Swim Team Philosophy

The philosophy of the Strathmore Bel Pre (SBP) Dolphins Swim Team is that of the Prince-Mont Swim League (PMSL): to develop in the children affected by this program a love for the sport, advanced aquatic skills, teamwork, and the principles of good sportsmanship.

The SBP team provides summer swimming activities for the novice and summer-only swimmer, as well as the year-round competitive athlete.  These activities are provided with the hope that swimmers will:

1. Participate in activities.  The team attempts to provide schedules that include appropriate competitive      swimming opportunities for all team members.
2. Strive for excellence.   The team encourages everyone, swimmers, coaches, and parents, to put forth their best effort at all times.  As a team, we field our best possible team in all competitions within the rules of eligibility.
3. Develop and refine skills.   The team provides competent coaches who will endeavor to refine and advance the swimming techniques of each swimmer.
4. Have fun.   We believe that enjoyment comes from meeting and making friends, having pride in swimming for the team and cheering for teammates. We emphasize friendly competition, good sportsmanship, safety, working together to uphold a high standard of excellence, and sharing out-of-the-pool social experiences.

From 1969 to 1972, the SBP Dolphins swam independently against many area teams.

Since 1972, the team has been affiliated with PMSL.  The PMSL consists of over thirty teams located in Montgomery, Prince George's and Charles counties in Maryland, and in the District of Columbia.

Teams are separated into divisions, with the strongest teams in the "A" Division and the weakest teams in the "G" Division.  This is done to ensure balanced dual meets. 

Team seeding within a division in the PMSL is based on the times swum by the swimmers of each team in the previous year. 

Swimmers, parents, coaches, officials, and spectators are expected to adhere to the PMSL Code of Ethics (see the Foreword in the PMSL Handbook) and the PMSL rules for swimming competition, including the spirit and intent as set forth in the PMSL Handbook.

The official SBP Dolphins representative to the PMSL is appointed by the Parents/ Club officers.  The representative serves as a member of the governing body of the League, which has full authority to act for and on behalf of the League.  The representative coordinates the League activities with the SBP Dolphins and acts as the liaison between the SBP Dolphins and the PMSL officials.

Registration Requirements for the SBP Swim Team

Requirements.  Team membership in the Strathmore Bel Pre Dolphins is a privilege.  Swimmers must conform to all policies associated with pool and team membership. In addition, swimmers must meet the following criteria:  Be registered;  Have paid the registration fee; and Swim at time-trials or, if excused, obtain a set of time-trial times for the events in which they want to swim. Swimmers who do not meet all of the above criteria will not be considered members of the team and, consequently, will not be allowed to participate in any team events. 

Roster Affiliation.  PMSL requires member teams to submit a roster one week before the start of the season and at any later times when changes are needed.  Swimmers' names must be on the roster in order to participate in a PMSL meet. 

Roster Guidelines.  The roster will be maintained in the following manner: When all of the requirements in Section F.1., above, are met, swimmers will be added to the roster submitted to the PMSL.  A completely new roster will be created each year.  No one will be automatically carried over onto a new roster.  Swimmers who want to join the team after the season has started, whether or not they were previously on the team, will have to meet the requirements in Section F.1. "B" meets and special  meets will have the same roster requirements as PMSL meets. 

Dismissal.  Participation,  teamwork  and  good  sportsmanship are important to the team.  Swimmers who are negligent in these areas will be counseled by the coaches, their parents will be notified, and in extreme cases, they will be asked to leave the team by the officers of the Parents' Club.

Registration for Swimmers

Children registering for the swim team must be comfortable swimming at least a few yards. Children who cannot yet complete 25 meters (one length of the pool) will be placed in the Developmental Group. Children are generally ready to join the team by age 5 but a few have successfully joined at age 4 and a half - is all depends on their swimming ability and interest. Registration for swimmers will be held at the pool on June 2nd, at the parents meeting under the pavilion.

The summer registration fees for the team are as follows:

Registration Fees:

Volunteer Opportunities

It takes approximately 50 people to run a swim meet, not counting coaches and swimmers. Swimming is a family participation sport. Please see the volunteer opportunities list for the perfect fit for you.  Get involved - volunteer. Your kids will appreciate your effort. See Downloadable Files for a Swim Meet Volunteer Sheet.

Swim Suits

The SBP Swim Team swimsuit has changed this year. The 2006 version of the SBP Dolphins swimsuit is the TYR Illumination (blue) design by Speedo.  An Order Form is available in Downloadable Files

Swim Team Practice Schedule

The first meeting of all swimmers for this year will occur on Tuesday, May 26th, 4:00pm, at the pool.. Afternoon practices begin the next day.

Afternoon Sessions -- Start May 27th

      Beginners 4:00-4:30

      Novices 4:00-4:45

      Juniors 4:30-5:30

      Seniors 5:15-6:30

Morning Sessions -- Start June 17th

       Seniors 7:30- 9:00

       Juniors 8:45-10:00

       Novices 9:45-10:30

       Beginners 9:45-10:15

For More Information, see the Dolphins Dispatch

Swim Team Calendar

A calendar of events for the summer season is now available and details the various meets and other activities for the team. This calendar may change as new events such as social activities are finalized, check back often. Coaches will inform the swimmers of additional meet opportunities. A current version of the calendar will be available on the swim team bulletin board outside of the locker rooms.

See Dolphins Calendar for an updated calendar.

Swim Team History

William Johnson, a former community member, provided the initial impetus for the creation of the swim team. Organizing youngsters from the community, Johnson and several other adults, most notably John Gallogly, put together a loose-knit bunch of swimmers who had a lot of talent. They called themselves the Dolphins, and they swam other organized teams in the area. In 1973, the team applied for and gained membership in the PMSL. The Dolphins were seeded last in "F" Division...the last of 36 teams in the League.

Gallogly served as the first president of the Parents Club. Subsequent
presidents were: Herb Martinson, 1976-1984; Dave Smith, 1985;John Kominski, 1986-1987; George Usher, 1988-1989; J.D. Williams, 1990-1991; Charlie Yetter, 1992-1993; Steed Edwards, 1994-1997; Jan Wisor, 1998-1999; Beverly and Steve Jennison as Co-Presidents, 2000-2001; John Bogasky followed; currently the president is Paul Stagnito.

The Dolphins came into prominence in the PMSL beginning with the 1982
season. In that year, the team won the "B" Division by swimming undefeated in dual meets and winning the Divisional Meet.

In subsequent years, 1983-1991, the team won the "A" Division title every year. During this time, the Dolphins were undefeated in dual meets, and they won all but one divisional championship. After eleven years of PMSL dominance, the team was finally beaten by a very strong Belair Swim and Racquet club on July 18, 1992. That ended a string of 50 straight victories. At the All-Star Meet in Cheverly that year, the Dolphins unmatched swimming prowess was recognized by the League, when it presented the team with a special plaque that is proudly displayed in the team trophy case.

The first meet of the 1993 season against Belair Bath and Tennis was the 100th PMSL dual meet for the Dolphins. The team marked the occasion by parading into the BBT pool with balloons saying "SPB 100th Dual Meet" and promptly went to work winning the meet by forty points...on the way to another undefeated season...and eventually, the "A" Division championship.

In 2001, the team seriously considered moving to the Montgomery County Swim League. After a season-long consideration, including a presentation by an MCSL representative, the team voted by a 2-1 majority to remain in the PMSL.

The team won 10 straight meets and two Division titles over the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

The team's performance record from 1973 to 2005:

Season 

Division 

Seed 

Wins/Losses 

Div. Meet 

Div. Standing 

1999

A

6

0 - 5

6

5

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions have been compiled from the ones we hear over and over again. Hopefully they will answer some of yours. If not, ask the Coaches or Meet Manager your question. I'm sure they'll find an answer for it - somewhere.

1. Do we practice in the rain? Even in heavy rain?

This question always ranks number one and the answer is YES!   This also means that meets, too, are held in the rain. And they have been during some pretty rainy days. In these situations, everyone gets wet, except the chickens.

The only time a practice is called on account of rain is during a thunderstorm.  If you hear thunder or see lightening the pool will be emptied immediately.

2. Who do we call to find out if a practice or a meet is canceled?

If you really have questions about a practice, call Coach Kominski We'll also try and let the front desk at the pool know if a practice has been canceled.

3. What if my child cannot make a meet?

If your child cannot make a meet, please notify the coaches as soon as possible, particularly if they are already scheduled to swim. Please notify the coaches also, if for some reason your child will be late to a meet.  The coaches prefer written notes when possible - you would be surprised how garbled verbal messages get during practices.

4. What should the swimmers eat before and during a meet - what should they avoid?

Your swimmer should eat foods rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are classified into starches, which are found mainly in grains, legumes (beans), and tubers (potatoes); and sugars, which are found in plants and fruits. The carbohydrates containing the most nutrients are found in unrefined grains, tubers, vegetables, and fruit, which also provide protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats. Carbohydrates are burned during metabolism to produce energy.

Avoid foods made from refined sugar, such as candy and soft drinks, which are high in calories but low in nutrients and fill the body with what nutritionists call empty calories.

Before a meet, eat a light breakfast such as cereal, toast or fruits, enough to give you some energy, but not so much that you feel too "full" to swim. During the meet you may also want to snack on fruits or foods containing grains to sustain your energy.

And...drink plenty of water! It gets pretty hot on that pool deck between events. Also stay in the shade and wear sunscreen.

5. What should swimmers keep in their swim bags?

Their bathing suit, towel and goggles are essential. At least two pair of goggles is highly recommended. Many a time goggle straps or nosepieces have broken during a meet. Not to mention being misplaced.

For girls especially, swim caps (the team provides these caps for both girls and boys) are essential to keep the hair under control. The rubber caps will lessen resistance in the water and will help you to swim faster if you have longer hair.

Since summer can be chilly, especially after getting out of a cold pool, sweat pants, sweatshirt or T-shirts are also good items to pack. Maybe a hat.

Sun Screen!

6. What is a B Meet?

B Meets are open to swimmers of any age group who have not previously placed 1st or 2nd in a prior meet. The swim club hosting the B Meet, however, may add or modify criterion for participation in the meet.

The Dolphins Swim Team.
Copyright (c) 2009 SBP Dolphins. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: 3 June 2009