Ready to make this summer unforgettable? Registration for the Dahlgren Sharks opens each spring, and we can’t wait to welcome returning swimmers and new faces to our team!
Registration Fees
We keep our fees affordable to make swimming accessible to as many families as possible. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our fees cover insurance, team gear, pool rental, coaching staff, meet operations, and more.
Fee Structure (per swimmer):
- 1st swimmer: $155
- 2nd swimmer: $130
- 3rd swimmer: $105
- 4th swimmer: $85
- 5th+ swimmer: $60 each
What’s Included:
- RSL insurance coverage
- Team swim cap
- Team t-shirt
- 2-month YMCA student membership
- Coaching and instruction
- Entry into all dual meets
- Opportunity to qualify for Finals
How to Register
For Returning Sharks
If your swimmer competed with us last season, registration is simple! Complete the online registration form on Swimtopia[linked]. Update any changed information, pay your fees, and you’re all set! Plan to come to the Parent Meeting. We want all parents, new and returning, to attend!
For New Swimmers
Welcome! We’re excited to have you join us. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Attend a Registration Day
New swimmers must attend one of our in-person registration sessions at the King George YMCA. Check our website homepage[linked] for specific dates and times. Your swimmer(s) will need to be present for a swimming assessment with our coaches.
Step 2: Swimming Assessment
Don’t stress about this! Our coaches simply want to see your child’s comfort level in the water and current abilities. This helps us place them in the appropriate practice group. We’re not a learn-to-swim program for complete non-swimmers, but your child does NOT need to know all four competitive strokes to join. If they’re comfortable in the water and willing to learn, we want them on our team!
What happens in the assessment?
Our coaches will ask your child to swim across the pool to assess comfort level and basic ability. This typically takes 5-10 minutes and is not a pass/fail test! We simply want to place swimmers in the right practice group for their success. Parents are welcome to watch, and our coaches are experienced at making nervous swimmers feel comfortable.
Step 3: Complete Registration
Once the coaches have assessed your swimmer, you can complete your registration and payment. We recommend waiting until after the assessment to pay, just to ensure swimming is the right fit for your family.
Important Registration Details
Age Requirements
We welcome swimmers ages 5-18. Your child’s competitive age group is determined by their age as of June 1st of the current season.
Registration Cap
To ensure fairness and allow every swimmer to compete in multiple events, we cap registration. Registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your child’s group is full, they’ll be placed on a waiting list. Spots do sometimes open up, so don’t lose hope!
Waitlist
If you’re placed on the waitlist, we’ll contact you if a spot becomes available. Waitlisted families move up in the order they registered.
What Happens After Registration?
Once you’re registered, here’s what to expect:
Join Our Communication Channels – You’ll be added to team emails and given access to our team website resources, and allowed to join our Facebook group
Download Swimtopia – This free app is how you’ll declare your swimmer for meets and sign up to volunteer.
Mark Your Calendar – Practice starts in late May and runs through late July, meets will be scattered during that time.
Get Your Gear – Swimsuit sizing happens at in-person registration; your cap and t-shirt will be distributed at the start of the season
Sign Up to Volunteer – Check our website for volunteer position sign-ups
New Family Checklist
- Attend registration/assessment
- Pay registration fees
- Download the Swimtopia app
- Attend the parent meeting
- Join the Facebook group
- Read handbook
- Get swimsuit/goggles
- Mark practice times on the calendar
- Sign up for volunteer shifts
Refund Policy
Life happens, and we understand that plans change. Here’s our refund policy:
Before the 1st meet: Refunds are provided on a prorated basis
After the 1st meet: All fees are forfeited (no refunds)
This policy helps us plan our season budget and ensures we can cover costs for coaches, insurance, and meet operations.