Swim Team Must-Knows

Mario Francisco Sobrinho

Swim Team Must-Knows

Membership & Commitment

  1. YMCA Membership – All swimmers must have an active YMCA membership to participate.

  2. USA Swimming Registration – All swimmers must also be registered with USA Swimming. Instructions can be found on the team website under the News section.

  3. Mandatory Participation – The first 4 months of swim team are mandatory.

  4. Season Commitment – By signing up, you are committing through the end of July, unless you provide the YMCA with a written 30-day notice before the first day of the following month.

  5. Fall–Winter Season – Runs until late March or early April.

  6. Breaks – The team takes a 2-week break between seasons.

  7. Summer Season – Runs until late July or early August.

  8. August – No practices or charges in August.

  9. Annual Form – All swimmers must complete a new swim team form each year.

  10. Uniform Fee – A one-time $40 uniform fee includes 2 swim caps and 1 team shirt.

  11. Team Suit – All swimmers are expected to have either a team suit/jammer or a solid black Speedo suit.

  12. Equipment – Most equipment is provided by the team. Group-specific requirements are posted on the team website, along with a link to our SwimOutlet team store.

  13. Financial Assistance – The YMCA offers financial assistance for both membership and swim team fees. If you need support, please contact the YMCA front desk for details.

  14. Fee Processing – Swim team and swim meet fees are processed through the YMCA system, not through the swim team portal.

Training Groups

  • Olympic Stroke 1, 2 & 3
    Focus on swimming basics: circle swimming, send-offs, reading the clock, fundamentals of the four strokes, streamlines, turns, and finishes.

  • Pre-Age Group
    A transition group reinforcing technique, building fundamentals, and learning how to train.

  • Age Group 1, 2 & 3
    Advanced swimmers with more intense practices. Training progresses with age and group level, while continuing to emphasize strong technique.

Attendance Requirements

  • No Minimum Requirement – Our team does not require a set attendance level. Each family may decide the right balance for their swimmer.

  • Commitment Matters – Keep in mind that group fees do not change, regardless of how often your child attends. Also, the more consistently a swimmer trains, the greater their chances for success.

  • No Make-Ups – Monthly fees remain the same regardless of the number of practices offered or attended. Therefore, no make-up practices are provided.

  • Meet Fees – Once you sign up for a swim meet, you are responsible for all associated fees. Swim meet fees are non-refundable.

  • Billing – Swim meet fees will be sent to you via email with a payment link. If not paid on time, the YMCA will charge your account directly and may include a processing fee.

Swim Meets

Parent Participation

  • Required: All parents are expected to help at swim meets. If your child competes, you will be assigned a job.

  • Away Meets: Typically require 2–3 timing shifts, each lasting 1–1.5 hours.

  • Home Meets: We expect 100% of families to volunteer in some capacity.

Meet Types

  • We participate in YMCA Connecticut League, YMCA Northeast/Nationals, and USA Swimming meets.

  • All swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming/CT Swimming.

  • Meets are clearly labeled on the team calendar as YMCA or USA events.

  • Times are interchangeable between YMCA and USA Swimming.

Meet Sign-Up

  • Swim meet sign-ups are completed on the team portal: teamunify.com/ymca-0964 .

  • To sign up: log in, go to the Event Page, and click Declare or Decline.

  • It is strongly encouraged to decline any meets your child cannot attend. This helps coaches stay organized and reduces reminder emails.

  • Choosing Events:

    • You may select the events your child would prefer to swim.

    • Or, you can leave a note for the coaches with details such as:

      • Which days your child will attend (e.g., “Saturday only”).

      • How many events you’d like your child to swim.

      • If you’re unsure, simply ask the coaches to choose.

  • Eligibility: All swimmers on the team are ready and eligible to compete at meets in some capacity. Coaches will guide event placement.