PARENT HANDBOOK

    2025-26

 

This handbook has been developed as a reference for members of the MEWSA YMCA MEY swim team. We hope it will help answer many of your questions.

 

Table of Contents

 

 THE METUCHEN YMCA

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge, and South Amboy has served as a cornerstone of our community since opening its doors in 1921 at the intersection of Lake Avenue and High Street in Metuchen. Established with support from Charles Edgar, a local business leader, our YMCA has continuously grown to meet the changing needs of families throughout Middlesex County.

Today, the Metuchen YMCA is more than just a facility with a pool or gym—it is a nonprofit community center focused on strengthening the well-being of individuals and families. We promote healthy living, support youth development, and encourage social responsibility. Our mission is to empower every person who walks through our doors to grow, thrive, and live healthier lives.

From our original branch in Metuchen, we have expanded to include locations in Edison and South Amboy, an outdoor pool, ten childcare centers, and ten summer camps. We are now the largest provider of childcare services in Middlesex County, offering safe, enriching environments for children while supporting working families.

Each year, over 1,000 volunteers help us serve more than 35,000 individuals. While every YMCA is unique, what unites us is our people. At the Metuchen YMCA, we bring children, parents, and community members together, helping everyone realize their full potential in and out of the water.

 

About the MEY Manta Rays Swim Team

The Manta Rays are a competitive YMCA and USA Swimming team sponsored by the Metuchen YMCA. As an established programs in Central New Jersey, the Manta Rays have been a cornerstone of competitive swimming in the community since the 1990s. We proudly compete in the Northern New Jersey YMCA Swim League for dual meets, and participate in a wide range of invitational, championship, and USA Swimming meets throughout the year.

Our team culture is built on a “team first” mindset, where swimmers and coaches work together to support one another and push the team to greater success. With decades of tradition, the Manta Rays have consistently produced swimmers who qualify for state and national championships, and many alumni have gone on to compete at the collegiate level—and even at Olympic Trials.

The MEY philosophy emphasizes growth through effort, dedication, and sportsmanship. While winning is never the sole focus, we aim for every swimmer to chase personal bests and strive to reach the wall faster than ever before. Progress in swimming is tangible—improvement is measured against the clock, and every swimmer, regardless of age or level, learns the value of hard work and commitment.

Swimmers on the Manta Rays develop more than just their strokes. They build lifelong skills through goal-setting, perseverance, and personal accountability. These lessons support academic success—swimmers consistently hold some of the highest average GPAs across all high school and college sports—and foster leadership, confidence, and resilience.

Our coaching staff is dedicated to helping each athlete become the best version of themselves, both in and out of the water. With a positive mindset and strong work ethic, our swimmers go far—not only in the sport, but in life.

 

COACHING STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION

The MEY Manta Rays are led by a dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced coaching staff that is committed to helping every swimmer reach their full potential. Our coaches bring a wealth of competitive swimming and coaching experience across all levels of the sport. Many of our staff members are former high-level swimmers themselves, and several have guided athletes to state championships, national-level meets, and collegiate programs.

The MEY coaching staff works as a cohesive unit to support swimmer development at every age and ability level. We believe in building strong technical foundations, promoting a team-first culture, and encouraging a growth mindset in and out of the pool.

Please take a moment to read more about our coaches on our team website at https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/njmeyst/page/home. Their expertise, energy, and character are the foundation of our program’s continued success.

Director
Adam Soural
Email: [email protected]

Head Coach

Haley Nugent

[email protected]

 

Assistant Coach

Kelly Voorhees

 

Assistant Coach

Sohang Sethi

 

Junior Coach

Ishaan Anand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 MEY Swim Team Parent Board

The Parent Board is made up of volunteer parents who help keep the team running smoothly, support the coaches, and build community.

 Roles

• Head of Parent Board – Leads the board and works with coaches.
• Assistant Head – Supports and steps in as needed.
• Volunteer Coordinator – Organizes parent volunteers for meets and events.
• Fundraising & Sponsorship – Runs fundraising events and sponsorships.
• Apparel & Spirit Wear – Manages team gear and spirit items.
• Social Events – Plans banquets, bonding events, and celebrations.
• Treasurer – Helps track team funds and fundraising money.

 Parent Meetings

The Parent Board will hold monthly meetings open to all parents. These meetings are a chance to:

• Vote on events, fundraisers, and other team activities.
• Share input on program operations.
• Ask questions and raise concerns.

The goal is to create a team community where every family has a voice and can be involved in shaping the swimmer experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Responsibilities Throughout the Season

As a member of the MEY Manta Rays Swim Team community, parents play a vital role in supporting both the athletes and the overall program. A positive, cooperative environment between swimmers, families, and coaches helps ensure a successful and rewarding season for all.

Over the course of the season, all parents are expected to:

• Encourage consistent practice and meet attendance. Help ensure your swimmer arrives on time and is prepared for practices and competitions.
• Support your swimmer’s goals and growth. Encourage effort and progress, help younger swimmers set realistic expectations, and offer ongoing support throughout the season.
• Let the coaches coach. Trust in the professional guidance of our staff. Please avoid offering instruction or corrections from the sidelines during practices or meets.
• Get involved. Participate in fundraising efforts and consider becoming a certified swim official or volunteer in other meaningful ways.
• Help with team-hosted meets. Volunteer for timing, concessions, setup, and cleanup to support smooth and successful events.
• Communicate respectfully and directly. If issues or concerns arise, speak directly with your swimmer’s coach or a member of the MEYPA Executive Board, rather than discussing concerns publicly or with other families. Maintaining a respectful and unified environment benefits everyone on the team.

By following these guidelines, parents help foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and teamwork that positively impacts every swimmer's experience.

Volunteer Work Bond Policy

Point System

• Swim Meet Jobs = 1 point each
  (Timers, Marshals, Officials, Check-In, Scoring, Ribbons, etc.)
• Other Volunteering/Donations = 0.5 points each
  (Food & concession donations, non-meet event help, etc.)

Requirements & Charges

• Families must complete 3 points total per season.
• Any shortfall will be charged at $50 per 0.5 points not fulfilled (up to $300 maximum).
• Charges are applied before the end of championship meets to the credit card on file.

 Penalties

• Arriving late, missing, or leaving a shift early = forfeiture of point(s) plus $100 fee per offense.
• No-shows or unfilled commitments also result in a $100 fee unless you find a replacement.

Work bond money goes into the MEY Swim Team Parent Association account to support team events, functions, and equipment.

MEY Swim Team — 2025 Season Pricing

Registration Fee (all swimmers)

• $120 (one-time, non-refundable)
  Covers team operations, banquet, admin costs

Tuition Breakdown by Membership Status

Payment Schedule

• Payment 1: Registration Fee (Due at signup)
• Payment 2:  September 30th
• Payment 3: November 28th
• Payment 4:  January 30th 

 

MEY Practice Groups &Schedule

Junior 1

• Tuesday, Thursday → 6:15 – 7:30 PM (15 min dryland + 1 hr swim)
• Sunday → 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Junior 2

• Mon, Wed, Fri → 6:15 – 7:30 PM (15 min dryland + 1 hr swim)
• Sunday → 11:00 – 12:00 PM

Junior 3

• Tues- Fri → 6:15 – 7:30 PM (15 min dryland + 1 hr swim
• Sunday → 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Junior 4

• Mon–Fri → 5:00 – 6:30 PM (30 min dryland + 1 hr swim)

Junior Elite

• Mon–Fri → 6:45 – 9:00 PM (45 min dryland + 1.5 hr swim)
• Sunday → 8:00 – 10:00 AM (1 r dryland + 1 hr swim)

Seniors

• Mon–Fri → 5:00 – 6:30 PM (30 min dryland + 1 hr swim)

Senior Elite

• Mon–Fri → 6:45 – 9:00 PM (45 min dryland + 1.5 hr swim)
• Sunday → 8:00 – 10:00 AM (1 r dryland + 1 hr swim)

Note: Swimmers may only attend the practices scheduled for their assigned group.

 

 

 

 

 

Facilities & Locker Rooms

MEY Manta Rays swimmers train at the Metuchen YMCA. All swimmers and families must understand that we are guests at these facilities and are expected to follow all rules, maintain respectful behavior, and treat the space and staff with courtesy at all times.

• At the Metuchen YMCA, locker rooms are available for use before and after practice. If swimmers choose to bring personal items or valuables, we highly recommend using a lock on the locker or bringing belongings directly onto the pool deck. The YMCA is not responsible for any stolen or lost property in the locker rooms.

Behavior Expectations:

• Swimmers must not engage in horseplay, running, or playing games in locker rooms or poolside areas—these behaviors present a risk of injury and disruption.
• Clean up after yourself at all times. Leaving behind trash or gear can jeopardize our continued use of the facilities.
• Treat all teammates, coaches, staff, and other swimmers with respect. Every athlete, regardless of group or ability, represents the MEY Manta Rays.
• Teasing, bullying, or exclusion of others is strictly prohibited. Our team stands for Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—core YMCA values that every swimmer is expected to uphold.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the team.

Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about facility use or need to discuss a concern, please speak with your child’s coach before or after practice or contact them via email. We ask that issues not be discussed with other families on deck or through “word of mouth”—direct communication helps maintain a healthy, respectful team environment.

Attendance & Commitment

Consistent attendance is essential for a successful long course season. While we understand that swimmers may have occasional conflicts due to other activities, it is important to recognize that progress in both practice and competition is directly tied to attendance, focus, and effort.

Swimmers are expected to attend all scheduled practices for their group and be fully prepared to participate for the entire session. Unless otherwise discussed with a coach, swimmers should not be sitting out of sets or "just kicking" due to injury or feeling unwell. If a swimmer is not healthy enough to complete a full practice, they should rest and return when they are ready to train at full effort.

To maintain a productive and respectful training environment, all swimmers are expected to:

• Come ready to give 100% effort at every practice.
• Be attentive and respectful to coaches and teammates.
• Demonstrate focus during dryland, drills, stroke instruction, and start/turn work.
• Avoid behavior that disrupts the practice or distracts others.

High attendance and consistent commitment lead to greater improvement, stronger results at meets, and a more rewarding experience overall—for both the swimmer and the team.

 Minimum Attendance Policy

• All MEY Manta Ray swimmers are required to attend a minimum number of practices per week based on practice groups.
• Excused absences (e.g., illness, family emergencies, or vacations) must be communicated in advance to the coaching staff, with a written note or email from a parent/guardian.
• Swimmers unable to meet the minimum for multiple weeks must speak with their coach to discuss expectations and ongoing participation.

Group-Specific Attendance Expectations (Weekly Targets)

Percent goals are measured across the season. If you’ll miss planned sessions (travel, illness, school events), please email your coach in advance. When percentages produce a fraction, round up to whole practices.

Junior 1 & Junior 2

• Weekly Offerings: 3-4 practices
• Attendance Target: 52–60%
• Equivalent Weekly Days: ≈ 2 of 3 (minimum 2; 3 encouraged)

Junior 3, Junior 4 & Senior

• Weekly Offerings: 5 practices
• Attendance Target: 60–70%
• Equivalent Weekly Days: ≈ 3–4 of 5 (minimum 3; 4 encouraged)

Junior Elite & Senior Elite

• Weekly Offerings: 6 practices
• Attendance Target: 80%
• Equivalent Weekly Days: ≈ 5 of 6 (minimum 4; target 5)

In order to support the goals outlined above, the MEY Manta Ray program follows a formal attendance policy:

Failure to meet attendance expectations without proper communication or acceptable cause will lead to progressive consequences as detailed in the official MEY Attendance Agreement. These may include:

• Verbal and written warnings
• Parent meetings
• Temporary suspension from practice
• Removal from the MEY program
• Financial consequences
• Loss of good standing future roster spots

Swimmers who are committed to regular, focused practice not only improve their own performance but also help elevate the training quality and team morale for everyone involved.

 

 

Roster Status for Next Season (Good Standing & Tryouts)

• Good Standing Benefit: Swimmers who meet attendance and punctuality expectations and maintain good standing (including conduct and account status) will not be required to re-tryout for the next MEY season.
• If Not in Good Standing: Swimmers who do not meet expectations will be required to try out again for the next season.
• To Maintain good standing swimmers Must attend Minimum 50% of swim meets (3-4 meets) and maintain good practice attendance according to their practice.
• Failure to pay dues, having 3 issues with bullying, or having 2 or more unexcused or late notice swim meet withdrawals, will affect your good standing and require you to retry out in subsequent seasons.

Practice Helpful Hints

To make the most out of each practice, swimmers and parents should keep the following tips in mind. These habits help maintain a focused, efficient, and respectful training environment:

• Come prepared with all required gear. At a minimum, swimmers should bring a practice suit, goggles, cap, and training fins. Caps, goggles, and suits can break—always have a spare in your bag.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Swimmers should be on deck, ready to begin promptly when practice starts.
• Be on time for dryland. Dryland exercises are a key part of training and help prevent injury. Missing this portion can negatively affect overall performance.
• Use the bathroom before practice. Bathroom breaks during practice are discouraged and should be minimized.
• Adjust gear beforehand. Make sure goggles and caps are fitted and secure before entering the water.
• Follow your coach’s instructions. If something feels new or different, give it a try. Growth comes from making adjustments—even elite swimmers are always working to improve their technique.
• Bring a filled water bottle to every practice. Swimmers sweat in the water too. Waiting until you're thirsty means you're already dehydrated.
• Use training suits, not competition suits, for practice. Save team suits for meets and use more durable or older suits for daily training.
• Attend as many practices as possible. Consistency is key for improvement, especially during the short summer long course season.
• Show respect at all times. Be kind and supportive toward coaches, teammates, meet officials, parents, and facility staff. Respect for others and for our practice spaces is expected at every session.

A prepared and respectful swimmer creates a better experience for the entire team.

 

Communications & Website

Clear and timely communication is essential to a successful swim season. The MEY coaching staff and Parent Association are committed to keeping families informed throughout the long course season.

1. Contacting Coaches

A. If you need to discuss a coaching or swimming-related concern:

• Please email your group coach directly using the contact info found on the team website.
• You may also speak with coaches before or after practice—but not during active practice or meets.
• While on deck, the coaches’ focus is entirely on the swimmers. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting this boundary.

B. If an issue is unresolved, you may contact the Head Coach for further discussion.Direct, respectful communication helps build trust and ensures the best outcomes for each swimmer and the team as a whole.

2. Staying Informed

Throughout the season, we will share updates on:

• Meet entries and deadlines
• Practice schedule changes or weather cancellations
• Team events and social activities
• Volunteer assignments
• Billing reminders
• Invitational meet announcements
• Championship or Nationals info (if applicable)

It is critical that all families regularly check team updates to stay current.

3. Where to Find Information

• Visit our team website:
  🔗 https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/njmeyst/page/home
• Or, simply search “MEY Swim Team” on Google—it’s the first result.
• Additional team communication may be shared via:
  • Team emails
  • On-deck Anouncments

Please make it a habit to check the website weekly and read all team communications carefully. Staying informed helps ensure that your swimmer doesn’t miss out on important opportunities, deadlines, or changes.

 

SportsEngine Motion – Team Web Platform

The MEY Manta Rays use SportsEngine Motion (formerly known as Team Unify) as our online swim team management system. This platform is essential for organizing all aspects of team communication and swimmer data throughout the season.

1. What SportsEngine Motion Is Used For:

• Swimmer and parent contact information
• Email and team communication
• Meet entries and event declarations
• Time tracking and performance results
• Volunteer job sign-ups
• Practice and meet schedule management
• Billing and fee tracking

2. Setting Up Your Account

When you register for the MEY Swim Team, a SportsEngine Motion account will be created for your family using your primary email address.

You will receive an email with login instructions.
Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and follow the link provided to set your password and complete your account setup.

Once your account is active, you can:

• Add or update email addresses and phone numbers
• Manage swimmer profiles
• Sign up for meets and team jobs
• Receive real-time alerts and reminders
• Track your swimmer’s best times and meet history

We recommend signing in each time you visit the website, as some features and announcements are only visible to registered users.

3. Stay Connected

The SportsEngine Motion platform is your primary hub for all things MEY. Keeping your contact info current ensures you never miss a critical update about practices, meets, or team events.

To log in or learn more, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/njmeyst/page/home

Meet Types & Being Prepared

During the MEY Long Course season, swimmers will participate in two types of meets:

1. YMCA Dual Meets (Short Course)

• In late summer, MEY will participate in YMCA dual meets competing with other YMCA teams, held in short course pools.
• These meets are scheduled during the weekend. Our home swim meets will always be Sunday after 4pm. (exact dates TBD).
• The format includes standard events: IM, free, back, breast, fly, and relays across all age groups.
• In dual meets:
  • Home team swims in lanes 1, 3, 5; visiting team in lanes 2, 4, 6

2. USA Swimming Invitational Meets (Long Course)

• Most of our meets during the long course season are USA Swimming-sanctioned invitationals.
• These meets are focused on individual swims, often based on qualifying time standards.
• Swimmers are encouraged to try new events and distances (100s, 200s, 400 IM, 500 free, etc.).
• Events, heats, and lane assignments are determined by the host team and meet entries.
• MEY coaches will help guide swimmers to appropriate events based on experience and goals.

3. Championship Meets

• Championship meets are invitationals that require swimmers to achieve minimum qualifying times in order to participate.
• These meets bring together swimmers from across the region who have met qualifying standards, making them highly competitive.

 

Parent Involvement & Expectations

A. Parents play a vital role by:

• Ensuring swimmers are entered on time for meets
• Volunteering if required by the host team (e.g., timing at USA meets)
• Checking communication regularly through email and the team website

B. Please refer to the “Parents & Swim Meets” section for more details on how you can help the team during competitions.

Meet Readiness: Gear & Expectations

• Team suit is required for all meets.
• If a swimmer chooses to wear a cap, it must be a MEY team cap.
• Swimmers should arrive with at least a towels, a water bottle, and backup gear (extra cap and goggles).

Communicating Absences

• If your swimmer will miss a dual meet, you must inform the head coach or Director at least 7 days prior to the meet.
• Lineups are finalized by midweek, and last-minute changes can disrupt relay teams and planning.
• In case of illness or emergency after the week deadline, please email the coach as soon as possible.

Punctuality, preparedness, and communication help make each meet run smoothly for all swimmers, coaches, and families.

Swim Meet Attendance

• Swimmers are expected to participate in at least 50% of dual meets (3-4 meets) scheduled during the season.
• Unless notified otherwise, coaches will assume your swimmer is attending each meet. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify coaches as soon as possible, and at the latest one week before the meet (unless there is a doctor’s note).
• Withdrawing within a week of the meet without good cause may affect your swimmer’s good standing and could impact eligibility for next year’s roster.

 

Parents & Swim Meets

The success of every MEY Manta Rays meet depends on active parent participation. Swim meets—especially USA Swimming-sanctioned invitationals—require significant coordination, and we rely on every family to contribute time and effort throughout the season.

1. Parental Expectations at Meets

A. All families are expected to volunteer during home and away meets, especially those we attend as a team.
B. Roles may include:

• Lane timing
• Meet setup and takedown
• Hospitality/concessions (if applicable)
• Assisting with the timing system or Meet Manager software (training available)
• Stroke & turn officiating (see Officials section)

C. During USA Swimming invitational meets, MEY is assigned timing responsibilities by the host team. If your child is entered in the meet, you should be prepared to time for a portion of the session. Rotating through short shifts makes it manageable for everyone.

D. If you cannot fulfill your assigned job at a meet, you are responsible for finding a replacement or notifying the team coordinator well in advance or there may be financial penalties.

 

 

2. Meet Setup & Clean-Up

For meets we co-host or help run, setup and cleanup are essential. Typical responsibilities include:

• Arriving 45 minutes before warm-up to assist with:
  • Lane line installation
  • Equipment placement (timing system, touchpads, computers)
  • Setting up chairs, tables, and signage
• Remaining 30 minutes after the meet ends to:
  • Remove and store equipment
  • Clean up the deck and spectator areas
  • Assist with packing team gear

3. Learn & Get Involved

MEY will offer training opportunities throughout the season for parents interested in learning:

• Colorado Timing System
• Meet Manager software (for scoring and data)
• Stroke & Turn officiating (a great way to support from the deck)

These roles are easy to learn, and mentorship or shadowing opportunities are available at each meet. Taking on a role not only helps the team but also gives you a better view of your swimmer's progress. Meets are more than competition—they’re a team effort. Your involvement makes the season possible and memorable for all swimmers.

Swim Meet Helpful Tips

Attending USA Swimming invitational meets is a key part of the MEY Manta Rays experience—but it can be quite different from YMCA dual meets. These larger meets often involve hundreds of swimmers and are typically divided into multiple age group sessions lasting 3–4 hours each.

Meet information will be posted on the team website and emailed to families as soon as it becomes available. Below is a list of do's and don'ts to help ensure a smooth and successful meet experience for both swimmers and families.

Before the Meet

•  Arrive at least 15 minutes before your assigned warm-up time—even if MEY is in a later session. Swimmers who aren’t checked in may be scratched.
•  Check in with your coach upon arrival so they know you're present.
•  Locate the team area—this is usually a gym or designated section where swimmers stay between events.
•  Ensure your swimmer is wearing their MEY team suit and cap and has:
  • Goggles (bring a spare!)
  • 2–3 towels
  • Water bottle
  • Comfortable deck gear (sweatshirt, extra t-shirts, flip flops or deck shoes)
  • Blanket or folding chair for downtime
  • Healthy snacks (see nutrition below)

During the Meet

•  Bring quiet entertainment—books, cards, small games, etc.—to help your swimmer relax between races. Avoid valuables like tablets or phones unless they can be securely stored.
•  Dress in layers—team areas can be drafty or hot depending on the venue.
•  Eat well—a good breakfast and healthy snacks are essential. Pack items like:
  • Bananas, bagels, apples, crackers, pasta salad, cheese sticks, granola bars, or trail mix
  • Water or diluted juice—no soda or sugary treats
•  Hydrate early and often—waiting until you're thirsty means you're already dehydrated.

Understanding Heats & Events

•  Heat and lane assignments are posted after warm-ups. Coaches will inform swimmers of their events.
•  You can also use the Meet Mobile app (if the host team enables it) to track:
  • Heat/lane info
  • Seedings
  • Real-time results
•  Bring highlighters and Sharpies—for younger swimmers, writing their event numbers and lanes on their arms or legs can help keep them organized.

Race Time Responsibilities

•  Swimmers must pay attention to which events are being swum.
  • Coaches focus on race observation and feedback and may not be able to chase down swimmers.
  • Report to the assigned lane  prior to the event.
  • Check in with the lane timer and line up in heat order.
  • After racing, check in with your coach for feedback.
  • If there is a cool-down pool, use it to recover and prevent cramping.

Meet Etiquette

•  Parents are not allowed behind the blocks or on deck—please stay in the designated spectator area.
•  No flash photography at the start of any heat.
•  Swimmers should stay off their feet between events—deck shoes help reduce fatigue.
•  Show respect to teammates, coaches, meet officials, and other teams at all times.
•  Encourage your swimmer to give their best effort—long course meets are great motivators for personal bests and team pride.

Officials – A Critical Part of the Team

At every MEY swim meet—whether a USA Swimming invitational or a YMCA dual meet—certified officials are required to ensure fairness, consistency, and safety. These volunteers uphold the rules and provide swimmers with the best possible competitive experience.

Having a strong base of trained officials not only helps our team meet host requirements but also enhances the meet experience for swimmers and families.

 

Why Become an Official?

• No prior swim experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a commitment to support the team.
• Officials gain a deep understanding of stroke technique and the rules of competition.
• Officiating is a great way to stay involved on deck and have the best seat in the house during races.
• You’ll be a role model for sportsmanship and help uphold YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Must be at least 18 years old to become certified.

What Do Swim Officials Do?

Officials serve in a variety of roles during meets, including:

• Stroke & Turn Judge – Ensures swimmers are using legal technique
• Starter – Begins each heat
• Referee – Oversees the entire meet and maintains order
• Relay Take-off Judge – Watches for early takeoffs in relays
• Finish Judge – Records finish order in some meets
• Chief Judge or Chief Timer – Supervises specific officials at larger events

Many of these roles apply to both YMCA and USA Swimming meets, especially during the long course season.

How Do I Become an Official?

YMCA Certification Path:

1. Take a Level I YMCA Officials Clinic (typically one evening).
2. Complete an open-book online exam.
3. Score 80% or higher to become certified.
4. Work at least 8 meets to be eligible for Level II certification.

USA Swimming Certification (Optional but Encouraged):

• USA certification allows you to officiate at sanctioned invitationals like Holiday Classic, Summer Sizzler, or Junior Olympics.
• Certification includes a clinic, shadowing sessions, and USA Swimming membership requirements.

 

Mentoring & Training

Yes, we mentor new officials!
New volunteers can apprentice with experienced officials at any meet—even away meets. Just speak with the referee beforehand to arrange a shadowing opportunity.

 

 

Officials Clinics

Clinics are scheduled throughout the year. A full list of upcoming training sessions will be available on the team website and announced via email.

• Level I Certification allows you to officiate most common roles (stroke & turn, timing, finish judging, etc.)
• Level II Certification allows you to serve as a referee, starter, or chief judge, and requires additional experience.

Team Suits & Apparel

All MEY Manta Rays swimmers are required to wear the official team suit at meets. If a swimmer chooses to wear a cap, it must also be a MEY team cap. Wearing the team suit helps build unity, professionalism, and team pride on deck. There will be a swim suit fitting Sunday September 21^st where you can purchase the team suit and all the necessary equipment

Team Apparel

• MEY team apparel (logo t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, and more) will be available for order through a team store link or order form shared by email and posted on the team website.
• Apparel orders are a great way for swimmers and families to show their team spirit throughout the season.
• Apparel also makes great gifts and can be worn proudly at meets and team functions.
• For questions, reach out to the Apparel Coordinator on the MEY Parent Association Board.

Social Events

At MEY, we believe in building strong relationships in and out of the pool. Our swimmers and families are known for their camaraderie, and we encourage all members to take part in the team’s social traditions.

Seasonal Social Activities May Include:

• Team Ice Cream Social
• Theme Days at Practice
• Team Dinners at Meets
• Game Days Days
• The End-of-Season  Banquet

Annual Awards Banquet

At the end of the season, we gather for a team banquet to celebrate the swimmers' hard work and accomplishments. This family-friendly event includes:

• Recognition of personal bests, team records, and sportsmanship awards
• Food, music, and photo opportunities
• A chance to honor every swimmer for their dedication and growth

The MEY Manta Rays are more than a team—we’re a community. We hope you’ll join us in making memories this season!