What Meet Is Right for My Swimmer?
The YMCA of Southwest Florida Hurricanes are a unique program—combining the community-based mission of the YMCA with the competitive framework of USA Swimming. Because of this, we offer a variety of meet types tailored to different commitment levels and swimmer development stages.
YMCA-Only Meets
Florida hosts a YMCA State Championship meet every February. This meet is open to all swimmers who compete in three “Y-Qualifying” meets between September and the championship date. There are no time standards required, and as a club, we view this as a priority meet for the season.
“Y-Qualifying” meets are typically local or team-hosted events. Occasionally, some travel may be necessary to fulfill the three-meet requirement. These meets are low-cost and range from half-day to full-day formats, making them a great option for gaining racing experience.
The YMCA also hosts two National Championship meets each year: Short Course Nationals in April and Long Course Nationals in August. Swimmers must qualify with specific time standards and participate in the Florida YMCA State Championship to be eligible.
Developmental Meets
Developmental meets are typically local, one-day competitions designed to introduce younger or newer swimmers to racing. These events are low-stress and focus on fun and experience rather than performance. They're a great way to build confidence and ease into the sport.
We understand that the word “competition” can sound intimidating—but these meets help swimmers and families connect with others and feel part of the broader swimming community.
USA Swimming Sanctioned Meets
These meets are the next level up from developmental meets and usually involve 2–3 days of competition with a bit more travel. You'll typically see one USA meet per month on our schedule.
While these events require more time and financial commitment, they offer valuable experience for swimmers ready to challenge themselves in a broader competitive environment.
Championship & Qualifying Meets
This is where swimmers begin to climb the ladder of competitive swimming. Entry into these meets requires swimmers to achieve specific time standards. Championship meets include:
- FLAGS (Florida Age Group Championships)
- Senior Champs
- YMCA Nationals
- USA Futures
- Junior Nationals
- Senior Nationals
- U.S. Open
- U.S. Olympic Trials
Some meets may set an upper limit, meaning only swimmers slower than a time standard may compete. These include Area 5 Championships and the Harry Meisel Championship—both are highly recommended for developing swimmers seeking a championship-style experience.
Not sure where your swimmer fits in? Ask your coach—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The YMCA of Southwest Florida Hurricanes Swim Team, a year-round competitive program affiliated with USA Swimming. As a program of the YMCA of Southwest Florida, we are committed to fostering an environment where athletes develop both in and out of the pool. Our team is based at the Venice YMCA and serves swimmers of all levels, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and personal growth.
The YMCA of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities across seven counties: Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, DeSoto, Hendry, and Glades. Guided by the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty, we strive to positively impact the lives of our athletes and famillies.
At the YMCA of Southwest Florida Hurricanes, we believe in more than just competition - We promote lifelong skills that extend beyond the sport. Our program encourages athletes to challenge themselves, embrace resiliance, and build a positive relationship with hard work. Through structured training and a supportive environment, our swimmers develop not only their athletic abilities but also essential character traits that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
