DBMS is not responsible for supervising Participants under the age of 18 before or after class times. It is therefore important and necessary that parents/guardians of Participants under the age of 18 drop them off before classes and pick them up after classes ON TIME. DBMS will assign all Participants under the age of 18 an instructor who keeps daily attendance. Any questions regarding a Youth Participant’s progress should be directed to the instructor or Program Director.
To secure a seat in a class and be placed on the roster, all classes must be paid IN FULL, or an installment plan arranged, at the time of registration. Class participation is not allowed unless the Participant is on the roster.
As a nonprofit organization, DBMS depends on program revenue from full courses to maintain our high quality instruction. For this reason DBMS has a strict cancellation policy.
The following cancellation fees apply to ALL programs, courses, and lessons (youth & adult)
- 100% refund minus a $25 fee until 90 days before the beginning of the activity
- 50% credit minus a $25 fee until 60 days before the beginning of the activity
- 0% credit if canceled less than 60 days before the beginning of the activity
- No refunds are given during a program if a participant is sick, fails to attend, is absent, or is dismissed due to unsafe behavior.
- Any program with an installment payment plan is subject to the same cancellation policy and all payments are non refundable less than 60 days before the start of a program.
- Rebooking credits must be redeemed within one year of their date of issuance.
If the Participant has a balance due, the refund amount is first applied to the balance due and the remaining amount is refunded. Any exceptions to this policy must be handled through the registrar by calling 781-934-7555.
Many DBMS Program descriptions include a requirement that the Participant is a “Competent Swimmer.” DBMS defines a Competent Swimmer as someone who is able to readily jump into deep water and then swim 25 yards unassisted. The Participant or the Participant’s parent/guardian agrees and attests that the Participant’s swimming ability meets or exceeds the definition of a Competent Swimmer. The Participant or the Participant’s parent/guardian further agrees that the Participant will properly wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest at all times while participating in DBMS on-the-water activities, except when rowing in a crew shell.
In addition to being a Competent Swimmer, all Participants taking a Jr. Competitive Rowing program must take and pass a formal swim test administered by and at the discretion of DBMS.
All classes and courses will meet rain or shine, regardless of the weather. In the event of extreme weather, power outages, and unsafe travel, DBMS may cancel programs with no refund.
Private and Semi-Private lessons will meet depending on the weather conditions. Only DBMS staff may cancel or reschedule Private and Semi-Private lessons due to poor weather conditions. In some instances, this may be done with very short notice or even after the lesson has already started. After the decision to cancel is made, the Participant or the Participant’s parent/guardian will be notified as soon as possible and DBMS will attempt to reschedule the lesson if there is availability. For Private and Semi-Private lessons that DBMS is unable to reschedule, DBMS will issue a refund or credit.
The goal of DBMS programs is to develop participants’ individual strengths, to improve their skills, and to have fun while doing so. DBMS Programs require a high standard of commitment, effort, and personal conduct. Decent, self-respecting behavior and true sportsmanship are expected of everyone (students as well as parents) while participating in DBMS Programs, while on DBMS property, and while representing DBMS off-campus. Failure to adhere to this code of conduct could result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion without refund of program fees.
Financial Aid is limited to One Class per Season per Student and Limited to Participants under the age of 18. Anyone seeking information about financial assistance should visit the DBMS website, under Outreach for more information. Please send in your completed scholarship applications (along with copies of W2s) to our Outreach Director. If questions, please send inquiries to our Outreach Director. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to program start date.
To promote safe travel, DBMS will provide booster seats for students who are under 8 years old when families do not supply one for their child. Proper restraint use is required whenever students are transported in school vans, where booster seats are appropriate.
- Booster seats are required until participants are 8 years old OR over 57 inches (4’9″) tall unless there is a documented medical exemption.
- Height may be confirmed by a parent/guardian report or measured by staff when necessary for safety compliance.
- Families are encouraged to provide a properly fitted booster seat for their child whenever possible.
- Booster seats supplied by families must be in good condition, not expired, and meet current safety standards.
- If a family does not provide a seat, the school will supply one to ensure the student can safely participate in transportation.