WESTERN YMCA SWIM TEAM FAQ’S:

GETTING STARTED:

Do swimmers have to be members of the YMCA?

Yes.  All swimmers must have an active membership of the YMCA.  For more information on YMCA membership, please click here.

Do swimmers have to maintain a Family Membership at the YMCA of Delaware?

No. While swimmers can certainly have a Family Membership, there are various options for YMCA membership. While swimmers can certainly have a Family Membership. Swimmers ages 12 and older can have a Youth Membership. Swimmers ages 6-11 can have a Swim Team Only Youth Membership.

Swim Team Youth Membership: The YMCA of Delaware will offer Swim Team Only Youth Membership for children ages 6 to 11. Details are available at the membership desk. This membership can only be used for Swim Team Registration, Practices, and Events.  You will not be able to use this membership to register for any other YMCA programs. Per YMCA policy, swimmers under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Parents of swimmers under 12 will have to stay in building (pool deck or lobby) while their children are at practice.

What is the first step to joining the team?

We require all swimmers to be evaluated by the coaching staff to ensure correct practice group placement.  Please click here to schedule an evaluation.

My swimmer has never been on a competitive swim team.  Is there a place in the program for them?

Yes.  Our Academy level practice group is a great place for a swimmer who has completed a swim lesson program and want to start swimming competitively.

I see that the season begins in September.  Are swimmers able to join later in the season?

Registration is open throughout the season.  However, to provide high quality practices and low swimmer to coach ratios, each practice group has a maximum capacity.  Once a practice group has reached capacity, swimmers will be placed on a waitlist until a spot in the group becomes available.

PRACTICES:

My swimmer still needs help with their stroke technique.  Do the coaches work on technique, or do the swimmers just swim laps at practice?

Our program is built swimming correctly.  Practices are structured around teaching proper technique.  All swimmers receive instruction and feedback from our professional coaching staff.

If my swimmer improves, will they be able to change practice groups during the season?

Yes.  The practice group assigned to your swimmer at the beginning of the season is simply the best place for them to start the season.  As your swimmer improves, the coaches will recommend when it is for them to move to the next highest practice group.  Coaches will speak with a parent and come to an agreement on when the move will take place.  Coaches will not move swimmers until they feel that they are “more than ready” to succeed in the higher practice group.  If you have a question about when your swimmer will be ready to change groups, please speak to you primary coach.

What is the practice attendance policy?

We do not have a formal practice attendance policy.  However, we would like our swimmers to come to practice as often as possible.  The more swimmers come to practice, the faster they will improve.  We understand that children may be involved in several activities.  We encourage our swimmers to enjoy activities away from the pool. 

What should my swimmer bring to practice?

We ask that swimmers come to practice with all appropriate equipment.  All swimmers should have the following equipment at practice:  swim suit, swim cap, goggles, water bottle, fins.

MEETS:

What are the different types of meets that the team attends?

Our swim team attends 3 different types of meets.  YMCA Dual Meets are one day meets between our team and a team from another YMCA.  YMCA Invitational Meets are larger championship-style one to two day meets attended by several teams.  USA Swimming Meets are larger championship-style one to to three day meets.  You can always find the most up to date meet schedule here.

What is USA Swimming?

USA Swimming is the largest governing body of swimming the United States. Being a member of USA Swimming provides another level of competition for our swimmers.  There is a separate registration fee to join USA Swimming for the season.

How do I register my swimmer to attend a meet?

Registering to attend a all done through our TeamUnify website (www.SwimSussex.com).  You can find instructions on how to register for a meet here.

What is the cost of attending a YMCA Dual Meet?

There is no charge to attend a YMCA Dual Meet.

What is the cost of attending a YMCA or USA Swimming Invitational Meet?

Invitational meets do require entry fees.  The cost is determined by the club hosting the meet.  These fees are typically “per event”.  This cost will always be posted in the full meet information on the website.  There is a $20.00 per swimmer YMCA of Delaware invitational meet fee.  All meet fees will be charged through your YMCA account.  Once the entry deadline has passed, our swimmers are responsible for all meet fees.

There are a lot of meets on the meet schedule.  Are we required to attend all meets?

No.  We would like all of our swimmers to attend as many meets as possible, but we understand that our families have busy schedules away from the pool.  If you are unable to attend certain meets, that is allowed.

What is the commitment of payment for meet entry fees?

Once the meet entry deadline has passed, your YMCA account will be charged for the meet entry fees.  At this point, the YMCA of Delaware is committed to pay the host club the applicable entry fees for your swimmer, thus your account will be charged.

FINANCIAL:

How is the program billed?

At registration, you will pay for your first month of swimming, along with the $50.00 team registration.  With your registration fee, you will receive a team cap and T-shirt.  Beginning on the 1^st of your second month in the program, you will be billed the monthly program fee.  You can find the program costs here.

How long is the season?

We are a year-round competitive swim team.  At registration, our swimmers will sign-up to swim September through July.  However, if you are unable to do the full eleven-month season, you may cancel your program membership (more information on our cancellation policy below).

What is the cancellation policy?

In order to cancel a YMCA of Delaware Swim Team and not be charged additional monthly fees, families must contact the Swim Team Registrar by the 20^th of the month to ensure cancellation of the following monthly fee.  Notice of cancellation received after the 20^th of the month will be subject to the following month’s program fees.  You can read the full cancellation policy and fill out the withdrawal form here.

What is the commitment of payment for meet entry fees?

Once the meet entry deadline has passed, your YMCA account will be charged for the meet entry fees.  At this point, the YMCA of Delaware is committed to pay the host club the applicable entry fees for your swimmer, thus your account will be charged.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS:

Is there a parent volunteer commitment?

Yes.  We ask that all parents volunteer for events throughout the season.  There are several volunteer opportunities.  All swim meets come with volunteer assignments for each team.  We must fill our assigned positions for the meet to run successfully.  Away from the pool, we need volunteers to help organize and run our social events.

What are some of the parent volunteer opportunities?

Beyond the “one time” volunteer needs of the team, there are several areas where parents can make a positive contribution to the program.  Parents who want to be more involved can train to become an Official (either poolside or administrative).  We also need parents to help run our fun events for the swimmers (banquet planning, team dinners, holiday parties, etc).

COMMUNICATION:

What is the best way to speak to a coach?

Our coaches are happy to speak with you about your swimmers progress and how to best support them.  Email is our preferred method of contact.  Please email your coach to set up a time to meet.  Please do not speak to the coaches while practice is in session. 

Who do I reach out to if I have a question?

Our Swim Team Registrar is available to answer any questions that you may have.  You can reach the Swim Team Registrar via email at [email protected].