Encompasses the YMCA mentality of “building kids up”

Much slower, more laid back pace

This “league” ultimately funnels into the Olympics

Tend to hold the meets to stricter standards, both the time requirements, and tardiness at the blocks.

Meets are focused goal setting by encouraging the swimmers to improve from meet to meet through various time standards

moving up from C, B, A Champ times in each age group

Meets are only 1 day, often times held at another YMCA building against 1 or 2 other teams

Tend to be smaller meets, with the exception of the sections, state and regional meets

Racing pace tends to be less competitive than USA meets

Generally 2 day meets held at middle and high schools, and occasionally colleges

Tend to be larger meets 250 - 1000 swimmer competeing

Pace in the meets tend to be faster and more competitive than Y meets

Meets are more laid back and often times, if a swimmer isn’t on the block at the start of their race, they wait for that swimmer

Because of the relaxed atmosphere…sometimes there is a disorganized feeling

Meet dates and details are slow to get to the families

Most meets are free

With the exception of the sections, state and regional meets

Never a fee to attend the meet duo and tri team meets

State and Section meet has a fee - $25-$30 for both

Programs are generally free, state meet programs may be $10

There are different fees involved to attend the meet, Mn Swimming fee, a facility fee, a per race fee, sometimes a program fee 

If meet is at a high school, swimmers generally sit with coach

If meet is at a YMCA, team often “crashes” with their families in a racketball court or gym and go to pool deck as their events come close.

Swimmers generally sit with the coach on the pool deck.