Overview of UMAC's Programs
The Upper Merion Aquatic Club (Marlins) is a member-run non-profit organization (501c3), administered by an elected Board of Directors. Our mission is the development and expansion of swimming and diving as a sport, as part of a wellness regimen, and as recreation for all age groups. We are not just a team, but also a community of parents and swimmer/divers. Through our programs, we promote the development of our swimmers and divers as athletes and as individuals; we aim to produce well-rounded young people who combine a life-long love of the sport with enhanced levels of self-discipline, personal responsibility, sportsmanship, and community-mindedness. Any swimmer or diver who demonstrates good character and dedication to the sport will always be welcome on our team.
We offer a range programs for those interested in competitive swimming and diving. In the fall and winter, we offer two linked competitive swimming and diving programs. Swimmers and divers participate in the Suburban Aquatic League, with practices starting in September and meets running from November through early February. We also offer two USA swimming seasons: short course, which starts at the same time as SAL and runs through March, and long course, which begins in late April and runs through early August.
In addition, we have our popular swim development programs that are broken into two parts, Swim Lessons and Minnows. These run in the spring usually starting in the middle of February and ending Memorial Day. These programs focus on teaching children to become strong swimmers as well as preparing them for competitive swimming.
We also offer two extended season sessions in the spring for those looking to continue training and compete in USA meets, Silver Champs, Junrior Olympics, and more.
Finally, summer brings a short-course indoor practice for our newer swimmers, and a long course outdoor practice (with dry-land training) for our more experienced USA swimmers.
Schedule of Programs for 2022-2023
REGISTRATION: Open 9/15/2022
REGULAR TEAM PRACTICES BEGIN: Monday, Sept 26, 2022
SAL COMPETITIVE SEASON: Sept through the SAL Divisional and/or League Championships (late Jan./early Feb.)
USA SWIMMING EXTENDED SEASON: SAL Champs through Silver Meet (end of March)
MINNOWS: Mondays and Wednesdays, at 5:30, 6:00 or 6:30 PM, starting March 1. Registration night is February 27 from 5:30- 7 PM at the High School.
SPRING CLINIC: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30-7 PM starting March 1 - April 27 at the High School.
SUMMER SESSION: Long and Short Course. Memorial Day - Silver Champs (early-mid August).
We typically offer evening practices for our younger team members, and morning long course practices for our older swimmers. Details will be announced later in the season.
Fall and Winter Programs
SAL SEASON: Our SWIM TEAM competes in the Suburban Aquatic League, along with our DIVE TEAM. We have six swim practice groups, from Developmental Bronze (for swimmers new to competition) through Senior (for advanced swimmers who have demonstrated mastery of the key elements of the sport and dedication to the team); see our Practice Group descriptions and associated fees under separate tab.
Swim and dive team practices begin the week of September 26 and run through the SAL championships at the end of January . Swim meets are held on Saturday afternoons, beginning in November; dive meets are usually held Friday nights or Saturday mornings.
Please note: all Marlins team members are expected to attend SAL meets.
If there is sufficient interest, we will also provide an extended season for our divers. Fees will be posted at a later date.
MINNOWS: Starting in early February, this twice-weekly program is for children ages 5 - 8 who love to swim but are not quite ready for the competitive team. In small group 45 minute sessions, swimmers build endurance and master their strokes. In-person registration required; swimmers must come ready to get in the water and swim so instructors can evaluate their ability.
EXTENDED USA AND AAU SEASONS: These programs are offered for current Marlins who wish to extend their competitive seasons through the end of March. Swimmers must join USA swimming, and will be competing in two or more USA meets, culminating either in Junior Olympics or the Silver Championships. Divers join AAU and compete in AAU meets. Both programs begin after the SAL season is over and continue through March.
Spring and Summer Programs
SPRING CLINIC: Our Spring Clinic includes swim lessons, dive lessons, and team training for swimmers and divers who are already on the team. It runs for five weeks, ending Memorial Day weekend, and provides an excellent "warm up" for summer swim competition.
SUMMER PROGRAMS: Long and Short Course. We typically offer short course indoor practices for our younger swimmers, and a long course morning practice for our older swimmers, supplemented by dryland training. Our Long Course practices are held outdoors at the Upper Merion Swim and Tennis Club.
If you have additional questions, please email [email protected]
