Team Philosophy

• We Believe
  • No one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety and wellbeing of others.
  • We should lead with love and kindness.
  • We should maintain a peaceful environment.
  • We should never forget the FUN!
• We promise
  • Treat others the way they want and need to be treated.
  • Make safe decisions for ourselves and those around us.
  • Try to learn a little about each other every day.
  • Speak to each other with care and respect.
  • Follow all rules set by our facility and coaches.
  • Listen.
  • Meet all challenges with our best effort and learn from our mistakes.
• We follow these simple rules
  • Do WHAT you’re supposed to do
  • WHEN you’re supposed to do it
  • The WAY you’re supposed to do it
  • Even if you don’t want to, AND…
  • Even if no one else is.

Head Coach 

We are actively seeking our next Head Coach!

Assistant Coaches

• Mo Findley 

Informational Links

• Southeastern Swimming www.seswim.org
• USA Swimming www.usaswimming.org
• Follow Gulf Shores Recreation and Gulf Shores Youth Athletics on Facebook & Instagram

Practice Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

• Group 1 - 4:00 to 4:30
• Group 2 - 4:30 to 5:15
• Group 3 - 4:30 to 5:30
• Group 4/5 - 5:15 to 6:30

We follow the school calendar and will generally not hold practices when school is not in session. Any break practices offered will be optional and based on availability of staff and facility.

*In the case of inclement weather, practices will be cancelled at the discretion of coaches. Parents will be notified as soon as possible via the Swimtopia mobile app notification and email.

Weather Policy

In the event of inclement weather, coaches will decide if cancellation is warranted. Staff will make every effort to inform parents in a timely manner via email, SMS notification (text), and social media post. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their contact information (SMS and carrier) is entered correctly in their SwimTopia account. You must pick up your swimmer as soon as possible in the event of cancellation.

Fees and Payments

We compete year round, divided into Fall, Spring, and Summer Seasons.  Fees are as follows for each season:

• Bodenhamer Members
  • $100 for first swimmer
  • $90 each additional swimmer up to 5th registration
  • Includes swimsuit, cap and t-shirt
  • USA Swimming membership required for USA sanctioned swim meets, and meet entry fees are NOT INCLUDED.
• Non-Members
  • $130 for first swimmer
  • $90 each additional swimmer up to 5th registration
  • Includes swimsuit, cap, and t-shirt.
  • USA Swimming membership required for USA sanctioned swim meets, and meet entry fees are NOT INCLUDED.
• Registration fees must be paid electronically at the time of registration.
• NO REFUNDS will be offered for cancelled registrations.

Parent Code of Conduct

As parents, we set the example for our kids. Showing and encouraging a respectful and considerate attitude and team centered mindset is the best way to guide your child’s success.

As a GSST parent, I agree to:

• Be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials, and spectators at every swimming practice and event.
• Ensure that my child treats other swimmers, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect, follows the rules and seeks to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Respectfully address concerns with coaches, at an appropriate time in an appropriate place.
• Resolve conflicts with other parents in an amicable manner.
• Follow rules set forth by the City, facility and staff:
  • I will walk my child into the building and to the pool area on time and ready for practice.

• I will pick my child up from the pool area at the end of their practice.
• I will supervise my child in the Bodenhamer facility (commons, locker rooms, lobby, etc) while they are not actively participating in swim practice.
• I will communicate with coaches via email and respond to communications sent through SwimTopia or via email, as well as keep up with postings and notifications on the site.
• I will inform a coach if my child will be absent from practice for an extended period and understand that if my swimmer does not attend regular practices, they will not be permitted to compete as a representative of GSST. If a swimmer cannot attend the assigned three practices per week, a valid excuse from a doctor or parent must be provided to coaches, and Swimmers must attend practice the week preceding a meet.
• I will register my child via the SwimTopia website, pay all charges in a timely fashion, and monitor my account through the team site.
• I also agree that if I fail to abide by the rules mentioned above, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include but is not limited to the following:
  • Written warning.
  • Parental suspension.
  • Removal from the team.

Athlete Code of Conduct

As a member of the Gulf Shores Swim Team, each athlete will be expected to conduct himself/herself in accordance with the following provisions at practices, meets, social activities, and all other occasions where the member is representing the team:

As a GSST Swimmer, I acknowledge:

• I will exhibit good sportsmanship in and out of the pool.
• I will arrive at practice with all gear.
• I will contact a coach if I cannot attend practice and understand that if I do not attend regular practices, I will not be permitted to compete as a representative of GSST. I will attend practice the week preceding a meet unless arrangements have been made with coaches, or I will not be permitted to compete.
• I will follow the coaches, officials, and other administrators' instructions at all times, and know that no disrespectful attitudes or back-talk will be tolerated by GSST coaches from any swimmer and I may be suspended or dismissed from the team for violating this rule.
• I will behave in a responsible manner, including not using or possessing alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, or other banned substances, and I may be dismissed from the team for doing so.
• I will respect and take care of all property and facilities, as well as others’ belongings.
• All swimmers using the locker-room should exhibit proper behavior.
• Any kind of photography or videotaping (including cell phones and social media) are NOT allowed in locker rooms and is grounds for suspension or dismissal.
• Rough housing, yelling, and inappropriate conversations are not acceptable and are grounds for suspension or dismissal.
• Abusive language, lying and/or stealing are intolerable and are grounds for immediate expulsion from the team.
• Follow posted facility rules at home pool and other facilities.

Anti-Bullying Policy

The concept of respect for one another also supports our anti-bullying policy. Bullying is a pattern of aggressive, intentional, and/or deliberately hostile behavior and/or hurtful acts, words, or other behavior toward another person. Bullying will not be tolerated and WILL result in immediate expulsion. Bullying includes:

Join us!

How to Register:
An evaluation is required prior to registering.  Please contact us via the email form below to schedule an appointment.

• Once your evaluation is complete, you'll follow the registration link at the top of the home page to complete registration.
• Electronic payment is required to complete your registration.
• NO REFUNDS will be offered for cancelled registrations.