Violation is grounds for suspension.

 

18.  Unauthorized persons entering the pool area will be considered trespassers.  Trespassers and vandals will be subject to criminal and civil prosecution to the full extent of the law.

 

G.  SLIDE AND DIVING RULES.

 

1.  Only one person may be on the slide, ladder, or diving board at a time.

 

2.  Diving is prohibited until the previous diver has cleared the area below the board and reached the ladder.

 

3.  Diving is permitted off the front end of the board only.

 

H.  CHILDREN.

 

1.  Members 8 through 12 years old may attend he pool unaccompanied by a parent or a designated supervisor until 6:00 p.m., provided they have passed a prescribed swim test as defined prescribed by the pool manager.  Once a child has passed the swim test at HVSC, the said child does not have to retake the test the following year, provided that records are maintained.  If a parent wishes to deny a child entrance to the pool, a statement to that effect must be submitted to the pool office.

 

2.  Members under 8 years of age, and those members 8 through 12 who have not qualified as swimmers, and all members 12 years of age and under attending the pool after 6:00 p.m., must be accompanied at the pool by a parent or designated supervisor.  The designation of a supervisor must be made by a parent of the child being supervised and the supervisor must be 15 years of age or older. 

 

3.  All members under 8 years of age, and those members 8 through 12 who have not qualified as swimmers, must be under the direct supervision and within “arms-reach” of a parent or designated supervisor at all times that the child is within the HVSC facility, including the deck, restrooms, grounds, and parking lot, as well as the pool.

 

4.  To prevent over-fatigue, a minimum 10-minute rest period, to start every hour on the hour for children under 16 years of age, will be observed in the main pool.  The pool manager has the authority to vary the length of this rest period and/or to provide additional rest periods.

 

5.  Children over the age of 6 will not be allowed in the wading pool.

 

I.  PARKING LOT.

 

1.  Maximum speed limit is 10 miles per hour.  Pedestrians and bicyclists always have the right of way.

 

2.  Bicyclists must use the area provided for parking bicycles.

 

3.  Children shall not be summoned by blowing car horns.

 

4.  The parking lot is intended for the parking of members and pool staff vehicles and only during the use of club facilities.

 

J.  GUEST REGULATIONS.

 

1.  Authorized guests are those who, after having been initially registered at the gate by a club member prior to utilizing any club facility and having paid appropriate “Guest Charges” are escorted and supervised by a club member at all times while utilizing club facilities.  (Guests 12 years of age or younger must be accompanied at all times by a club member 13 years of age or older.)

 

2.  Guests are subject to the same rules and regulations as club members, and since club members assume full responsibility for any guest, any infraction of the HVSC Rules and Regulations by a guest could result in the responsible club member being penalized.

 

3.  Guest privileges may be temporarily restricted at certain times to preclude overcrowding of the facilities.  Notice of such restriction will be posted at the gate.

 

4.  “Guest Charges” collected for guests who are subsequently determined to not be authorized guests are not refundable.

 

5.  “Guest Charges” are refundable only when club facilities must be closed by the management at times other than normal closing times, and then only if the club facilities are closed for more than 50% of the time for which a guest pass has been issued, at which time, if requested, an appropriate pro-rata refund will be made.

 

6.  No private parties are allowed at the HVSC.

 

K.  GUEST CHARGES.

 

1.  Guest Passes - Guest charges will be covered by obtaining a guest pass.  A numbered guest pass may be purchased from the pool staff in the amount of $10.00 during regular pool hours.  Guest passes must be signed by the member in order to be valid.  Guests will be required to sign the log upon entering the club house.

 

2.  A limit of 4 passes will be sold to each member each season.  Passes will remain valid from one season to the next.  A waiver of the limit may be obtained through one of the members of the Board of Directors.

 

3.  A $10.00 pass will entitle the member to 11 punches (or charges)

 

4.  Guest passes will be required to admit guests to the pool.  The schedule of guest charges is as follows.

 

 

 

HUNT VALLEY SWIM CLUB, INC.

TENNIS RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Revised April 3, 2001

Effective March 27, 2001

 

1.  Only Club members and their guests may use the tennis facility.  Members must accompany their guests.

 

2.  Unauthorized persons entering the tennis court area will be considered trespassers.  Trespassers and vandals will be subject to criminal and civil prosecution.

 

3.  Use of the tennis facility is limited to proper tennis use; no skateboarding in-line skating, bicycling or other activity other than tennis is permitted.

 

4.  Tennis courts are available to Club members on a first-come first-served basis.

 

5.  Time Limits:  When Members are waiting to use the courts, playing time is limited to one hour of singles and 1½ hours of doubles.

 

6.  Members must enter the tennis courts through the door using the Club issued key or access code.  No other means of entrance will be permitted.

 

7.  Members must lock the entrance to the tennis courts and turn off lights when leaving the courts.

 

8.  No eating, smoking or alcoholic beverages are permitted on the tennis courts.

 

9.  Members shall help keep the courts in an orderly condition.  Debris and/or trash should be removed before leaving.  Members should report any damage on the courts to the Board.

 

10.  All members and their guests shall respect the property rights of homeowners in the immediate neighborhood surrounding the tennis facility.

 

11.  Pushing, wrestling, and horseplay are not allowed in the tennis facility or adjacent areas.

 

12.  Littering of any kind, including tobacco products, is not permitted.  All trash shall be placed in proper containers.

 

13.  The playing of broadcasting devices on the tennis courts is not permitted.

 

14.  Abusive or offensive language will not be permitted on Club property.

 

15.  Skateboarding, in-line skating, bicycling and riding of scooters is not allowed on the Club property.

 

16.  All injuries occurring on the premises must immediately be reported to the pool manager or the Board.

 

17.  Proper identification must be presented to the staff or member of the Club upon request.

 

18.  The parking lot is to be used only for the parking of member and pool staff vehicles during the member’s/staff’s use of the Club facilities.  

 

19.  Members of the Club will help enforce these rules and report concerns to the Tennis Chair, the pool management, or the Board.  Reports of any incidents shall include:

·       Date, time, and the name of member(s) and/or trespasser(s) involved in the incident.

·       Explanation of the incident, including the rule/regulation which was broken, and if appropriate, how the rule/regulation was broken (i.e., method used to gain access).

·       Their reaction to your questions.

·       Your recommendations for any follow-up action.

 

20.  Police of Fairfax County are authorized to enter the Club premises at any time and exercise the same authority as in any public place.

 

21.  Use of all other Club facilities is governed by the Club’s Operating Rules and Regulations.