The philosophy of the Greenbriar Dolphins Swim Team is that having fun is the most important thing we can do. Most of the kids don't care if we're in a top division or a bottom division. We'd all like to be division champions, which usually means going undefeated, but only one team out of six can usually claim this honor. Personal development is what is most important and for a swimmer that means improving your times. We believe that by establishing a healthy environment that encourages the kids to do their best, recognizes their contributions, and is fun for the entire family.

We've all taken our kids to soccer or other sports and probably stood by as two or three parents ran the team. Swimming isn't like that. You can't run a swim program without parental help. In fact, it takes over 40 parents to time, officiate, and score a typical swim meet, and that doesn’t include pool set up and tear down, running the snack bar, or team social activities.

Swimming is unique in that there's a place on the team for anyone 18 or younger who can swim across the pool without assistance. How many other sports have participants ranging in age from four to participating in the same competition?

Although swimming is considered an individual sport, our summer league is structured with an emphasis on the team. Any team is only as good as the people on it. In keeping with the philosophy articulated above, our expectations are simple:

1. The swim team is not a swim lesson program. A swimmer should be able to pass the Swim Safe Test administered by the pool lifeguards to join the team. We don't care how fast or how ugly or how legal the stroke is. We'll help your swimmer become a better swimmer, but in fairness to the other 100 plus swimmers on the team we must insist that all swimmers be able to swim.

2. Keep your commitments. We're planning on you being available for all swim meets unless you tell us you're not available, preferably at least three days in advance.

3. Pay attention to the coaches. With over 150 swimmers, disruptions aren't fair to the other swimmers.

4. Do your best. It's a lot more important than being the best.

5. Have fun.