F. A. Q.

How do I join COSST?

We have open tryouts the week prior to Labor Day each year. After deciding if COSST is the right fit for your child you will need to fill out application and pay fees. All COSST billing is done through automatic draft.

How is my child placed in their group?

Each child will be assessed and assigned a group according to their ability in the water. The grouping is not based on age or convenience of practice time.

What does my child need to bring to practice?

Your child needs to bring goggles and swim cap to all practices. If gear such as flippers, kick boards, paddles is needed they will be instructed by coaching staff. They will need to bring that equipment to each practice.

How does my child advance to the next group?

Your child will be moved within the JV group when the skills have been mastered for that group. Movement to the next group (JV to PV) will be done two times throughout the year, Christmas time or in May when moving the long course pool at Southside.

Does my child have to swim at the swim meet?

Your child needs to attend swim meets when they are able to compete. Please remember that COSST is a competitive swim team and meets are the only way to do that.

How do I enter swim meets?

You will receive a meet invitation via email. If the meet is one you would like to attend you please e-mail your choice of events.  The email will need to contain swimmer's full name including middle initial, date of birth, gender, and events they would like to swim. They will be entered and entries will be reviewed by coaches and they will have final say over events. There is no need to pick relay those will be compiled at the meet.

What do I need to take to the meet?

Every meet is different but there are some staples. Remember your child’s swim items, team suit, team cap, goggles, backup goggles, and towels. Nourishment will be necessary pools will let you bring small coolers, so bring water, Gatorade, fruit, power bars…. Please try to stay away from the candy during the meet, we know the little ones want it but please try to make them wait till the meet is over. Some meet there will be bleaches for you to sit in but the safe bet is to bring chairs with you.

How do I pay the meet fees?

Your meet fees will be processed on your auto draft each month.

Are parents expected to help at the meets?

Absolutely, it takes the entire team to run a meet. There is preparation for concessions and hospitality room. Also, setting up the timing equipment the day prior to the meet is needed. The day of the meet is a very busy day there needs to be stroke judges, timers, runners, computer timing operators, concessions, hospitality, and that is for two sessions. If you do not want to work while your child swim please sign up for the second session so you can fulfill you obligation. It is truly a team effort at the meets and we will teach you any of the jobs most new parents’ signup for timing which is very easy.

Do I have to swim all year even in the summer?

COSST is a year round swim team. The year is broken up in to two seasons short course is until March and long course runs through the middle of July. Group one is the only group released in May to return to a summer swim team. All other swimmers need to swim with COSST and may participate with any summer league team on Wednesday.

 How do I become a stroke/turn official?

1.  Advise COSST Referee of intent to become a USA Swimming certified Stroke/Turn official.

a.  Bill Kamphius – e-mail

b.  Mark Jusselin – e-mail

2.  Attend Stroke/Turn clinic held at COSST.  Review USA Swimming Officials Manual sections at link.

a.  Section B - Introduction

b.  Chapter 5 – Stroke/Turn

c.  Chapter 9 - Timing

3.  Take USA Swimming online Timer and Stroke/Turn tests at link below.  Create an online USA Swimming account which is free.  Test results sent to Head Louisiana Swimming Official automatically. link

4.  Complete Provisional training for Stroke/Turn officials (4 sessions over at least 2 different meets).

5.  Coordinate with COSST Referee to confirm that Provisional training is complete.

6.  Complete and submit USA Swimming application as Non-Athlete member including appropriate fees.  Find application on the Louisiana Swimming website.  Mail application and fees payable to Louisiana Swimming to:

Mr. Jack Jordan

9602 Nob Lane

Shreveport, LA 71106

7.  Receive USA Swimming membership card from Louisiana Swimming.  This application is to be filled out and submitted with appropriate fees annually.

8.  Receive Louisiana Swimming Officials Certification card from Head Louisiana Official Bruce Thomas (e-mail).

9.  Work sessions at all meets in order to move up to Starter then ultimately Referee.