General Information & Team Philosophy
Hunt Valley Stingrays is a summer recreational swim and dive program. We embrace the diversity in skills, motivation, confidence, age, and maturity among our participants. Our focus is on individual improvement through positive encouragement, ensuring a rewarding experience that promotes good health, fitness, and social interaction. Every swimmer and diver has the opportunity to enhance their skills and succeed at their own pace.
Team Costs
To join our Swim, Dive, or Lil Ray program, you must be a member of Hunt Valley Swim Club. Learn more about Club membership on the Club's website.
- Lil Ray Program: $175/participant (4-week program)
- Swim Team: $195/participant
- Dive Team: $195/participant
- Included: A team t-shirt with registration
- Discounts are available for multiple family members and swim/dive team registrations. To qualify, please ensure to register all team members together.
Team Suits
Participants need a cap, goggles, and swimsuit. We highly recommend purchasing the official team suit and cap, which are updated every two years and available at Suit Up in Fairfax.
👉https://shopumall.com/collections/hunt-valley
- Swimmers: Strongly encouraged to wear the team suit and cap to boost team spirit.
Team Spirit & Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is vital to being a Stingray. We emphasize fun competition and uphold NVSL standards of conduct to foster respect, fairness, civility, and honesty. This extends to swimmers, divers, coaches, parents, and spectators.
Guidelines:
- Avoid inappropriate language or behavior.
- Respect management, pool, and facility rules.
- Show respect and courtesy to everyone involved.
- Practice humility in victory and grace in defeat.
Swimmers should sit with the team during meets, cheer for teammates, and remain in the pool until all swimmers have finished. Coaches will provide constructive feedback and explain any disqualifications.
Volunteer Requirements
Families in the swim and dive programs are required to complete 15 hours of volunteer service. Volunteers are essential for the success of our meets, social activities, and fundraising efforts.
Opportunities:
- Find volunteer hours on our website under the Events & Meets tab.
- Additional opportunities will be shared via SignUp Genius for Stingray Cafe shifts.
- A $250 prorated fee will be charged at the end of the season if volunteer hours are not completed.
Lil Ray Program: Exempt from volunteer requirements as it is entirely coach-run.
Communication
We primarily communicate through email and Swimtopia Alerts for updates on practices, meets, volunteer activities, and events. Please check your email or your Swimtopia App frequently, especially for weather-related changes.
- File Boxes: Located in the pavilion during practices, organized alphabetically by last name. Check regularly for meet ribbons and announcements.
- Message Board: Located in the pavilion for up-to-date information on swim, dive, Lil Ray activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Coaches & Team Representatives
Your main points of contact during the season are the coaches and team representatives (reps). Team reps, who are volunteer parents, manage all aspects of the team and act as liaisons to the Northern Virginia Swimming League and Burke-Springfield Developmental League.
- Coaches: Include Head and Assistant Coaches, plus specialized lane, stroke, and technical coaches.
- Contact Info: Available on the Contact Us and Coaches&Reps page.
The team reps are here to help new members acclimate to the fast-paced summer programs. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
