WHO CAN APPLY?

The Lisbon Bullsharks are a part of the European Forces Swim League (EFSL), which was originally founded to provide an organized competitive swimming program for the youth of US military and civilian personnel affiliated with the US military who are stationed in Europe. 
 
Most of the teams in the league are directly linked to US military bases throughout Europe. Lisbon is slightly unique, in that our military connection historically came via team members that were stationed at the NATO base in Carcavelos. 
 
Therefore, even though most of the team are not NATO or US Military personnel, we must still meet the criteria published by EFSL for membership in the League. In general, most team members are eligible through #6 below, attending a school historically affiliated with the EFSL
 
Age eligibility is 5 years old and up to and including age 19. 

From the Bylaws

In accordance with EFSL Bylaws 102.4, each swimmer on the team must be from at least one of the following categories in order to be eligible for membership in the Bullsharks, which shall be confirmed via registration for the competitive season (September thru the league championship meet).

  1. Dependents of military persons living and working outside of their home country.
  2. Dependents of government employees who are living and assigned to positions outside of their home country
  3. Dependents of contract employees of the military or the government organization
  4. Dependents attending a Department of Defense, Department of National Defense, or a recognized equivalent school which is sponsored by a guest country.
  5. Dependents of persons assigned in NATO positions including those of the host nation.
  6. Dependents attending a school that is historically affiliated with the EFSL or a member team (e.g., JFK School in Berlin; Uccle, Berkendael, Woluwé, Ixelles, and Laeken in Brussels; CAISL, St. Julian’s, St. Dominic’s, IPS, OIS, ISS, TASIS, Kings College Cascais, United Lisbon in Lisbon)
  7. Dependents of host nation families, on a limited basis. (Note: Subject to EFSL Executive Board validation)
  8. Individual membership cases which do not meet the above criteria may be presented to the League Council for approval.

 

If eligible, we encourage you to submit an application through our How to Join page.

 

More questions? Please contact [email protected]