Welcome

Welcome to Bakersfield Race Club (BRC). This handbook explains how our club operates, what families can expect from the program, and what we expect from athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, and staff.

Our goal is to provide a safe, positive, competitive, and developmentally appropriate swimming environment where athletes can grow in confidence, teamwork, and performance. This handbook applies to all club activities, including practices, meets, team travel, team events, electronic communications, locker/restrooms, volunteer activities, and any other setting connected to the club.

Mission

Bakersfield Race Club develops confident, competitive swimmers through consistent, repeat racing opportunities, and a positive team environment that teaches discipline, resilience, and long-term growth in the sport.

Vision

Bakersfield Race Club aims to become a premier swim club in Central California by preparing athletes to compete with confidence, develop a lifelong connection to swimming, and strengthen the local swimming pipeline, including support for California State University, Bakersfield Swimming and Diving.

Core Values

• Confidence Through Racing: We believe swimmers build confidence by racing often, learning from each race, and becoming comfortable competing under pressure.
• Team First: We expect swimmers, coaches, and families to support one another and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Pathway Development: We are committed to growing swimming in Bakersfield and supporting the development of athletes who may one day compete at the high school, club, collegiate, or national level.

Bakersfield Race Club (BRC) is a USA Swimming member club affiliated with Central California Swimming. All athletes, coaches, officials, and applicable non-athlete members must maintain current USA Swimming membership before participating in USA Swimming sanctioned, approved, or observed activities.

Membership in the club does not replace USA Swimming membership. Families are responsible for completing all required registrations, waivers, and renewals by the deadlines communicated by the club.

Required Membership Items

• Current USA Swimming athlete membership for participating swimmers.
• Current USA Swimming coach membership for all coaches.
• Current USA Swimming non-athlete membership for required adult volunteers, officials, chaperones, or staff when applicable.
• Completion of required background checks, training, certifications, and acknowledgments for adults in covered roles.
• Agreement to follow USA Swimming rules, Safe Sport policies, club policies, and facility rules.