Membership Information

Year Round Obligation

Since BEAR Swimming operates as a year-round team with year-round operating costs; each member has an annual dues obligation to the team. The amount of this obligation is based on your swimmer’s training group. Families can pay their dues annually, quarterly, or monthly. Please let us know which is convenient for you.

Sibling Discounts: Two+ swimmers = 10% discount for second swimmer. Dues are due by the tenth of each month. There is a $20.00 late fee for delinquent payments.

Checks are make payable to BEAR Swimming. Mail dues checks on the first of each month to: 

BEAR Swimming
1563 Solano Avenue #373
Berkeley, CA 94707

 

Group

Monthly

Quarterly

Annually

Cub

$75.00

$225.00

$900.00

 

 

 

 

Blue

$90.00

$270.00

$1080.00

 

 

 

 

Gold

$110.00

$330.00

$1320.00

 

 

 

 

Junior

$115.00

$345.00

$1380.00

 

 

 

 

Senior Group

$125.00

$375.00

$1500.00

 

 

 

 

Senior Team

$135.00

$405.00

$1620.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Fee
This is a $125.00 annual fee that each family is required to pay. It helps to defray some of our costs and keeps our dues at a reasonable rate. The fee applies to the entire family, not the individual swimmer. The annual fee helps cover the costs of awards, relay fees, pizza parties and other social events.  In addition to this fee each year each swimmer must buy a Nike team suit.  The cost for a Nike team suit with logo is approx. $40. 
 
 
Leaves of Absence
Please email bearswim@comcast.net or call Patrick Malaga 510 326-5544 when your swimmer leaves the team for any length of time. This includes leaves to do another sport and summer vacations. Any member in good standing may be granted leave of absence and pay a $20 monthly fee instead of their regular dues. Please, notify Coach Jesse when you return. If your swimmer wants to swim at any time during a particular month you are required to pay the monthly dues.
 
 
Year Round Obligation
Since Bear Swimming operates as a year-round team with year-round operating costs; each member has an annual dues obligation to the team. The amount of this obligation is based on your swimmer’s training group. Families can pay their dues annually, quarterly, or monthly. Please let us know which is convenient for you.
 
 
Fundraising
Our monthly dues do not quite cover our yearly expenses. This is common for most USA Swimming teams and fundraising activities are generally the way teams raise the additional funds. We have had great success with fundraising events such as out annual Swim-A-Thon. The Board will determine what kind of contribution or activity will be required by all families to supplement the income. It is manditory for all BEAR families to raise a minimum of $100 at our annual Swim-A-Thon.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
  Can Anyone Join BEAR Swimming?
Yes, anyone may join. It is recommended that swimmers with no prior swimming experience sign up for BEAR Pre- Competitive Swim School first. An experienced swimmer may attend a practice, be evaluated by the coach and placed in the appropriate group for a tryout.
 
  How Many Practices Should My Swimmer Attend?
The number of practices attended depends on the age group of the swimmer. Attendance demands increase as the swimmer gets older, more experience and more committed.
 
  How Long Are The USA Swim Meets And Do We Have To Attend?
In general, USA Swim meets last two weekend days. Some meets have half-day sessions organized by age group. Typically, there will only be one meet a month for the younger swimmers and a possibility of two meets a month for the older swimmers. As the swimmers get older, the importance of the meets increases. There are some meets that are prestigious to attend as an age group swimmer. These include, the Pacific Swimming Age Group Championships, Far Western Championships, and some All Star meets. Prestigious meets for the Senior swimmer include Sectional Championships, Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals. The Head Coach sets the meet schedule. You will discuss, with your group coach, which meets and how many days of each meet you will attend. Communication is important!
 
  Do I Need To Join The USA Swimming Organization?
Yes. It is mandetory that all swim team members join USA Swimming There is a $55 fee made payable to ’Pacific Swimming’.   
 
  Are There Late Fees?
Yes.  It is important dues are paid on time so coaches and other team expences can be paid. BEAR dues are deemed late if not received by the 10th of each month they are due. There is a $20 late fee charge that will be applied to the next month’s dues.