Welcome to our Fall/Winter 2025-2026- Short Course Season! We are thrilled to kick off this upcoming season with both familiar and new faces on deck. Whether you are a longtime Dolphin or joining us for the first time, we have all the information you need for a successful registration and season ahead.

Important Registration Information 

  • All swimmers must be members of the Wallingford Family YMCA. The practice group fee does not include the membership fee. Membership is ongoing; refer to the Member Guide for information on how to manage your membership. 
  • Prices are for the season (the season runs from Monday, September 8th till your swimmer’s final championship meet).  
  • Prices do not include the cost of meets, with the exception of YMCA Dual Meets hosted by the Dolphins. 
  • The practice group rates may be paid in full at time of registration or may be broken up into three or six payments. The first payment is due at registration.  
  • Read ALL online agreements during registration, please, and contact us with questions.
  • Fees are non-refundable and it is a full season commitment.

Registration Dates:

  • Opens 8/11!

Practice Group Selection:

  • Returning swimmers should register for the practice group that has been recommended by WFYD coaches. A separate email will be sent to all current swimmers indicating their practice group placement for the next season soon. If you have questions about placement, please email Head Coach, Mike O’Brien ([email protected]).
  • If a swimmer is registered for a practice group that has not been recommended, we reserve the right to change the practice group and to charge applicable fees. If this is the case, we will contact you.

Tryouts For New Swimmers & Evaluations: 

  • For any new swimmers looking to join the team, we will be holding tryouts by request with Head Coach Mike.  Please note that attending a tryout does not guarantee a spot on the team. Further swim lessons/instruction may be recommended by the coach.​
  • All new swimmers must attend evaluations prior to registering for a practice group.
  • Any returning swimmers who would like to be placed in a group other than what has been recommended by coaches are invited to attend evaluations.

USA Swimmers:

During the Fall/Winter, USA Swimmers compete in Short Course Yards or Meters.

 

What is USA Swimming?

USA Swimming is the national umbrella organization for our sport. As a team, we compete under CTSwim which is the Local Swim Committee attached to USA Swimming. Being registered under CTSwim/USA Swimming allows your swimmer to compete in more meets/championships against not just other YMCAs, but any other registered teams in the state and even Northeast! 

 

Competition Format: Short Course Yards

 

Mandatory Registration: USA Swimming is required for AG2, AG1, Juniors, & Seniors. Younger groups are also welcome to join.

 

Fees/Financial Commitments: $150, If you are a current USA swimmer, please remember to register for this as well.  

  • This one-time season fee of $150 helps cover your swimmer’s and team’s USA Swimming registration, coaching fees for additional meets, and travel expenses. It also includes Wesleyan Long Course training for the Spring/Summer season, along with other related costs.
  • Splash Fees: Each USA meet will charge Splash fees determined by the hosting team. These fees are typically per event/relay, or a flat meet fee. You will be informed of these fees ahead of time before entering into any meet. Splash fees will be charged directly to the Y accounts on file.

Meet Requirements: At least 2 meets plus Regionals or the highest level of competition your swimmer qualifies for.

​Please contact Head Coach, Mike O’Brien ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns.

Dryland Training:

We are currently working with our YMCA Health & Wellness personnel to continue some additional dryland training for our Junior and Strength Training for our Senior groups to further help their muscle development, flexibility and more. Additional information will be announced soon.

Mandatory Volunteer Policy

It is understood by all families that parents may be required to volunteer in various capacities throughout the season.  This season, we are mandating that every parent/family volunteers at team functions, meets, socials, and fundraisers. Roles will be assigned and the proper instruction/training for each role will be given to every volunteer.  In the event that there are no volunteers and your child or children are registered for the meet, we will assign job duties to ensure the meet runs smoothly.  Swimming isn't like other sports; it requires parents and families to be participants, not just spectators.  For a swimmer to participate on the team and to be a member in good standing, families are required to assist at various team functions as determined by the Head Coach each season.

The team's success depends on the commitment of its members. Past experience has made it necessary to make this a requirement for our families.  We understand that some families have extenuating circumstances that make volunteering difficult, and we will work with families to help them meet the volunteer requirements. Not all volunteering is done at the meets. Flexibility and understanding are necessary as changes and adjustments can be made to volunteer assignments before, and even during a meet. All job assignments are at the discretion of the Head Coach.

Fundraising & Team Events

Swimming is about more than just clocking the best times and putting in hard work in the pool. It’s about coming together as a team and achieving great things collectively. Our team events offer wonderful opportunities for swimmers and parents to connect and build relationships. Fundraising events are crucial as they help cover the costs of team social events, awards, supplies, and more. We’ll provide further details about upcoming fundraising efforts, events, parent socials, and meet schedules once everything is finalized. Stay tuned for more information!

For more information, please contact:

Head Coach: Mike O’Brien

[email protected] or 203-269-4497 x133

 

Senior Director: Megan O'Connor

[email protected] or 203-269-4497 x202