Tryouts and Group Placement

Only the coaching staff decides if and where swimmers will be placed on the team. All new swimmers must first try-out according to their age as of 12/1 (NJ YMCA birthday rule). The swimmers will be evaluated on their stroke technique, interaction with others, how well they listen, and their overall physical, mental, and emotional level of development.

Training Philosophy

Our coaching staff believes that “too much, too soon" more often proves the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in swimming than the reverse situation. We understand that each child progresses at his or her own rate to reach maximum potential. 

The SAY swim team follows a progressive age group development model designed to develop children physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion. We use a well-defined, long-term approach to the sport, through which swimmers gradually increase their degree of commitment. The early years on our team emphasizes the development of technical skills and a love for competitive swimming. As the swimmers grow and mature, the training program and swim meets become more physically and psychologically challenging. While our practice schedule offers flexibility, each group is given specific attendance goals for the season. At minimum, swimmers must hold 40% and above in their attendance, otherwise they will have to re-tryout for the team. 

Seal Pups Pre-Team (ages 6-8)

This is our pre-team for 6-8 year olds. Swimmers in our Seal Pups group can perform at least two of the four competitive strokes. Seal Pups are introduced to racing skills such as dives, turns, and streamlines. Strength and coordination in the water are necessary, but we primarily aim to help these little seals gain confidence, build team spirit, and have fun. Seal Pups participate in our dual meets and are encouraged to swim at our hosted invites such as Discovery. Families must choose and stick to at least 3 out of 4 offered practices per week.

8&Unders (ages 7-8)
*This is an entry level group*

This is an entry level group for 7-8 year olds. 6 year olds may be invited to this group. Swimmers in our 8&Under group can perform at least three of the four competitive strokes and are ready to learn more advanced stroke skills and technique. Swimmers are introduced to racing skills such as dives, turns, and streamlines. Strength and coordination in the water are necessary, but we primarily aim to help these little seals gain confidence, build team spirit, and have fun. Discussions will be held about our team and YMCA core values, and athletes in this group will review how to apply these values during swim team practice and in daily life.

Junior 1 (ages 9-10)
*This is an entry level group*

This is an entry level group for 9-10 year olds and also for those swimmers moving up from our 8&Under or Seal Pups programs. Junior 1 swimmers aim to master stroke technique, improve aerobic endurance, and begin to compete in a wide range of events. Discussions will be held about our team and YMCA core values, and athletes in this group will review how to apply these values during swim team practice and in daily life.

Junior 2 (ages 10-12)

This group is for 10-12 year-old swimmers with competitive swimming experience. Junior 2 expands upon the foundation achieved in our 8&Under or Junior 1 groups and take the next step in more challenging practices. Practices are geared towards stroke development with a heightened focus on IM and freestyle endurance training. Athletes in this group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the core values of our team and the YMCA. 50% attendance of all practices to be eligible for the Sun Kissed Jr/Sr Championships. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to participate in spring clinic and July long course to continue their stroke development and aerobic training.

Junior 3 (ages 11-13)

This group is for swimmers with competitive swimming experience. Practices are geared towards stroke development with a heightened focus on IM and freestyle endurance training. Athletes in this group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the core values of our team and the YMCA. 50% attendance of all practices in order to be eligible for the Sun Kissed Jr/Sr Championships.

Senior Prep (ages 12-14)

This group is for swimmers with a strong competitive swimming background. Senior Prep group is the highest level in our Age Group Program and embodies the transition from an age group swimmer to a committed Senior athlete. 65% attendance of all practices in order to be eligible for the Sun Kissed Jr/Sr Championships, 75% attendance requirement for YMCA Nationals. Swimmers in this group must commit to our team’s mission and program goals, and will be expected to adhere to the core values of the YMCA.

Seniors (ages 14-18)

This group is for swimmers who are in high school and who have the ability and desire to train at a high level and have shown a commitment to our team and practice group goals. Additionally, swimmers in this group are expected to be team leaders and role models, as well as mature, responsible and dependable athletes. New swimmers to the group will learn to handle advanced endurance training as they focus on improving their technique in all four competitive strokes. To maintain practice continuity, avoid overtraining and reach optimal performance, it is recommended that athletes keep the coaches abreast of all high school swimming and non-swimming commitments so that a plan of action that best suits the individual needs of each swimmer can be put into place. Attendance will be reviewed every month to maintain swimmer’s awareness of training. 65% attendance of all practices in order to be eligible for the Sun Kissed Jr/Sr Championships, 75% attendance requirement for YMCA Nationals. Swimmers in the Senior group are encouraged to make a year-round commitment to swimming as their primary sport.