Landsdale Lightning Swim Team FAQ

Eligibility & Registration

Q: How much will it cost to register my swimmer?

A: The registration cost for one swimmer is $175 paid at the time of registration. Additional siblings can be added at the discounted rate of $160.

Q: When and how do I register my swimmer for the team?

A: Registration will be open March 23, 2026. Swimmers must register by May 8th to receive a team T-shirt. Late registration (May 9th-29th) does not include a t-shirt. Registration occurs on the team website.

Q: What are the age requirements to participate?

A: Swimmer’s must be 4-18 years old on June 1st, 2026.

Q: Do I have to be a Landsdale Resident to participate?

A: Swimmers must be Landsdale Residents with the following exceptions. (1) Non-resident swimmers who participated in previous seasons are allowed to continue on the team. (2) Siblings of existing non-resident swimmers can still join. (3) Non-residents aged 13 or older can still join the team. Note that non-resident swimmers can only use the pool for swim team functions, not recreation.

Q: Is this a swim lessons program?

A: No, the team has an instructional focus, but swimmers must meet minimum skill requirements to be eligible for safety reasons. Requirements differ by age group, click here to view the 2026 eligibility requirements.

Q: How will swimmer eligibility be assessed?

A: All swimmers new to the team must attend practice on 5/26 or 5/27 so that coaches can assess their swimming skills. Coaches will communicate eligibility status by 5/29.

Q: What will happen if my swimmer is deemed ineligible?

A: If a new swimmer is deemed ineligible, they can be refunded less a $25 registration fee. Requests must be made in writing by 6/5/25.

Time Commitment/Scheduling

Q: How long is the season?

A: The season begins on May 26th, 2026 and ends on July 19, 2026 for the majority of swimmers. Some select swimmers will continue until July 25th, 2026 for the All Start meet.

Q: When are practices?

A: Until FCPS closes for summer, there will be afternoon practices offered Tuesdays-Thursdays. Once school ends, morning practices are added to the schedule on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. A full schedule is linked here. We recommend swimmers attend at least 2 practices a week. If your schedule permits morning practice, please attend those as we have more pool space in the morning.

Q: What is “Pre-Team”?

A: Swimmers ages 4-8 who can swim at least 12 meters but cannot confidently swim 25 meters may participate in the pre-team group. Swimmers may move into the 8U age group and participate in meets as their skills advance.

Q: Why are volunteer hours required?

A: It takes MANY people to make a swim meet happen. The team cannot function without regular volunteers. Most volunteer positions do not require any knowledge of swimming. Click here for more information on the volunteer policy.

Q: Does my swimmer have to participate in meets?

A: Yes, with the exception of pre-team, all swimmers are expected to participate in a minimum of two of the four regular season meets during the season.

Q: When are the meets?

A: The tentative meet schedule is summarized below and can be found on our Team Calendar. Note that participation in the All Star Meet is based on achieving qualifying times so not all swimmers will participate in that meet.

Saturday 6/6 Time Trials 8-11am @ Landsdale

Saturday 6/13 7:30am-12pm @ Lake Linganore

Saturday 6/20 7am-12pm @ Landsdale vs. Holly Hills

Saturday 6/27 7am-12pm @ Landsdale vs. Robin Meadows

Tuesday 7/7 5-8pm Relay Carnival @ VOUBC 5pm (Invite only)

Saturday 7/11 7:30am-12pm @ Braddock Heights

Saturday 7/18 6:30am-130pm *Divisional Championship* @ Robin Meadows

Saturday 7/25 7am-1pm All Star Meet @Lake Linganore

Swim Meets

Q: How many events at the meet will my swimmer compete in?

A: Swimmers may compete in up to 4 individual events and one relay event.

Q: How do I know what events my swimmer will compete in?

A: Coaches enter swimmers in events based on team need and swimmer skills. Lineups are typically shared by the Thursday prior to the meet.

Q: Will my swimmer get awards at the meets?

A: Ribbons are awarded for places 1-8 as well as the winner of each heat. Swimmers also earn “Best Time” ribbons when they swim a personal best in an event. Ribbons are distributed at practices following the meets.

*More information about what to expect at a swim meet can be found on our “Swim Meet 101” PageSwim Meet 101

Equipment

Q: What does my swimmer need to bring to practices?

A: Swimmers should arrive in a swimsuit with their own goggles and a towel. A swim cap is recommended for those with longer hair. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle.

Q: Is there a uniform for meets?

A: Swimmers are encouraged to wear a team suit or a black suit. The 2026 team suit will be sold through Squad Locker on our website in April 2026.

Q: How can I purchase team apparel?

A: See Online Store on the team to check out Sqaud Locker