Questions about joining the Sailfish Team: Contact Coach Dave [email protected]
MISSION STATEMENT:
Motivate and assist swimmers of all ages and abilities by preparation and training to achieve swimming performance beyond the boundary of their talents and physical gifts in the belief that this experience will prove invaluable to them as they grow and develop.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Jewish Community Center Aquatics is a full service program that begins with learn-to-swim lessons and advances to the competitive swim team. The Sailfish range from novice swimmers through nationally ranked swimmers and progresses all the way to a master swim program for adults. The Sailfish swim team belongs to and is sanctioned by USA Swimming. Each participant in the program is evaluated and placed in the appropriate group that best suits his or her well-being. Sound technique and proper fundamentals are stressed at all levels with each level being a natural transition to the next level.
At each level of the Sailfish program, swimmers are instructed to strive for excellence. Excellence in this sense represents the achievement of that level at which you know that you have done your utmost to become the best you can be. This philosophy is consistent throughout the program, and every Sailfish, novice to master swimmer is encouraged to do his or her best.
- To provide a level of coaching that will lead to the development of character, self-confidence, and the love for the sport in an atmosphere of caring and consideration.
- To encourage them to dream, help them set worthy goals, promote a strong work ethic, provide support when they struggle, and inspire them to persevere until they succeed.
- To encourage parents to actively support both their child and the program as a whole, realizing that their personal investment is a key ingredient to a young person’s success in any endeavor.
- We are one of the top USA Swimming Teams in Western Pennsylvania
- We have developed numerous outstanding Age Groups, Middle & high school, Junior & Senior National, International, Maccabi and Olympic Swimmers.
- Our Swimmers have earned college scholarships or gotten into the school of their choice.
The JCC Sailfish Swim Team is over 90 years old.
JCC Sailfish Group Qualifications
Pittsburgh Group
Approximate ages 6-9
Ability to swim a 50 Freestyle, backstroke, some familiarity with breaststroke and butterfly.
Can finish 4x25 @ 1:00
Ability to follow directions and an eagerness to swim and learn practice terminology
A willingness to compete in meets
Coaches will make the final determination on any swimmer’s group designation
Allegheny Group
Approximate ages 7-11
Ability to complete a 50 of all 4 strokes
Be able to complete 4 x 50 at 1:30
The ability to follow directions, read a clock, familiarity with practice terminology
Be able to complete a 75-minute practice with minimal breaks
A desire to compete in meets
Coaches will make the final determination on any swimmer’s group designation
Pennsylvania Group
Approximate ages 9-13
Be able to complete a 200 IM
Be able to complete 6 x 50 in 1:15
An understanding of good workout habits and team practice terminology
Be able to complete a 90-minute practice with minimal breaks
Meet competition
Coaches will make the final determination on any swimmer’s group designation
Pennsylvania Plus Group
Approximate ages 11-15
Be able to complete a 200 IM legally
Be able to complete 8x50 @ 1:00
Exhibit good workout habits and a mastery of team practice terminology
Be able to complete a 120-minute practice with minimal breaks
Meet competition
Coaches will make the final determination on any swimmer’s group designation
US Level Group
Approximate ages 12-18
Be able to complete a 100 of any stroke and a 200 IM legally
Be able to complete 10x50 @ :50
Exhibit leadership, good workout habits and show a maturity to work hard consistently
Be able to complete a challenging 120-minute practice with minimal breaks
Meet competition
Coaches will make the final determination on any swimmer’s group designation
National Level Group
Must have qualified for a USA Swimming National Level meet (Futures, Jr. Nationals, etc.)
