We are a non-profit competitive swim club and a member of the European Forces Swim League (EFSL). LIST is affiliated with NATO, Joint Forces Command Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Who can join the team?
Any youth between the ages of 6-19 who meet one of the following: •Children of military persons living and assigned outside of their home country; •Children of government employees who are living and assigned to positions outside of their home country; •Children of persons employed by the military or the government organization sponsoring the team and not a resident of the receiving state (This includes children of government contractors); •Any youth attending a DOD, DND or a recognized equivalent school sponsored by a sending state; (CAISL, St. Julian's and St. Dominic's fall into this category) •Children of persons assigned in NATO positions including those of the receiving state. In addition to the above criteria, swimmers must be able to pass a swim test administered by the Swim Coach or their designee.
When is the swim season?
The full swim season runs May through February. Swim meets run August through January with final qualifiers continuing through February.
What costs are involved with the swim team?
For each swimmer, a non-refundable annual registration fee of 100 Euros will be due in March or when a swimmer joins the team. The registration fee pays for the team swimsuit, team swim cap, team t-shirt and EFSL fees. An annual training fee is also assessed. Paid monthly, this fee is 35 Euros for NATO affiliated swimmers and 50 Euros for non-NATO affiliated swimmers. If paid in a lump sum for the year, this fee is 280 Euros for NATO affiliated swimmers and 400 Euros for non–NATO affiliated swimmers. There is a 5% discount for paying annual training dues by June 5. Annual training fees pay for pool time and other costs involved in operating the team. Transportation costs to away meets, goggles and other items needed are the swimmer’s responsibility.
In what division of the EFSL are we?
We are in the Benelux division with ESB Brussels Octopus, Geilenkirchen Orcas, Lakenheath Barracudas, NATO Marlins and SHAPE Seals.
Must my swimmer attend every meet on the posted meet schedule?
No. For the 2010/2011 swim season, LIST has committed to attend 8 meets inclusive of Divisionals and Championships. Four of the meets are scheduled in Rota, Spain. The other two we have committed to are in Berlin, Germany and Aviano, Italy (long distance championships). As part of the Benelux division, we are expected to attend 'Divisionals' held in Geilenkirchen, Belgium.
While we certainly hope for maximum Bullshark attendance at every meet, we would expect that you endeavor to make at least two ROTA meets and Divisionals. There are no specific requirements from the LIST for our swimmers to attend a certain number of meets to be a part of the LIST. However, if your child qualifies for, and wants to attend Champs, standard ESFL rules apply which state that the child must attend 3 official ESFL meets."
How are trips to meets arranged/managed?
The LIST travel coordinator may coordinate group booking, if required and give some guidance about tickets. Because of the small size of LIST, travel guidance will be given by the travel coordinator or the hosting team, but ultimately, lodging and travel expenses will be the responsibility of the family. For ROTA meets, the LIST travel coordinator will submit all visitor requests to allow for access to the base.
What must a parent do for the team?
Parents are crucial to making it all work. Becoming a league official, a team statistician, or volunteering to take on one of the many duties involved in operating the team is vital to this organization. If every parent does one thing to operate the team then no one becomes overwhelmed with responsibility. This is a private organization and parent/family involvement is a must. In addition to assisting in activities (including LIST swim meets and fundraisers), parents need to complete documentation for their swimmer (registration application, emergency data card, parent / swimmer contract, medical info sheet), attend parent meetings as scheduled, foster good sportsmanship in support of LIST objectives and assist in enforcing the rules and regulations of the LIST.
What about behavior problems?
The coaching staff first handles behavioral problems with a swimmer. The coaches normally will comment to the parent if it continues. If problems persist, the president is notified and the problem will be discussed with the swimmer and parent. If problems continue, expulsion from the team could result. Swimmers and parents will sign a behavior agreement to ensure everyone understands the standards set forth.
Where does the team practice and when?
September through February, practices are held at the Complexo de Piscinas do Jamor. In the months of July practice will be split between Jamor and the NATO pool located in Oeiros. In August, all practices will be held at the NATO JHQ pool. See the website practice schedule for more detailed information.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, you can contact us at lisbonbullsharks@gmail.com or one of the team officers listed on the About Us page.
