Laurelwood Dolphins

The Junipero Serra Swim League (JSSL) requires all member clubs to obtain a waiver and release of liability from each swimmer who will participate in any league swim team activity in favor of the League and all member clubs, officials, coaches, and representatives. This means that upon joining the Swim Team, you agree, on behalf of you and your child, not to make any claim arising out of an injury to your child during swim team activities against the League, its member clubs or associated persons.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY -- READ BEFORE SIGNING

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in JSSL program, its related events and activities, I, the undersigned, acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that:

1. The risk of injury from the activities involved in this program is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and,
2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,
3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the Company immediately; and,
4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE JSSL, their officers, officials, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used for the activity ("Releasees"), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND SIGN IT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT.

FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF PARTICIPANTS OF MINORITY AGE

(UNDER AGE 18 AT TIME OF REGISTRATION)

This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian with legal responsibility for this participant, do consent and agree to his/her release as provided above of all the Releasees, and, for myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees from any and all liabilities incident to my minor child's involvement or participation in these programs as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code §124235, a concussion and head injury information sheet shall be given by each youth sports organization offering an athletic program to each athlete in that program. The acknowledgement shall be signed by the athlete and, if the athlete is 17 years of age or younger, shall also be signed by the athlete’s parent or guardian before the athlete initiates practice or competition.

In order to better serve the needs of our organization and ensure continued success our team, the Laurelwood Dolphins Swim Team has adopted a Parent Code of Conduct to help establish a friendly, safe, and productive swim team environment.

Our team is fortunate to have experienced, professional coaches who freely give their time and energy to help our children to become better swimmers and more importantly, better individuals. As a team of parents, it is our obligation to ensure our coaching staff is given the respect and authority they deserve.

PART I – OVERVIEW OF SWIMMERS’ AND PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Open communication between parents, athletes and coaches is important. Please be respectful though and wait until the end of practice/meet to speak with your child’s coach.
2. Parents must encourage regular, prompt attendance and should ensure that swimmers arrive on-time for practices and meets.
3. Parent participation is required for the success of our team. Parents are expected to volunteer at swim meets and at social events as described in the registration packet. Parents also are required to donate two snack bar items during the season.
4. It is the parents' responsibility to stay informed about upcoming events, changes in schedules, etc., by checking this website, team e-mails, and the bulletin board at the pool on a regular basis.
5. Parents must keep the coaches informed of their child's availability to swim (or not swim) in each meet.
6. Parents of 10U swimmers must adhere to drop-off regulations: Swimmers 6 and under must have a parent onsite at all times. Swimmers 7 through 10 years old must have a parent onsite immediately before and after each practice. Coaches cannot supervise children outside of scheduled practice times. In the event that practice is held off-site, parents must be present during practice. For all children under the age of 10, parents must supervise their child(ren) in any bathroom/locker room facilities.
7. Although it is tempting, please refrain from coaching your children at practice or during competitions. Your role as a parent is to provide love and support. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job.
8. Positive reinforcement is important to all athletes in all situations. Swimming is your child's activity. Improvement and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Do not judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and do not push him/her based on what you think they should be doing. Your child should strive for his/her personal best.
9. Coaches are people too! Do let your coach’s know when you think they are doing a good job.

SWIMMERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Regular, on-time attendance to all practices when feasible; a minimum of three times per week to see improvement.
2. Minnow swimmers must commit to attending 3-4 practices a week. This is required for them to get enough practice to “graduate” to Squirts by the first dual meet.
3. Compete in a minimum of two strokes at all attended meets where feasible. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least two dual meets, and must do so in order to compete at Champs. Except for: 6 and unders - at away meets they can only swim strokes (other than free) if their seed time is under 1:00 & for our 4 year olds they can only compete in free at home and compete at away meets unless given coach approval.
4. Respect, support, and encourage your teammates at all times; exhibit good sportsmanship and always do your best for yourself and your team.
5. Refrain from all "horse play” and “goofing around" that interferes with practice, or is dangerous.

PART II – GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT RULES

1. Members will respect the health of all members by staying home when sick.
2. Members will respect the coaches and give them their full attention when they are speaking.
3. Parents and swimmers will respect our team members and our competitors, through exhibiting good sportsmanship, encouragement, and support during practice and meets.
4. Foul Language or name calling is not permitted. Disrespectful, indiscreet or destructive behavior will not be tolerated.
5. Pushing, hitting, kicking, pulling hair, or any other intentional unwanted touching or interfering is not permitted. Running or other horseplay activity is not allowed; disrupting teammates during stretching or practices is not permitted.
6. Members are not allowed to swim under pool covers, sit or stand on lane lines, or climb on lane line reels.
7. After practice, all 10 & under swimmers will wait inside the Cabana Club until a parent or guardian picks them up. If 11 & up swimmers wait outside the Cabana Club, they must stay on the club property until their parent or guardian arrives.

PART III – VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT RULES

1. At the discretion of the Head Coaches any one or all of the following penalties will be applied: typically a three-step disciplinary action will be taken. First offense—a verbal warning; second offense—a time-out (for 10U swimmers) or a disciplinary action at the coach’s discretion (for 11 & up swimmers); third offense—swimmer is removed from practice and parents will be called immediately to pick up their child.
2. Coaches may remove any swimmer from practice, without warning, if the swimmer’s actions are deemed unsafe.
3. Swimmer may be suspended from the team until the swimmer and parents have had a conference with the Head Coach and appropriate disciplinary actions have been implemented. (Suspension is defined as a removal from all practices and meets, for a given duration of time. The length of the suspension is at the discretion of the on-deck coaches and Parent Committee. The suspended swimmer(s) and parent(s) are not to approach the coaches about the suspension placed on the swimmer(s). As requested, the parents, coaches, and Parent Committee members will investigate and conference about the swimmer’s offense at a mutually agreed upon time, for all parties.)

My electronic signature below is on behalf of the swimmer below who is a minor. I acknowledge that the swimmer has read the Code of Conduct; that he or she has signed this form; that he or she agrees to abide by the rules of conduct as set forth in Part II above; and that he or she will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, should he or she violate any provision in Part II.

Introduction, Team Philosophy and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Laurelwood Cabana Club Swim Team (“Dolphins Swim Team”) is a summer recreational swim team that provides Laurelwood Cabana Club youth (ages 18 and under) the opportunity to swim competitively in the Junipero Serra Swim League (JSSL). Our philosophy is that the Dolphins Swim Team should be FUN for our children and provide a happy social situation. Our goal is for children to learn teamwork and experience recreational competition in a supportive and encouraging setting while improving their general physical condition and specific swimming skills. We place the highest priority on the development and improvement of every swimmer, on fair sportsmanship and good team conduct. The team does not encourage intense competition. The Dolphins Swim Team does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or gender.

Requirements to Join, Attend Champs Meet and Earn a Team Trophy

To join the Dolphins Swim Team, a child must be 18 years or younger as of May 31, 2025, and must have a parent or guardian who is a member of the Laurelwood Cabana Club. To participate on the Dolphins Swim Team and to compete in swim meets, all swimmers must be able to follow instructions and swim the length of the pool (25 yards) unassisted, without stopping and with side breathing. Exception: swimmers 6 and under who can follow instructions and swim at least a few consecutive strokes may be considered to enter our new Minnow program. These swimmers will have in water coaching available until the first Dual Meet. The purpose of Minnows is to advance to the Squirt level. Swimmers who are not able to meet the swimmer prerequisites by the first Dual Meet will not be able to continue on swim team (and the swimmer will be encouraged to take swim lessons, attend summer swim camps and try out for the team again). No refunds will be available for swimmers who do not advance. Exception: In accordance with JSSL, a swimmer whose 19 ^th birthday is prior to June 1 of his/her senior year of high school is eligible to swim in the 15-18 age group the summer that immediately follows their senior year of high school. This allows athletes with such a birthday to compete the summer after their senior year with their peers.

A swimmer who swims in at least 2 dual swim meets and whose parents have completed their season and meet job requirements is eligible (1) to swim at the JSSL Championship Meet and (2) to receive a Dolphins Swim Team award.

Swimmer Responsibilities

Swimmer responsibilities are detailed in the Dolphins Swim Team Code of Conduct. Completion of this form is a requirement of swim team registration. General swimmer responsibilities include:

• Attend a minimum of two practices per week, and compete in at least two dual meets.
• Respect, support, encourage, and exhibit good sportsmanship toward teammates at all times.
• Always do your best, and obey Laurelwood Cabana Club Pool Rules at all times.

Parent Responsibilities and No-Show Fines

The success of the Dolphins Swim Team requires meaningful parent participation and a substantial time commitment. Generally, parents are expected to support their swimmers, to keep abreast of swim team news and events, and to volunteer in the following ways:

1. Dolphins Swim Team “meet jobs”: Please review the Meet Jobs section on our website under the Meets & Events tab for more information.

a. Each family must volunteer for both halves of the practice swim meet.

b. Each family must volunteer for one Champs meet job.

c. Each family must volunteer for a total of four half jobs (if there are two home dual meets) or five half jobs (if there are three home dual meets) over the course of the dual meets. This year, there are two home dual meets. You can choose to spread these out as you wish (e.g., you might choose to work both halves of one meet, followed by not working at the next meet) as long as you volunteer for the requisite number of half jobs over the course of our season.

2. Dolphins Swim Team “season jobs”: Please review the Season Jobs section on our website under the About tab for more information.

a. Each family must volunteer to assist with one social or fundraising event. Signing up for one event is required to complete the registration process.

b. Each family must contribute two snack bar items during the course of our swim meets. You may elect to donate $25 per food item in lieu of donating food (i.e. $25 for one item or $50 for two items).

Note 1: Volunteer jobs and snack bar contributions will open at registration time. In order to complete your registration you must sign up for all jobs for the season. We understand that things change and you can always change these jobs later.

Note 2: Some volunteer positions require prior training or experience. On-the-job training is available for most positions. A JSSL clinic is required for parents interested in working as a Stroke & Turn judge and is optional for parents interested in working at the Scoring Table. 

Note 3: Please see the team Code of Conduct for additional parent responsibilities.

Note 4: If you become unable to work a scheduled position, you must inform the Volunteer Coordinator in a timely manner and do your best to find a replacement (even if this is the morning of a swim meet). Failure to help with swim meets may result in your child not participating in a meet . No-Show Fine: Additionally, the Dolphins Swim Team will impose a $100 fine on any parent signed up to work at a swim meet who (1) does not have an emergency or good cause; (2) does not show up to work at the meet or find a replacement and (3) prior to the meet, fails to notify the Volunteer Coordinator that he or she was unable to work at the meet.

Point System

All Season Jobs are worth 100 points, Meet Jobs are worth 10 points and each Snack Bar donation is worth 1 point. The system will not allow you to complete registration unless you meet the minimum number of points needed to complete your obligations. Note: we know jobs and availability changes and these jobs can be edited once registration is complete.

You will select your volunteer jobs and snack bar contributions at the time of registration.

Calculating Points

1. Each meet job is worth 10 point.
2. For a season requiring 4 meet jobs you need to earn a minimum of 60 points (20 points for practice meet + 40 from dual meets).
3. For a season requiring 5 meet jobs you need to earn a minimum of 70 points (20 points for practice meet + 50 from dual meets).
4. Each Snack Bar donation is worth 1 point (you need 2 for the season).
5. Each Season Job is worth 100 points.
6. Champs jobs are not opened until late in the season and do not factor into the total points required at time of registration. These jobs can be edited later in the season as needed.

New Swimmer Evaluations

Swimmers new to the team must attend an evaluation session. During the evaluation, a coach will confirm that the swimmer qualifies for the team and will assign the swimmer to a practice group. If your swimmer is deemed not ready for the swim team, you and Coach Rich can discuss if the Minnow program is a good fit for your child. If not your registration fee for that swimmer will be refunded in full. Your swimmer will be encouraged to take lessons and to try out again.

Swimmers returning to the Dolphins Swim Team after a year or more absence are welcome to come to an evaluation session to be placed in a practice group by a coach.

6 and Under Swimmers

All 6 and unders can only swim events at away meets if they can swim the stroke (back, breast, fly) in under 1:00. EXCEPT for free - we encourage them to swim free at all meets.

If your swimmer qualifies for the Minnow program:

1. There will be an additional fee of $50 per swimmer to be billed May 5. This is due to the fact that Minnow swimmers will have individual or small group instruction during all practices. If the Minnow swimmer ages out of the Minnow program prior to May 5th, there will be no additional fee.
2. We require your swimmer to commit to attending 3 to 4 practices a week. Based on our experience this amount of practice is necessary to see the progress required to become a Squirt.
3. They will be Minnows until they can swim “laps” in a group setting with group instruction. The coaches will let you know when your swimmer has graduated to Squirts.
4. Our 4 year olds can only swim free at home meets, no swimming at away meets unless the coaches approve prior.

Image Release and Privacy Policy

Cameras are welcome at JSSL swim meets, and photographs are taken throughout the entire swim season at meets, practices and events. Your registration constitutes consent for the Dolphins Swim Team (1) to use photos, videos, images or the name of your swimmer(s) for swim team purposes including on our website, photo galleries, social media outlets, or other media in covering swimming events; (2) understand that neither you nor your swimmer will receive payment or other compensation for the use of such photos or videos.

There is no photography allowed behind the blocks. Use of any audio or visual recording devices, including but not limited to film and digital cameras, cell phones and tablets, and smart eyeglasses are not permitted in changing areas, rest rooms or locker rooms. Violation of this recording prohibition may result in ejection from the swimming pool facility by the Meet Referee or his/her designee. 

Registration Fees

The registration fee is $250 for the first swimmer in a family, $240 for the second swimmer, etc. Dolphins Swim team registration fees are non-refundable after May 5. (Note: Prior to May 5th the swim family is responsible for Stripe fee associated with refund.)

Scholarship Policy

Depending on available funding, the Dolphins Swim Team provides registration fee scholarships to help eligible youth join the swim team. This scholarship program provides assistance to youth from low income families or families who have endured a recent hardship such as loss of employment. To be eligible for a scholarship, the swim team family must submit a signed letter to the swim team parent committee no later than two weeks after the date of online registration, attaching evidence of either low income ( e.g., free or reduced lunch program) or an explanation of a recent hardship. The swimmer must commit to attend a minimum of 80 percent of scheduled practices and meets.

Registration Status Affects Swimmer’s Participation

Your swimmer will not be able to compete in swim meets until the following actions have been completed: Finished online registration, paid registration fee, signed up for season and meet jobs, swimmers new to the team have shown proof of age.

Are you a new or returning family? Check this box if you are new to the LW swim team. You may be required to show proof of age for your swimmer(s).

As a Laurelwood Swim Team member, you can access the deepest discounts with a FREE year of Swimoutlet+ Membership. Membership includes earning 5% rewards credit on purchases, free 2 day shipping, and early access to new items and sales.

NOTE: Opting in allows the swim team to share your email address with SwimOutlet. You will receive a separate invitation email from SwimOutlet then you need to accept this invitation prior to accessing your SwimOutlet membership. Watch out in a future Dolphin Tales when the invitation email will go out from SwimOutlet.