A Note to our Members: In our desire to have group placement more visible to our members, we are in the process of making some adjustments in the group placement procedures. For this next season our procedure for group placement will be an on-going process. What you will read below is different than we have done in the past. Though some current swimmers may not qualify by the following standards for the group they are presently in, we will work to make everyone fit. The standards set forth below will apply to all swimmers, new swimmers and future placements.

Practice Groups

The Y Swim Team is divided into several training groups, done with the consideration of the swimmers’ development of technical skills, training abilities, maturity, competitive levels, time standards and group availability. The progressive structure of these groups provides a setting in which swimmers are continually challenged yet are able to experience individual and team successes. All group placement decisions are made by the entire coaching staff and done so in the best interest of the swimmers and their long term development.

Time Standards

Some groups may have time standards used as reference for team member placement in the practice groups. Each year, USA Swimming establishes time standards, or "Cuts" for each of its major meets, from BB or age group meets through Olympic Trials, swimmers are always striving to make their next cut. 

Novice 

The Novice Group provides younger swimmers with the opportunities to develop the fundamental skills of the four competitive strokes, turns and starts, plus to learn basic racing skills. Generally, swimmers will be placed in training groups based upon their age and ability. Although participation in other sports and activities is normal, swimmers are encouraged to attend 2-3 practices a week because good attendance is one of the considerations for promotion.

Placement into Novice

•  5 –15 of age
•  Can swim in deep water
•  Can swim 25 yards freestyle demonstrating breathing to the side and good body position
• Should know what breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly strokes are

Age Group -1

The AG1 group focuses on continued development in stroke technique and efficiency plus the introduction of aerobic training. Swimmers are encouraged to attend at least three practices a week. Although attendance is not required, it is necessary to build a foundation for moving to AG2

Placement in AG1

• 8 – 18 years of age
• Has a strong attendance record (2-3 days a week)
• Has demonstrated on a daily basis the desire and ability to perform at a higher level
• Demonstrates YMCA core values and good sportsmanship at practices and meets
• Has coaches’ recommendations

Age Group 2

Age Group 2 continues to refine stroke technique and efficiency, plus sets a strong foundation for aerobic training with longer freestyle sets and IM sets as the staples for the workouts. Strong workout habits are taught and swimmers are expected to attend four workouts a week.

Placement into AG2

• 9 – 18 years of age.
• Has a strong attendance record (3-4 days a week)
• Has demonstrated on a daily basis the desire and ability to perform at a higher level
• Has coaches’ recommendations and 2 qualifying AG2 times listed under Time Standards tab
• Have demonstrated on a daily basis the desire and ability to perform at a higher level and have shown the maturity to work with older swimmers
• Demonstrates YMCA core values and good sportsmanship at practices and meets

Senior 1

The Senior 1 group is for those swimmers who are dedicated to improving their skills in swimming with an eye to either becoming more competitive in the sport, or to continue their competitive swimming career in a less regimented manner or to use swimming as cross-training for their primary sport.  Stroke technique and aerobic training are emphasized at every workout.  Swimmers are asked to come to workouts on a regular basis.  Participation in other activities is normal and encouraged; however, good attendance and a good attitude are major considerations to advance to Senior 2.

Placement into S1 

• 9-18 years of age
• Can demonstrate legally the following strokes and distances:  200 yard Freestyle, 100 yard Backstroke, 100 yard Breaststroke and 50 yard Butterfly. 
• Can demonstrate a forward dive from the edge of the pool
• Has coaches’ recommendations
• Demonstrates YMCA core values and good sportsmanship at practices and meets
• Has achieved at least three qualifying times for S1. Times listed under Time Standards tab

Senior 2

The Senior 2 Group provides a rigorous training regimen plus continued efficient stroke technique for swimmers who have made a strong commitment to the sport of swimming.  Members in this group are looking at the regional competition with strong qualifying standards. 5 workouts per week are offered and swimmers are asked to attend an average of four.

Placement in S2 

• 11-18 years of age.  
• Attended 90% or more of the offered workouts for Senior 1.
• Demonstrated on a daily basis the desire and ability to perform at a higher level.
• Coaches’ recommendations and at least 3 qualifying S2 times listed under the time standards tab
• 11-12 year olds must achieve three or more 13 year old and up have attended 90% or more of the offered workouts, have demonstrated on a daily basis the desire and ability to perform at a higher level, and have shown the maturity to work with older swimmers.
•   Demonstrates YMCA core values and good sportsmanship at practices and meets