Registration & Team Participation

Who can join the Green Valley Dolphin Swim Team?
The Green Valley Dolphin Swim Team is open to swimmers ages 5–18 who are able to swim independently and meet league safety requirements.

How do I register my swimmer?
Registration is completed online. A registration link will be posted on the homepage when registration opens.

When does registration open?
Registration for the 2026 season will begin on March 7th at 8 am for returning GVST families and Green Valley Residents. Registration for new families will open on March 9th at 8 am.

What do registration fees include?
Registration fees cover a team shirt, a team swim cap, and include coaching salaries, insurance, and swim meets. Optional items such as team swimsuits, goggles, or spirit wear are not included.

Is there a refund policy?
Refunds can be requested by emailing [email protected] up until the second week of practice. Transaction fees will be subtracted from any refunds provided. No refunds will be provided beginning the third week of practice. 

Practices

When and where are practices held? 

Practices are held at the Green Valley North Pool, 10824 Los Jardines East. Practice schedules vary by age group. The practice schedule can be found by clicking here.

How often should my swimmer attend practice?
Swimmers are encouraged to attend practices regularly to support skill development, conditioning, and team participation.

What should my swimmer bring to practice?
Swimmers should bring a swimsuit, goggles, towel, water bottle, and team swim cap.

What if my swimmer needs to miss a practice?
Occasional absences are understandable. If your swimmer will miss an extended period, please notify the coaching staff.

Swim Meets & Competition

When do swim meets take place?
Swim meets are held on Saturdays. Arrival times and meet details will be communicated in advance via the band app.

How long do swim meets last?
Meet length varies depending on the number of swimmers and events, but typically lasts from 9 am - 3 pm.

What is a split meet? 

A split meet divides the competition into two separate sessions based on swimmer age, allowing families to attend only the portion relevant to their child.

The home team determines whether a meet uses this format. Here's how it typically works:

Session 1 – Older Swimmers (9 & Up) approximately 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Swimmers ages 9 and older compete in all of their events during this session.

Session 2 – Younger Swimmers (8 & Under) approximately 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Swimmers ages 8 and under compete in all of their events during this session.

💡 Tip for families: If you have a child in each age group, plan to stay for both sessions!

What should I bring to a swim meet?

Here are some recommended items to bring:

1. Thin towels with your name on them (2 per swimmer recommended)
2. EZ-up for shade
3. Chairs for each person in your group
4. Sunscreen
5. Two pairs of goggles (it’s good to have an extra pair)
6. GVST swim cap
7. Competition swimsuit (a GVST team suit or a solid black suit)
8. Sharpie
9. Games to play

Here is one mother’s advice for getting your family ready for a swim meet.

What is the team uniform for meets?

A GVST swimsuit or a solid black swimsuit, and a GVST swim cap.

How do I sign in my swimmers for meets?

1. Log on to our website using your email log on for Swimtopia and your Swimtopia password. (upper right-hand side of the website)
2. Go to “Meets & Events” tab.
3. Select meet, ie. Dolphin Classic.
4. Select green “MEET ENTRY” button on the right.
5. Select blue “EDIT” button.
6. Next to each child’s name is a drop down box, select: ”attending” or “not attending”.
7. Select if your child is available for relays. (Available for ALL relays; Arriving late, not available for early relays; Leaving early, not available for late relays or Not available for ANY relays)
8. Fill in Coaches notes, for example: if you can make first half or second half only. Any requests for events can be placed here, as well.
9. Select blue SAVE button.
10. Select blue link BACK to SWIM MEETS.
11. Repeat steps for all swim meets.

Please note: 

(1) Swimmers must sign in to each meet before end of day Wednesday, the week of the meet in order to be placed in the swim meet. 

(2) Signing your swimmer out of a meet does not relieve you of your scheduled jobs.

How are events assigned to swimmers?
Coaches determine event assignments based on age, ability, and team needs. Event assignments are finalized before each meet.

How do I know which events my kids are swimming?

Download the free Swimtopia app on your phone, and log in using the email and password you used to register for the team. This app lists your swimmer’s events and your volunteer jobs, and will list your swimmer’s best times for each event.

What time should swimmers arrive at a meet?

Swimmers should arrive at least 30 minutes before warm-ups begin unless otherwise instructed by the coaching staff.

What does my swimmer do when they arrive at a meet?
Swimmers should check in with their coach, locate their team area, and prepare for warm-ups.

When do my swimmers line up for their events?

For swimmers 8 and under, listen for the announcements from the megaphone and have your swimmer head to the lane line-up tent with their cap on and goggles in hand. Swimmers ages 9 and up are responsible for getting themselves to the blocks and lining up in the correct lane and heat. They should get there at least 2 events prior to the events they are scheduled to swim.

Can parents talk to coaches during a meet?
Coaches are focused on swimmer safety and meet operations during competitions. Non-urgent questions should be addressed before or after the meet.

Volunteer Expectations

Are parents required to volunteer?
Yes. Our swim team is a volunteer-run organization, and parent participation is essential to the success of meets and events. Each family is required to volunteer for five jobs during the season, not including Relay or Finals meets. If your swimmer is invited to Relay or Finals, families will be asked to volunteer at the meet. 

What volunteer roles are available?
Volunteer roles include timers, lane line-up (parents of 5-8-year-olds), meet setup and teardown, runner, and other meet-day support. There are also limited volunteer roles for special events hosted by the swim team. 

Where can I find more information about volunteer roles? 

You can find descriptions of volunteer roles on our website by clicking here. 

How do I sign up for volunteer shifts?
Volunteer sign-ups are completed online during registration. 

How do I know what my volunteer jobs are?

1. Log on to our website with your Swimtopia login email and password
2. Go to the top right of your screen and look for Welcome "YOUR NAME"
3. Once you highlight with your mouse over this area a drop down list will appear; click on "MY ACCOUNT"
4. The following screen will list your volunteer job assignments by date, event, and time. Please make sure you have them in your calendar.

*You can also use the Swimtopia app to see your volunteer jobs. (Look for events listed below your family’s name. Any colored dot with your initial or spouse/partner's initial will show you have a job that day (orange, red, blue, green; each one of these colors represents your family/swimmer)

What time do I need to arrive for my volunteer jobs?

Volunteer check in times vary by role. Please check the volunteer description for check in information. 

When do I report for 2nd half volunteer jobs?

Volunteer check in times vary by role. Please check the volunteer description for check in information. We usually take a short break between the 15-18 boys' breaststroke event (event #36) and the 5-6 girls' butterfly event (event #37), and that is when we switch over to second-half jobs. Listen for announcements for second-half volunteers, and please report to your position promptly.

What if I am unable to volunteer for a shift I signed up for?

If you are unable to fulfill a volunteer job you signed up for, you are responsible for ensuring the position is covered using one of the options below:

• (1) Arrange a Substitute Volunteer

You may identify a family member or approved substitute who is able and willing to cover your assignment. You must notify the Meet Manager at least 48 hours prior to the meet by emailing [email protected]. This notification ensures accurate check-in and volunteer tracking on the day of the meet. It is your responsibility to ensure the substitute is fully informed of the role they are covering, including job duties, arrival time, and where to check in.

• (2)Swap Assignments with Another Family

You may arrange a volunteer job swap with another family by coordinating through the Band app chat. Once the swap is confirmed, you must notify the Meet Manager at least 48 hours prior to the meet, so volunteer records can be updated accordingly. Confirmation should be sent to [email protected].

• (3)Paid Coverage Option

If you are unable to secure coverage through the options above, you may request paid coverage by submitting an envelope containing $100 cash, clearly labeled with:

Your name

The date of the shift

The name of the volunteer role requiring coverage

The envelope must be delivered either to the Meet Manager’s table at a prior meet or to the GVHRA office by Thursday prior to the meet during normal business hours.

The Meet Manager will contact a volunteer to confirm coverage for your assignment. A $20 administrative fee will be retained, with the remaining amount paid to the volunteer, as a stipend, after completion of the shift.

Green Valley Homeowners Recreation Association

10739 Los Jardines West

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

714.962.8205

If you do not show up or get your job covered, there will be a $150 fine.

Team Culture & Code of Conduct

What behavior is expected of swimmers?
Swimmers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, follow the coach's instructions, and treat teammates, officials, and competitors with respect.

What behavior is expected of parents and spectators?
Parents are expected to support all swimmers positively, respect officials and volunteers, and communicate concerns appropriately. Please review the code of conduct policy on our website. 

How are concerns or issues addressed?
Questions or concerns should be directed to the team co-chairs via email or to the coaching staff, following established communication guidelines in the parent handbook.

Apparel & Equipment

Is a team swimsuit required?
Swimmers must wear a team swimsuit or an all-black swimsuit. Tech suits are prohibited. 

Are team caps required at meets?
Yes. Team swim caps are required at meets to promote team unity and swimmer identification.

Where can I purchase team apparel?
Information on team suits and spirit wear will be shared during the season.

Communication & Resources

How will important updates be communicated?
Team updates are communicated via the band app. Families may receive occasional emails from the coaching staff. Families are responsible for reviewing all team communications.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
General questions can be directed to the co-chairs. Practice-related or swimmer-specific questions should be directed to the coaching staff.