When are tryouts?
Try-outs are held on the first Monday of each month at 4pm with a few exceptions. The remaining 2024 tryout dates are as follows: 5/6/24, 6/3/24, 8/5/24, 8/26/24,10/7/24,11/4/24, 12/2/24. The June tryouts are at 9 a.m. at the Westgate Competition Pool. On the day of tryouts you will just check in at the pool desk and let them know you are there for tryouts. We do suggest the swimmer brings a pair of goggles and a towel.
The tryout requirements are to competently swimming 50 yards of freestyle and 15 yards of backstroke. The coaches have full discretion about who makes the team based on how well candidates are able to complete those two requirements, while also looking at stroke technique (including breathing technique and streamline/core ability).
How often do the swimmers practice?
The Dothan Dolphins are a year-round swim team. The schedule changes according the Dothan City Schools calendar. During the school year, swimmers practice after school.
Level 1: 3:30-4:30 Monday - Thursday
Level 2: 4:30-6:00 Monday- Thursday
Level 3 and senior: 3:30-6:00 Monday - Thursday
During the summer practice moves to the morning.
The practice schedule is posted under the Practice Schedule section of the website.
Is practice mandatory?
No. Swimmers and their families have other jobs and responsibilities that sometimes keeps them from practice. It is okay. You will notice that if your child doesn't go to practice regularly it will take them longer to show significant improvement. The more often they are there and work hard; the more they will improve.
How many meets does the team attend a year?
Swimming is broken up into two seasons.
The short course season runs from around August until February. These meets are in 25 yard pools. We usually attend 7 - 9 each season. The long course season runs from April until July. Many of these meets are in 50 meter pools. The team usually attends 2 long course pool meets and 3 -4 short course pool meets during the summer. District and State fall during this season. Like practice, these meets are not mandatory, but they are fun and they give your child the opportunity to show off what they've learned.
*In order for your child to compete in these meets (excluding district and state), he/she will need to be USA Swimming registered. The forms are on the website under About DDST and in the black file boxes next the DDST board. Complete the form, turn it in, and your account will be billed.
