BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA

Polar Bears Competitive Youth Swim Team

Handbook 2022-23

Swim Levels

Swimmers are grouped using a two-tiered approach factoring age and ability.

Cubs: Ages 6-12 Yrs. Old

Focus:

Develop practice structure and workout rules
Introduce reading pace clock
Improving Kicking
Introduce and develop the four competitive strokes
Learn basic swimming rules
Develop leg endurance
Improve stroke techniques with drills
Learn competitive starts and turns
Emphasis in on effort
Emphasis on BFYMCA Core values

Attendance:

60 Minutes – 1 hour, 2/3 days/week, minimum 1 hour

Basic Requirements:

1x25 Freestyle or 1x25 Backstroke
1x25 Flutter kick with kickboard
Tread water for 1 minute

Juniors: Ages 7-14 yrs. Old

Admission Requirements: Placed by Coach

Focus:

Begin major aerobic development
Establish proficient and effective swimmers emphasizing good training habits
Continue leg strength
Master all drills
Encourage consistency in practice and attendance
Compete in all of the competitive strokes
Embrace a positive attitude in racing longer/distance events
Understand training toward championships
Promote greater time standard awareness
Emphasis on BFYMCA Core Values

Attendance: Junior swimmers are encouraged to attend as many practices during the week as possible

90 Minutes – 1 hour 30 Minutes, 4 days/week baseline

Seniors: Ages 12-18 Yrs. Old

Admission Requirements: Placed by Coach

Focus:

Maximize aerobic base
Participate in dry land training as given by coach
Demonstrate leadership skills, team pride and overall positive attitude
Emphasize the importance of negative splitting and distance swimming
Learn refine technique
Emphasis on BFYMCA Core Values
Mastering pacing and minimal drag

Attendance:

120 Minutes – 2 Hours, 5 days/week, attend 3-4 practices minimum

Practices

All swimmers should arrive at the Y a few minutes before the start of their practice. This allows time for changing, using the restroom, and being ready to start practice promptly. Any swimmer under the age of 13 must be escorted by a parent or guardian through the Y facility entirely; this includes but is not limited to the locker rooms and to the pool. Please wait with your swimmer until a coach comes to start practice. No swimmers are allowed into the pool until a coach is there and prompts for the start of practice. We are also implementing a three strike policy for all of our swimmers this year

Verbal Warning
Out of the pool for 5 Minutes and conversation with coach to explain why.
Out of the pool for the rest of practice

If you wish to stay and watch, you may do so from the observation deck which is located off from the main lobby.
Swimmers should be picked up shortly after the conclusion of their practice. Coaches have other responsibilities following practice and will not be supervising.

Practice Schedules May Change: BFYMCA is here to serve the community. For several years both Taconic High School and Wachonah High School swim teams utilize the Y during December and January and a bit into the month of February. Please be prepared that practice times could change. Swim team members are expected to abide by the code of conduct at all times.

Meets

Competitive swim meets foster the growth of each swimmer. Generally, meets are held on Saturdays or Sundays. Championships for those who qualify are usually Thursday-Sunday, and there is an additional fee for the season extension.

Please sign up for meets using the process requested by the head coach. It’s crucial to sign up by the posted date to allow coaches time to enter names and submit rosters. Not signing up by the requested date may prohibit the swimmer from participating in the meet.

Please participate in as many meets as possible!

Swimmers are expected to arrive at the meet at least 15 minutes before the start of warm-ups. The coaching staff and the host team must know who is in attendance and submit scratches if necessary.

Swimmers should also come prepared with goggles, team cap, suit and towels. It is recommended to pack an extra set of goggles.

Meets last approximately 3-4 hours.

At meets, parents need to be supportive of their swimmer and other swimmers. It is solely the coaching staff’s job to coach your swimmer. The coaching staff will analyze and critique swims.

At meets, parents are not allowed on deck as observers. Parents allowed on deck are volunteering as timers, coaches, bench parents, or officials.

Swimmers may visit their parents in the stands with the permission of the coaching staff.

Swim Wear

The Polar Bears do have a uniform competition swim suit and swim cap that will need to be purchased. The easiest is ordering it through the team's site on SwimOutlet.

Practice suits must be appropriate for competitive swimming. Customized suits with sayings or designs must be family appropriate.

Locker Rooms and Bathroom Breaks

There is no BFYMCA Staff supervision or coach supervision in Locker rooms. Supervision of a child under the age of 13 in the locker rooms and the facility is the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian. Allowing a child aged 13-17 to use the locker rooms on their own is at the discretion of the parents. A family changing room and restroom are available to use. A shower is available at the pool for rinsing off, which is mandatory before entering the pool. Soap, shampoos and conditioners are not allowed in the aquatics area.

A swimmer that needs to use the restroom during practice will inform the coach. If the swimmer is over 13 years old, then they may proceed to the restroom on their own and should immediately return to the aquatics area. The closest restroom is in the family changing room. A swimmer who is under the age of 13 cannot go unescorted to use the restroom. If the child’s parents are unavailable, the coach will ask the team for bathroom breaks and escort the group to the bathroom using the family changing room. If your child has a regular need for the bathroom half way through practice, please inform the coach and plan on checking with your swimmer about bathroom needs.

Being a Polar Bear Parent

Parents contribute to the success experienced by the child and the team. Parents serve as role models and their children value their attitudes. Be aware of this and serve as positive role models at all times. Please show good sportsmanship at all time towards coaches, officials, opponents and teammates.

Polar Bear parents or family members are expected to volunteer in some capacity to help BFYMCA Polar Bears become as successful as possible. There are many ways to assist the team - from participating in fundraising efforts to concessions, training as an official, timers, sponsorship, assisting with the computer setup, and much more. If you are unsure how to assist please speak with a coach or a Parent Group leader. Without your help and involvement, the swim team cannot continue and flourish.

From a practical standpoint, over-emphasis on speed, times and achievements will eventually end in frustration. As parents, ask yourselves:

Did the child learn to swim with more skill? Is he or she both stronger and safer in the water?
Did the child learn initiative, wanting to come to the pool and practice without having to be constantly pushed or prodded by parents and coaches?
Did the child benefit from the competitive experience? Is he/she learning how to handle winning and losing?
Did the child learn more patience in overcoming obstacles, setbacks, and problems?

Friendships and character are important. BFYMCA strives to instill values of Responsibility, Honesty, Respect, and Caring.

If you ever have a problem with something at a practice or meet, please see your swimmer’s coach first. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction please see the head coach. Please confront the issue with the coach privately after practice or by phone.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Steve Foley

2nd Head Coach: Nate Leighton

Assistant Coach: Claire Langlois

Assistant Coach: Kristin Leonard

BFYMCA Staff

Kayla McNeice
[email protected]
Branch Manager

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