CONSIDERING TAKING A BREAK?

Guidance on Suspending Your MAC Membership

We Understand Life Happens & Priorities Can Shift

At Mesa Aquatics Club, we value every family and swimmer who becomes part of our community. We recognize that circumstances can change – whether it's a young athlete wanting to explore other sports, a temporary need for a break due to injury or travel, or financial considerations. Our goal is to provide clear information and support as you navigate these decisions.

Before you make a final decision about suspending membership, we encourage you to talk with us. Often, a conversation can help clarify options you might not be aware of.

πŸ’¬ Before You Decide: Let's Talk

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Concerns or Questions?

If your swimmer is facing challenges, not enjoying their current group, or if you have any concerns, please first reach out to your swimmer's direct Group Coach. They know your child best within the team setting and can often offer solutions or adjustments.

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Exploring Alternatives?

For broader questions about membership, potential temporary holds, financial concerns, or the formal suspension process, please contact Abbey Zajdzinski (Team Administrator). Abbey can discuss various options that might suit your family's situation.

[email protected]

⏸️ Suspending Your Membership

Temporary Holds (Medical/Extended Travel)

MAC may offer temporary holds on membership in certain situations, such as:

  • Medical reasons (e.g., significant injury requiring extended time off, typically with a doctor's note).
  • Extended family travel (e.g., a month or more).

These are considered on a case-by-case basis. During an approved hold, monthly dues may be paused or significantly reduced, and your swimmer's spot in their group is typically held. Service hour requirements for the hold period are usually prorated or waived. Please discuss with Abbey Zajdzinski in advance.

Full Membership Suspension

If you decide that a longer-term break or leaving the team is necessary, this involves formally suspending your membership. This means your swimmer will no longer be an active member, dues will cease after the notice period, and their spot in a training group is not automatically held (re-evaluation is needed to rejoin).

This option is for families who do not intend to return in the immediate future or are moving on from the club.

πŸ’° Facing Financial Challenges? We May Be Able to Help.

We understand that financial circumstances can change. If dues are a concern, please don't let that be an immediate reason to leave without exploring options. MAC is committed to supporting our families where possible.

Consider reaching out to Abbey Zajdzinski about:

  • Payment Plan Options: In some cases, temporary adjustments to payment schedules might be possible.
  • MAC Scholarship Program (via LOKAHI): We offer financial assistance for families demonstrating need. The process is confidential.
    (You can find more details and the application on our Scholarship Program Page).

Our goal is to help dedicated swimmers continue their journey with MAC if at all possible.

πŸ“‹ Official Membership Suspension Process

If you have explored all options and decided that suspending your MAC membership is the necessary step, please follow the official procedure:

  1. Written Notice Required: All requests for suspension (temporary hold or full cancellation) must be submitted in writing.
  2. Complete the Form: Please fill out the MAC Online Cancellation/Suspension Notice Form. This is the official way to notify the club.
  3. 30-Day Notice Policy: All cancellations and suspensions are subject to a 30-day notice policy from the date the form is received. Dues will continue to be billed during this 30-day period.
  4. Non-Refundable Fees: Please remember that annual registration fees (MAC and USA Swimming) and any previously paid monthly/seasonal dues are non-refundable.

If you have questions about completing the form or the notice period, please contact Abbey Zajdzinski.

⏳ Service Hours & Dues Upon Suspension

Upon submitting your suspension notice:

  • Dues: As per the 30-day notice policy, dues will be billed for the final 30 days of membership.
  • Service Hours: If a family leaves mid-season, they are responsible for completing or paying for all their service hours, regardless of their official departure date. Any unfulfilled hours will be billed at $40 per hour.
  • Official Holds: For approved temporary holds (e.g., medical), service hour requirements for the hold period are typically waived or prorated. This will be confirmed when the hold is approved.

πŸ”„ Thinking of Returning to MAC?

We are always happy to welcome back former members if space is available and it's the right fit! If your swimmer wishes to rejoin MAC after a period of suspension:

  • Contact Us: Please reach out to Coach Meg Zajdzinski ([email protected]) or Abbey Zajdzinski ([email protected]).
  • Evaluation May Be Required: Especially if the break has been longer than a few months or if the swimmer's age/skill level has changed, a new in-water evaluation with a coach will likely be needed to ensure appropriate group placement.
  • Registration Fees: If rejoining in a new registration season (which typically begins September 1st), the annual MAC Team Registration fee and USA Swimming Registration will apply.

We look forward to discussing the possibility of your return!