Registration Overview
Registration will open on January 12 for returning swimmers (swam for SHST Spring 2025) and their siblings, and January 19 for all new swimmers interested in joining the team. Registration will close for all swimmers on January 26.
Registration does not guarantee acceptance onto the team. Unfortunately, we have limited roster spots. In addition to on-time registration, priority is given to:
- Returning swimmers from the SHST Spring 2025 season
- Siblings of returning swimmers
- Team-ready swimmers who participated in Fall or Winter Swim or Pups with Coach Mark or Paul
- Sleepy Hollow residents
- San Anselmo or Fairfax residents
- Swimmers who did not make it off the waitlist Spring 2025
Swimmers will be notified by or before January 30 if they have been accepted onto the team or if they have been placed on the waitlist. We will add from the waitlist space-permitting if/when swimmers drop, which can occur up until March 10, which is the final date to drop with full refund.
Swimmers will be emailed their practice group just prior to the first day of practice which is February 23, 2026.
Team Fees
1 swimmer $550, 2 sibling swimmers $990, and 3+ sibling swimmers $1320. There is no fee for high school swimmers to participate in SHST meets after their high school season is complete.
Team fees include coaching and participation in all practices and swim meets (regardless of how many you attend), as well as several social and team building events throughout the season.
Team fees will not be charged until you are accepted onto the team.
SHST is pleased to offer limited need-based scholarships (50% team fees), on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please email [email protected] during registration if you think your family may qualify.
Volunteer & Family Commitment
Being part of the SHST swim team requires a family volunteer commitment, and you will be required to fill out a Google Form with your volunteer preferences once you are accepted onto the team. Family volunteer assignments are determined on a first-come first-serve basis so recommend filling out the form as soon as you receive it. We highly encourage and rely heavily on all families to participate in volunteering, but do offer a $750 non-working fee (per family) if you need to opt-out. More details on the Family Commitment can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the swimmer requirements to join SHST swim team?
Swimmers must be at least 5 years old by first practice day of the season. All swimmers regardless of age should be able to swim the length of the pool, have some familiarity with freestyle and backstroke, and demonstrate swim team “readiness” including ability to follow directions, pay attention to coaches, adhere to general water safety, and stamina for full practices. Please reach out to Coach Mark if you are not sure if your child should do Pups or SHST swim team.
Who is considered a “returning” swimmer? For registration purposes, your swimmer is a “returning swimmer” only if they were on the SHST Spring 2025 roster. They are not a returning swimmer if they were on the team in any prior years, or if they have only swam with Fall or Winter swim with MAAquatics.
Which age group do I register my swimmer(s) for? Register your swimmer(s) based on their age on the first practice day of the season (Feb 23, 2026). If they have a birthday during swim season that moves them up to the next age group (8 & under, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, 15-18), they will move up to that age group at the next swim meet.
Can my high schooler register for SHST? Yes! Once a Sea Lion, always a Sea Lion. We strongly encourage high school swimmers to register for SHST. They will practice and compete with their high school team and then can participate in MSL dual meets (including All Stars and Champs) once their high school season is over. There is NO fee for high schoolers to register for the team, but they still must register during the registration period. Any late registrants will be charged a $25 late fee.
Why is my returning swimmer not coming up under my account? Most likely, your partner or spouse also has an account and they previously registered your swimmer. We can merge swimmers, but it is best to register using the primary email holder of the account that you have used prior seasons, otherwise duplicate swimmers are created. Of note, both parents/caregivers can be added to the account and receive all emails.
Do I need to join Sleepy Hollow Swim Association (SHHA) to be on the SHST swim team? No, you do not need to join SHHA, as we are a separate organization. Though we always encourage residents to join the SHHA pool in the summer!
What if I missed the registration deadline? We accept late registrations but please note, your roster spot is not guaranteed even if you are a returning swimmer, and you may be placed on waitlist. Please email [email protected] to register late. There is a $25 late registration fee per swimmer.
What happens if my swimmer(s) turns out to not be a good fit for the swim team, or decides they no longer want to participate?
Coach Mark and Paul will assess your swimmer(s) the first couple of weeks of practice to make sure they are a good fit, and swimmers are in the correct practice group. We also understand that plans may change and your swimmer may decide they do not want to do SHST swim team after the season has started. In either case, we offer a full refund until March 10. Starting March 11, team fees are non-refundable without exceptions. Please email [email protected] as soon as you know as we will have a waiting list eager to fill your spot.
If my swimmer on the waiting list, what is the likelihood of making the team, and what are my options if we don’t get off the waitlist?
Historically, SHST has a robust waitlist but there is always movement as a handful of accepted swimmers’ plans change and they drop team, opening a spot. We will keep you updated as best we can. If your child unfortunately does not make it off the waitlist, we recommend participating in Spring Pups program (“pre-team” program for kids ages 5-9, run by Coach Mark & Paul thru MAAquatics) or their Fall or Winter swim programs (all ages/levels). We also strongly recommend considering participating on another swim team within the Marin Swim League, such as Swimarin, which practices nearby in downtown San Rafael.
