It’s finally time for the Dominion Hills Thunder Ducks 2023 Dive Season! Practice starts in less than a month and we can’t wait to get started!

This message is being sent to last year’s parents and to those that have already registered for this season. To reach everyone, we’ll include last year’s parents in our email messaging only until practices start.

As a reminder, the website with all the information and registration can be found at https://dhdive.swimtopia.com

Team Rep Succession

I typically put this at the bottom of our messages, but this year, It's going above the fold. If anyone is interested in becoming new team reps, please let me know and we can begin the process of having you begin working with me immediately to learn how the season is managed. This is typically a two year commitment, so looking for someone to take over for the next two years. I will NOT be the team rep next year. I have faith that someone will step up before next season and I'm hoping that that special someone can start sooner rather than later and learn from me during this season.

Registration

Registration is open for the season at our website listed above. The first diver is $130 with a $20 discount for each subsequent sibling, ($130, $110, $90). Remember that each athlete will receive a free T-Shirt with their registration. We never really close registration and will accept new divers all season long, so while we do not have a membership cap, we do have a hard deadline of May 5 to order spirit wear and receive your free T-Shirt.

Spiritwear

We're managing our spiritwear orders a bit differently this year. You will NOT be ordering it during registration, rather it's a separate site linked here. Feel free to purchase items any time after (or before) registering, but all orders must be in my May 5. This site is also where you can purchase additional Dive Team T-Shirts for others in the family.

Store website - https://sportfairusa.tuosystems.com/stores/dh2023 

Swimsuits

You are not required to purchase the DH team suit. However, if you do wish to purchase one, they are available in person at Sport Fair on Langston Boulevard. Ask for the Dominion Hills team suit (The swim and dive suits are the same this year).  If last year’s suit still fits, that’s great. Any swimsuit will do, but girls should wear one piece suits. There is no deadline for the team suit.

Practices

Monday through Thursday Evening practices will start this year on May 22. Practices run from 6:30PM – 8:30PM, and you will pick the best one hour slot for your schedule (6:30 or 7:30).

Monday through Friday Morning practices will start on June 19 and will run from 7:00AM – 10:00AM. The final day of practice for most divers is July 15. Same as above, you pick which one hour slot you prefer. Reminder that practices on Tuesday mornings are reserved for those competing in that night’s A meet.

Please monitor the website, particularly the Practice Schedule page, for more details including days when we do not have practice, such as Memorial Day and Independence Day.

If your child also swims, we are flexible, and attending a partial practice is Ok. Just let me know.

Meets

This year, we moved up to Division 3 and have five A meets with one B meet so far (away at Arlington Forest and I'm trying to schedule another).

Our first A meet is June 20, please check the schedule on the website for more details. As a reminder, you can sync the pool calendar with your personal calendar by clicking the subscribe link on the schedule page.

It helps us out greatly if you could please visit the meet schedule on Swimtopia and please mark the meets as available or not available. It helps us plan meet lineups if we know in advance who can and cannot be there. To clarify, we are not asking if you will or will not compete, just that you can or cannot be there due to vacations, camps, etc. We will later select meet competitors from those that CAN be there.

Volunteers

We cannot have a successful season without wonderful parent volunteers. There are many ways you can help around the pool at meets, including buying and managing concessions, and may jobs around the meet management itself. Please consider attending one of the below classes to learn more about how these roles work. More details and pool address information can be found on our website at  https://dhdive.swimtopia.com/clinicschedule 

Judging clinic plug

You do not have to attend the judging clinic to judge, but I strongly encourage everyone to attend even if you do not intend to judge a meet. It is a great way to learn more about the sport and what your child is attempting to do. Very few new parents to diving understand the ins and outs of this niche sport, so these judge clinics provide a great foundation for what diving is and will help you talk to your child about it, which can help them remain interested in the sport.

That’s it for now. If you have any questions, please send them our way. We look forward to seeing you on deck!

Thanks,

Thomas