Frequently Asked Questions
REQUIREMENTS
1. What are the requirements to join the team?
Swimmers must be at least 5 years old and no older than 18 years old on June 1st with no exceptions. All swimmers must be water safe and be able to swim at least 25 yards (1 pool lap) unassisted and without floaties.
2. Are there residency requirements to join the team?
Irvine Swim League (ISL) requires all swimmers to reside or attend school in Irvine. As a “city team”, we can accept swimmers from any part of Irvine.
3. What documents do I need to submit for age and residency verification?
For a list of acceptable documents, please click here.
REGISTRATION
4. How do I register as a new family?
Once registration opens for new families, you will be invited to join on a first-come first-serve based on the order in the interest list. If you would like to add your name to our no-obligation interest list, please click here.
5. Is there a limit to the number of swimmers that can register?
Irvine Swim League (ISL) allows a maximum of 130 swimmers per team so do not wait to add your name to the interest list.
6. We will be away for part of the season; can we pay partial fees?
Many families do go on vacation during the season and that is fine but there are no partial fees. Registration must be paid for the entire summer season.
7. What is the refund policy?
For the complete refund policy, please click here.
8. When does the season start?
The season starts June 1st, 2025 and runs for 10 weeks until August 10th, 2025. For more information, please check the "Important Dates" section in our homepage.
VOLUNTEERING
9. What volunteer responsibilities do parents have?
South Irvine Dolphins is a volunteer-based organization so every parent’s participation and cooperation are required. For detailed volunteering requirements please click here.
10. We booked a trip and will not be able to volunteer at the next meet, what should we do?
We recognize that plans change. If you are unable to come for your volunteer job, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. The best alternative may be trading shifts with a family scheduled to volunteer at a different date.
11. What happens if I do not show up for my volunteer job?
If you miss a volunteer shift, your credit card on file will be charged $100. If you miss a second volunteer shift, your swimmer(s) may be removed from the team. If you fail to meet your volunteer obligations for the season, your swimmer(s) may not be able to return to the team next season.
PRACTICES
12. How many practices per week do we need to attend?
There is no mandatory number of practices to attend. You can attend as many or as few practices as you want but keep in mind the best way to improve your swim technique is to come and train with our coaches as much as possible.
13. Where are practices held?
Practices are held at the University High School pool (4771 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612).
14. What time is practice?
Our practices are divided by age groups. For the complete schedule, please click here.
SWIM MEETS
15. What do I need to bring to meets?
Make sure to bring the team swimsuit, team cap, goggles, sunscreen, towel, fold-up chairs and cash for food and treats at the concessions stand. Consider bringing a canopy tent as it can be sunny or coordinate with other families to share a tent. Also, we love to see the families come in orange to support the team and the swimmers!
16. When and where are meets held?
Meets are held on Saturday mornings and usually end around noon. There are Home meets held at the University High School pool and Away meets at other Irvine teams’ pools. For the meet schedule, please check the Important Dates section in our
homepage.
17. Do I need to participate in all the meets?
No, you can participate in as many or as few as you would like. Competing in the meets is a good way to show your progress throughout the season. Keep in mind that time improvements in the meets will earn you Dolphin Dollars that can be exchanged for treats, toys and gift cards at the Dolphins Store!
18. What is the Championship meet?
This optional meet includes all 20+ Irvine Swim League teams in the city and is held at the end of the season in early August. Every swimmer is eligible to participate in at least one event and may be selected for a relay regardless if they achieve a qualifying time or not. Swimmers who achieve qualifying times can swim in up to four events including up to three individual events and relay(s).
TEAM APPAREL
19. Do I have to wear the team swimsuit and team cap at practice and meets?
Team swimsuit and team cap do not need to be worn for practice. ISL rules only require team swimsuit and team cap be worn at the swim meets. ISL rules prohibit wearing suits and caps from other teams and leagues on deck at meets.
20. Where do I purchase the team apparel including swimsuit and cap?
For team apparel, please click here.
SPONSORSHIP
21. Can I become a sponsor?
Anyone is welcome to become a sponsor. We welcome families and businesses to be a team sponsor. We have different levels of sponsorship. For more details, please click here.
22. How do I get a free registration?
Any family that brings in a Gold or Platinum sponsor will receive a refund for one registration fee (includes only the Dolphins registration fee and not the $60 Irvine Swim League fee or pool fee).
23. Why are sponsors important?
As a city team, we do not have access to free use of a HOA pool and we rely on the support from families and local businesses to cover our pool rental costs.
24. Are my donations tax deductible?
South Irvine Dolphins is a nonprofit organization and your donations may be tax deductible. Please consult a tax professional.
