About the Registration Process

Registration does not guarantee acceptance onto Sleepy Hollow Swim Team. After registration closes, applications are reviewed and roster spots are delegated based on registration priorities listed below in FAQ. Registration is NOT time stamped and it is only imperative that you have registered by January 27. Families will be notified of acceptance two weeks after the close of registration. Please note that your swimmer's registration is not complete until you have completed the online registration on this website and paid all SHST fees. 

NOTE: If you choose to pay your fees by check, your registration will not be complete until we receive the check. Checks should be made out to Sleepy Hollow Sea Lions, Inc. and mailed to Sleepy Hollow Sea Lions, Inc., PO Box 137, Fairfax, CA 94978.  Please note that if you pay by credit card and request a refund by the refund deadline, we cannot refund your credit card processing fees unless your swimmer does not clear our waitlist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the swim team requirements for all swimmers?

Swimmers must be at least five years of age by the first practice day of the season.

Swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool and demonstrate swim team “readiness” (ability to follow directions, pay attention to coaches, water safety etc.)

What are the team fees?

Please see the Team Fees 2025 page for pricing.  We offer sibling discounts. High School swimmers are free if registered during the January registration dates.  Please note that if you pay with credit card there is a three and a half percent (3.5%) processing fee that is non-refundable except for registrants that do not clear the waitlist.

Are there need-based scholarships available?

Sleepy Hollow Swim Team is pleased to be able to offer scholarships worth 50% of the team fees to families in need.  Please note that we have limited scholarships available and they are given on a first come, first served basis.  If you would like to find out more or request a scholarship please email SHST President ([email protected]).

What is the SHST Family Commitment?

The Sleepy Hollow Swim Team is a family program! When you sign your swimmer(s) up for the team, you are also joining a wonderful family community and committing to help run the swim team. Our swim meets (which require over 100 volunteers each) are entirely run by parents.  Parents also organize and lead the many fun activities we do as a team throughout the year.  This is what makes our community unique and our team so successful. Please visit the SHST Family Commitment section of our website to learn more.

For what age group should I register my child?

Register your child based upon his or her age on the first practice day of the season.

What happens if my child celebrates a birthday during the swim season?

If during the swim season, a swimmer has a birthday that will move him or her up to the next age group, the child must move up to that age group at the next swim meet. For example, if your child is ten years old at the start of the season and has a birthday in June, your child will move up to the 11-12 age group at the swim meet following his or her birthday.

How is membership priority determined?

Assuming that all application documents are received and fees are paid by the registration deadline, members will be accepted onto SHST based upon the following registration priorities, up to the team’s maximum roster capacity. 

1. Returning swimmers from the 2024 season and their siblings. Please note that participation in Pups or Fall Swim (both through MAAquatics) in 2024 does NOT classify as a returning swimmer.

2. New applicants residing in Sleepy Hollow and Pups from the 2024 Spring season that are swim team ready.

3. New applicants who reside outside of Sleepy Hollow.

Please note that no swimmer is guaranteed a place on the roster, regardless of registration priority.  Acceptance on to the team is at the discretion of coach Mark Anderson and the SHST Board.

My child swam for Sleepy Hollow a few years ago.  Is he/she considered a "returning swimmer"?

For registration purposes, he or she will be considered as a new applicant.  "Returning swimmer" means that he or she swam for Sleepy Hollow in the prior season (see item #1 in the above registration priority list).

When will I know if my child made the team or not?

New swim team members will be notified of acceptance about two weeks after the close of registration. Those who do not make the team will be put on a waiting list, and notified as well.

If I my child is put on the waiting list, what is the likelihood of making the team?

In the past few years, many swimmers on the waiting list have ended up making the swim team. It all depends on how many swimmers drop off the team during the first couple of weeks, the numbers of swimmers per age group and practice group, and our team capacity. We do our best to keep you informed of your status throughout this process. 

If my child does not make it off the waitlist, what are other organized swim options nearby?

If your child is a new swimmer between the ages of 5 and 9, the Swim Pups program run by Mark and his MAAquatics program, is a great option and at Sleepy Hollow pool as well. If your child is swim team ready, we recommend another team within the Marin Swim League, such as Swimarin, which practices nearby in downtown San Rafael.

What happens if the coaches feel that my child is not swim team ready?    

Coaches Mark and Paul will assess your swimmer(s) the first couple of weeks of practice to make sure they are swim team ready, and that they have been placed in the correct practice group. Coaches will let you know if they think your child may be better suited in the Pups program (www.maaquatics.com). 

Will I receive a refund if the coaches determine that my child is not swim team ready?

Yes. You will receive a refund within two to four weeks of being notified.  If you paid by credit card, we will refund all but the processing fees on your card.

What do I need to do if my child decides to quit the team?

Refunds are available if the swimmer drops off the team and notice is emailed to [email protected] no later than March 11, 2025.  

We will deduct a $10.00 processing fee per application to be dropped.  Credit card fees will not be refunded.  There will be no refunds processed, under any circumstances, after March 11, 2025.

What do I do if I missed registration?

Families who missed the registration deadline can contact [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.  Please note that there is a $25 late registration fee. There is no guarantee that your swimmer will make it on to the team (even if they are a returning swimmer), as swimmers who registered on time will take priority. So please remind your swim friends to register on time!

Can My High Schooler Swim for SHST?

We encourage High Schoolers to stay connected to the Sleepy Hollow Swim Team!

High Schoolers should practice with their school teams, but are still welcome to race with SHST at dual meets, All Stars and Champs, time and scheduling permitting. There is no cost for high schoolers to race at meets or be on SHST. However, they still need to register for the season, and fill out all required forms. Please note that there is a $25 late registration fee for anyone who does not register during open registration. There is NOT a volunteer commitment for parents of High Schoolers throughout the season, with the exception of the All Stars and Champs meets.    

New Champs Requirement for 2025: High school swimmers must participate in two dual meets and must have a recorded time from a dual meet in the event (or events) that they plan to swim at Champs.  This is a departure from the previous rule which required only participation in two meets.

Once a Sea Lion always a Sea Lion!