North Carolina Swimming’s Board of Directors announced the allocation of more than $200,000 to programming intended to provide some financial relief to member clubs during the COVID-19 crisis. The funding represents 45% of the LSC’s available operating cash plus cash reserves. The Board retained the cash balances necessary to support ongoing, long term LSC operations, even with the continued uncertainty.
The NCS COVID-19 Relief Program for Clubs includes both incentives and rebates.
- The LSC significantly enhanced its annual NCS Club Development Incentive Program. A long-standing program modeled on USA Swimming’s LEAP program, the NCS Club Development Incentive Program for 2020 was reconstructed to yield higher payouts and easier-to-attain maximums. Plus, the eligibility requirements for participation were suspended so that all NCS clubs can participate in the program and earn up to $1,400 over the next six weeks.
- NCS will pay to clubs a $7 per swimmer rebate over the next six weeks. The amount represents 70% of the LSC’s registration revenue.
- This month, the LSC awarded $1,000 to the thirty-three NCS clubs that earned Safe Sport Recognized Program status. Clubs that attain SSRP during the next month will receive extra points in the enhanced NCS Club Development Incentive Program.
The LSC is also hosting a webinar with experts who will help clubs understand the financial resources available to them at the federal, state, and local levels.
In addition to the financial support and education, the LSC has stepped up communications with a weekly coaches’ forum to share ideas, connect with colleagues, and keep up with developments in the swimming world. Coaches on these calls recently collaborated to design the North Carolina Swimming “QuaranTEAM Fitness Challenge”, a statewide dryland contest designed to promote athlete fitness and engagement as well as to provide a competitive outlet.
NCS Safe Sport Recognized Club Incentive Program (deadline expired 3/31/20)
