Frequently Asked Questions
The Durbin Crossing Dolphins offers a summer swim team for competitive swimming for Durbin Crossing residents, ages 5 to 18. Besides offering swimmers the opportunity to develop their skills in competition, the Durbin Crossing Dolphins swim team provides a great way for kids to make friends!
If you do not find the information you need on our website, please contact us at [email protected]
When does registration open for swim team?
Registration for the 2024 season opens March 1st for returning swimmers and March 5th for new swimmers. Mark your calendar because registration will fill up fast. Last year the team filled up in less than a week!
What are the registration fees?
First Swimmer = $225, Second Swimmer = $205, Third+ Swimmer = $195 each
*Discount for multiple swimmers is for immediate siblings only, not extended family. Registration fee includes a team t-shirt & swim cap. Team suit and additional spirit wear are available to purchase separately.
*$50 administrative fee is non-refundable under any circumstance
If I do not live in Durbin Crossing, can my child swim on the swim team?
At this time, CDD rules do not permit non-residents to participate on the swim team. You must reside in Durbin Crossing. The SJSSL does have a few teams that allow non-resident swimmers on a space available basis. Check out the other teams here .
When does the season start?
The swim season (including practices) runs April – July. See the website calendar for more details.
What are the age groups for competition?
There are six age groups: 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18.
My child has a summer birthday. What age group will he/she compete it?
The league uses the age of the child on June 1, 2024 for placement in age group competitions at the meets.
What strokes do the swimmers use in competition?
Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
What swimming strokes does my child need to know to join the team?
Your child does not need to know any strokes to join the swim team. They do need to be able to swim the length of the lap pool (25 yards) without assistance and swim one length on their back. MANDATORY new swimmer evaluations will be used to evaluate swimmer readiness. If the coach determines that the child is not able to be safe in the water, fees less the non refundable portion will be refunded. Safety is our top priority at all times.
What is SJSSL?
SJSSL is the St. Johns Summer Swim League. This is the summer league of teams that we compete against. Teams include Bartram Springs, Heritage Landing, Julington Creek, Shearwater, Murabella, Rivertown, South Hampton, Aberdeen, & St Johns Golf & Country Club.
How often and when is practice?
The practice schedule will be updated soon. Practice begins in late-April and will be in the afternoons during the school year. During the summer, we have one-afternoon practice session and a few morning practices.
What happens if we have a conflict and my child is not able to attend practice?
Practices are offered 4 times a week. It is at your discretion how many practices your child attends. You will see the most progress if your child attends at least three practices a week. Practices are not mandatory and you do not need to let us know when your child will be absent.
Does a child have to swim in a particular number of practices during the week in order to swim in a meet?
No, but the more practices they attend the better they will swim at the meets!
Does my child need to wear the team swimsuit during practice? During a meet? What brand, and where do I buy it?
No special swimsuits are needed during practice. Girls should wear a one-piece with no ruffles or decorations. Boys should practice in "jammer" style shorts. Team suits during meets are encouraged but not required. The suits are available at an additional cost. If your swimmers choose not to wear the team suit at meets, we ask that they wear a plain black suit. Tech suits are not permitted during swim meets.
When are the meets, and where are they held?
The meets are generally held on Saturday mornings. We will swim three meets at home and the rest of our meets at the pools of our league team competitors.
How long does a meet last?
Meets begin at 8 a.m. and usually last about 3-4 hours.
Do swimmers have to attend every swim meet/practice?
We know things come up, so we try to make the swim team as flexible as you need it to be. Attending all meets and practices is beneficial, but please do not rearrange schedules or move vacation plans. Please note, with regard to attendance at meets, swimmers must swim a minimum of three (3) meets in order to be eligible to swim at Champs in July.
What is a dual meet? A tri-meet?
A dual meet is held between two swim teams and a tri-meet is held between three swim teams at the same time. One swim club is the host team and the other(s) is the visiting team. The schedule is posted on the website under the tab labeled Swim Meets. There is a championship meet in July when all teams will compete with each other at one meet.
Are there any parent volunteer requirements?
Yes, each swim family must volunteer throughout the season. The swim meets are entirely volunteer-run & it is impossible to have a successful season without parent volunteers!
How can I help the team?
It's an all-volunteer effort, and there is always something more that can be done. Consider becoming a starter or stroke & turn official. The officiating is all volunteer, and it always helps to have more people trained to step in when others have scheduling conflicts for a meet. You may also enjoy the meet more when you know the rules well, in addition to being able to help in your child's swimming development.
Additionally, if you have a business that would be interested in supporting the team, we have a variety of sponsorships available this year, both in cash donations and in-kind services. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more!
If you are interested in chairing a committee or getting involved on the board, please let us know! We'd love to have you!
