Benefits of Competitive Swimming:

* Improves total fitness

* Builds character

* Promotes self-discipline

* Teaches goal setting

* Improves self-esteem

* Teaches sportsmanship and teamwork

* Instills values of dedication and commitment

* Develops lasting friendships

Schedules:

Winter Team

* Practices: Monday – Friday 5:30-7:30 PM (with Saturday & Sunday practices for senior swimmers)

* Dual meets: Saturdays  (approximately 6 each season)

Summer Team

* Practices: Monday – Friday 5:30 - 7:30 PM

* Dual meets: Monday and Thursday evenings (approximately 6 each season)

Prerequisites:

Swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards on front and back.  Swimmers must be 18 years of age or under on the league cut-off dates listed below. The swimmer's age on that date will determine their competitive age bracket for the duration of the swimming season. To participate on the Winter Team, all swimmers must have a one-year membership to the YMCA of Cecil County.  YMCA membership is not required for participation on the Summer Team.

Winter Team  Age up Date: Dec 1^st

Summer Team Age up Date: May 31^st

Practice Groups:

Developmental Group: Ages 8 and under

Swimmer’s primary focus is proper stroke development.  Coaches instruct the swimmers in the water.  Practices are designed to provide 80% stroke development and 20% training.

Age Group: Primarily ages 9-12

Coaches teach primarily from the deck.  Practices are designed to provide approximately 50% training and 50% mechanical instruction.

Senior Group: Ages 13 and over

Practices are designed to provide approximately 80% training and 20% mechanical instruction.