POLICIES 
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Scheduling Make-up Practices
Schedule Changes
Snow or Other Weather-Related Cancellations
Bonus Practices
Payments
Refunds
Referrals
Communications
At JFD, we encourage make-ups. Since JFD still incurs the expenses for a practice (even when a swimmer misses), there are no refunds for classes missed. Make-ups cannot be scheduled during bonus practices, as these practices represent additional pool rental and coaching expenses.
There is no make-up for a missed scheduled make-up. Because levels in the lessons, clinic and advanced clinic are so sensitive, make ups are harder to schedule for these swimmers. Therefore, after 3 make ups each session (or 10 for full season swimmers) are scheduled, there will be a $5 administration fee for each additional make up. Make ups are non transferable.
When scheduling a make up, please do so at least 48 hours in advance. Although we try to be flexible, it is extremely difficult to schedule a make-up with less than 48-hours’ notice.
Please email jfdschedules@aol.com with the following information (preferably in this order). This will enable office staff to reschedule your session as efficiently as possible:
• Date of requested make-up
• Time of requested make-up
• Level
• Category (lessons, stroke clinic, team)
• Name (first and last)
• Age
• Phone/email contact information
• Any notes
Once we receive your request, the appropriate Site Supervisor will place your child according to his or her level. Please note that if you do not include this information, we will have to contact you for clarification, and your request will be delayed. Finally, please do not forget to include both first and last name of your child, or assume we will know the name by simply looking at your email address.
If a swimmer in any program needs to change his or her practice schedule (date and/or time), please contact jfdschedules.com to verify that the new day and time is available.
Snow or Other Weather-Related Cancellations
When it comes to winter weather or other extreme conditions (such as high winds and/or thunderstorms) it is important to note the following:
• Our Quince Orchard location closes only under extreme snow or wind conditions, and we do not cancel practices or lessons according to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
• Our Georgetown Prep location does close when MCPS cancels school and/or extracurricular activities due to winter weather. At the same time, the pool does not follow the MCPS holiday closure schedule.
If there is any doubt about cancellation at a particular location, we will make every effort to post this information on the home page of the website. You can also phone the “Swimmer’s Hotline” at (301) 916-1852 30 minutes before your practice. The main greeting will direct you to press “5” for an update. Please do not call the pools directly, as they will not have this information.
We don’t hold regular practices during MCPS winter and spring breaks, and swimmers are not charged for these weeks. Instead, we offer bonus practices.
This program provides each family with maximum flexibility in what can be a very busy time. It also represents a chance for extra concentration on swimming. When bonus practices are offered, it is crucial that we know who is coming in advance. We are required to separately contract for pool lanes and coaches, and as you can imagine, walk-ins can upset the coach-swimmer ratio and create an unnecessarily crowded situation.
Bonus practices may not be used as make-ups. An exception is made for weekend swimmers, who typically experience a higher number of holiday interruptions (or more information about this policy, please email jfdcoaches@aol.com or call Shannon English).
When MCPS Has a Day Off
When there is no school for MCPS students, we hold our usual schedule, and all swimmers are expected to come at their normal time. Swimmers who are not normally scheduled on these days may pay $13 to come to an additional practice, or to a bonus practice in the morning. Swimmers may come earlier or later than usual if they call the office or email jfdschedules@aol.com and clear it 48 hours in advance. If a swimmer signs up and misses a bonus practice, he or she is still obligated to pay the $13, but will be entitled to a make-up at a regularly scheduled practice.
Bonus Packages
Swimmers may purchase a package of all bonus practices offered in the year (usually 30-40) for one very low price. Even if you only attend a few, this is still a very good deal. You still must register for each of the bonus practices as the details are sent out.
Cancellation Notification
In the unlikely event of a bonus practice being cancelled, all registered swimmers will be notified in advance.
All payments should be made by check or credit card and mailed to the office. Please make checks payable to Joe Flaherty’s Dolphins (or JFD).
Should you choose to pay by check, please help us to avoid confusion by clearly indicating who and what any check is for, with extra care when the last name on the check is different from the swimmer’s name. We also ask that you include a phone number.
Please note that a $25 fee will be charged for returned checks, and that coaches cannot accept payments of any kind.
Should you choose to drop out for any reason, we will cheerfully refund the pro-rated fees for the balance of the season after two conditions have been met:
• First, we request that a written note expressing your concerns or reasons be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to the JFD office.
• Second, JFD would like to ensure that your swimmer end his or her time with us on a positive note. After we are notified of your intent to withdraw, we will provide a three-week period during which we will make adjustments for your child, and will present him or her with an awards certificate.
For every family that joins JFD and records your name on their registration form, you will be given a $50.00 credit up through December of the current swim season. After January 1, the amount will be reduced by $10 every month until the season ends. This credit can be applied to your current bill, future meet entries or any special events – just let us know.
The front desk and lifeguard staff at the facilities we rent have very little knowledge about our programs and schedule. While email is an efficient tool for quick exchange of information, phone calls are preferred for matters that should be discussed.
• To contact Head Coach Joe Flaherty, call 301 916-1852 or email joeadolfin@aol.com Messages are often checked away from the office, so please feel free to leave a detailed voicemail if Coach Flahery is not available.
• To contact Assistant Head Coach Boris Cicmil regarding swim meets, email jfdmeets@aol.com
• To contact Assistant Head Coach Shannon English about clinics, lessons or coaching, email shannonavon@comcast.net
• To reschedule a practice, email jfdschedules@aol.com
