Martin's Chase Manta Rays

For details see below. (All dates and fees are estimates) 

What are the Manta Rays? 

• The Martin's Chase Manta Rays Swim Team is an ODSL summer swim program offering a supportive and competitive swimming community with coaching for ages 5-18 at all levels of the sport. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Ages 5-18
• Swim one length of the pool (25 meters) unassisted in any stroke. 
• You must be available to support the team through volunteer hours at meets. 

What if my child cannot swim 25 meters unassisted? 

• There will be evaluations for all new swimmers on the first night of practice in May 
• There will be a limited availability Minis program offered to help swimmers prepare for the swim team 

What is the cost of the Manta Rays? 

• Residents - $250.00 
• Non-Residents - 275.00 

How and when do I register for the Manta Rays? 

• Registration for residents opens on our website May 10th 2023 
• Registration for non-residents begins in May 15th, 2023 
• Look for information on NextDoor, in your email, and here on our website 

Is space limited? 

• Martin's Chase has roughly 300 homes most of which are filled with young families. As such, the Manta Rays team is capped at 120 swimmers, so registration is not guaranteed. Registration is first opened up to residents and if the cap is not met, registration then opens up to non-residents, with priority non-resident registration given to returning non-resident swim families. 

How long is the Season? 

• The official summer swim season begins with a kick-off meeting just prior to Memorial Day and ends with Divisionals on July 22nd 
• The summer season includes up to eleven swim meets, consisting of up to eight ODSL league meets, one Manta Rays Time Trial, and two post-season meets (Divisionals & All Stars) *Note: You must qualify to participate in All Stars. 

When is Practice? 

• Practice for morning swimmers will be held every weekday morning during the summer except on official ODSL Manta Rays meet days. Practices for evening swimmers will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings during the summer. *Note: All practices will be in the evening until the close of the school year
• Daily attendance is expected, and your child will learn much faster as a result
• Children 8 and under need to be in the water by 8:00am and out by 8:35am *Note: Exact practice times and durations subject to change based on age demographics of final registration numbers
• Children ages 9 - 12 will need to be in the water by 8:35am and out by 9:15am *Note: Exact practice times and durations subject to change based on age demographics of final registration numbers 
• Children ages 13 & over will need to be in the water by 9:15 am and out by 10:00 am *Note: Exact practice times and durations subject to change based on age demographics of final registration numbers
• Evening swimmers of all ages need to be in the water by 6:00pm and out by 7:00pm *Note: Exact practice times and durations subject to change based on age demographics of final registration numbers 
• Parents are encouraged to remain in the general area but may not engage the coaches during practice and may not coach from the side lines. *Note: Coaches are available over email and will dedicate time every Friday for discussion with the parents 

We already have vacation/camp scheduled. Is practice mandatory? 

• Like any sport, kids get the most benefit from consistent practice and training. That said, we understand that other commitments sometimes interfere. Our coaches expect full participation when possible but are understanding and will work with you as needed 

When are the Meets? 

• The season kicks off with time trials, typically held in early June, which is a Manta Rays only meet 
• Currently there are eight dual (against another team) meets throughout the season (not including Divisionals and All Stars), which are held on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm and Saturday mornings at 8am. Warmups are mandatory and begin 45 minutes before the meet begins so please don't be late. 
• Meets last approximately 3-4 hours and swimmers are encouraged to stay and cheer their team on. Leaving after your child's scheduled events are over can lead to issues with changes to events and a loss of points for the team, particularly as it relates to relay events which often change during the meet. Please encourage your kids to stay in the area and cheer on their team mates!

Where are practices held? 

• Martin's Chase Club House & Pool is the home of the Manta Rays. All home meets, practices, and team events are held there. The address is 21851 Brickshire Cir. Ashburn, VA 20148 - at the corner of Colonial Hills Dr. and Bristow Manor Dr. 

What is the volunteer commitment? 

• Total volunteer hours to support meets for each season is at least 726 hours and it takes It takes 34 volunteers from our team to support each Away meet and 48 to support each Home meet. Therefore every family is required to volunteer at meets and at time trials for a minimum of 20 hrs. per family per season 
• Grandparents, Baby Sitters, College age siblings etc. are eligible to volunteer o
• If you do not fulfill the minimum requirement (yes, we track this) you will be required to pay a $250 fee and you will be added to the May Not Return list 

What Equipment is needed for practice? 

• Girls: One piece swim suit 
• Boys: Jammer style bathing suit 
• All: Goggles 
• Swim caps are provided by the team and are optional 
• There will be an opportunity at a date TBD to try on and order team suits 

What equipment is needed for meets? 

• Girls: One piece Manta Rays suit, cap and goggles 
• Boys: Jammer style Manta Rays suit, cap and goggles 
• Suits will be sold at the beginning of the season

I have more questions! Help! 

• If you still have questions, please contact the board at [email protected]