Pre-Season Letter 2018-2019 MALDEN YMCA Crocs Swim Team Dear Parents/Guardians of potential swimmers, Welcome to The Malden Crocs 2018-19 swim season! We look forward to welcoming your child to the team! Our team philosophy: The purpose of the Malden Y swim team is to provide an enjoyable environment for our young athletes, and to encourage a life-long love of swimming, while also teaching correct swimming techniques and strategies. We have developed many championship swimmers in our program, and while we love to see our swimmers improve their times and win their races, our primary goal is to foster a love for the sport in all our team members. Please note that this is a competitive swim team, and attendance is expected at YMCA dual meets. A meet schedule will be posted on our website. Our meets are very low-pressure affairs, and our swimmers enjoy the competitive meet experience. Practices: Our team is divided up into 10 practices groups. These groups are based on age and ability. All children 12 years old and younger are placed in a Mini or Junior group. Based on their ability, your swimmer will practice as a Mini White, Junior White, Junior Silver, Junior Red, Junior Black, or Junior Select. All children 13 years old and older are placed in a Senior group; White, Red, Black or Select. Coaches will assign your child to a practice group. Please note the days and times of practice before committing to the season. Due to the team s size it is difficult for us to accommodate alternate schedules. We do understand that your child may have other activities or commitments, and might not make every practice. If you have a problem with one of the practice times every week, please contact the coaching staff.
Financial Information: Required: Swim Team Fees: between $300 and $735, depending on practice group YMCA membership* $13 or $22 per month depending on age Goggles (at least 2 pairs) ~$20 Malden Crocs Team Suit Malden Crocs Swim Cap(s) Malden Crocs Team T-Shirt *Family memberships also available if parents want to join too! Please inquire at the Welcome Center Fee Schedule: All families will be expected to fill out our Swim Team Payment Option Agreement form (Bank Draft). During Registration, you will be asked to pay in full, or return the completed payment form. Financial Aid: Please fill out our included financial aid form and drop off at the Welcome Center of the YMCA (along with $75 deposit). Returning financial aid recipients must reapply to be considered. Financial aid for memberships is also available; please check the membership box on the included financial aid form. It takes membership 1-2 weeks to process financial aid. Swim Meets: Dual Meets: No Charge YMCA Invitationals: $40 USA Swimming Invitationals: $45 Championships Meets (qualified swimmers only): fees vary ~ $25-$95 ALL SWIMMERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN A MINIMUM OF 3 SWIM MEETS! USA Swimming Fee: $78 USA Swimming is an additional experience offered to the Malden YMCA Crocs. USA Swimming participants will have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national swim meets against other YMCA swim teams, as well larger club and private teams. A USA Swimming registration is REQUIRED for the following groups: Senior Select Senior Black A USA Swimming registration is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the following groups: Senior Red Junior Select Junior Silver
Equipment your child needs for practice: Practice swim suit(s) - please do not send your swimmers to practice in their team suits. Quality Goggles we recommend Speedo or TYR goggles, which may cost more, but work better and last longer. Our team s favorite goggles? Speedo Vanquishers. Practice swim cap latex or silicone Water bottle Towel
Frequently asked questions Q. Does my child need to be a Malden YMCA member to be on the swim team? A. Yes! League rules stipulate that your child needs to be a Y member in order to compete. Swimmers must be members when registering for the team, and must keep their membership current throughout the season. Membership costs are as follows: Youth membership (ages 12 and under): $10 joining fee + $13/month Teen membership (ages 13-18): $10 joining fee + $22/month 1-adult family (one adult plus all children): $50 joining fee + $59/month 2-adult family (two adults plus all children): $75 joining fee + $73/month Q. Does my child need to participate in swim meets? A. Yes! All Malden Crocs are required to participate in our Dual Meets. These competitions are meant to be fun and stress free. As with any other sports program, competition is a mandatory and exciting part of being on a team. Invitationals are optional, and are a great way for young swimmers to experience another level of competition. Q. What does my child need everyday for practice? A. Every child needs a quality set of goggles, a swim cap, and a FULL water bottle. Yes, your child NEEDS goggles and a swim cap. We recommend Speedo or TYR goggles, and any swim cap that will keep their hair back. We strongly recommend all swimmers purchase 1-3 practice suits. Recreational swimwear is not conducive to competitive swim practices, no matter what level your child is at. Q. When is a good time to speak with a member of the coaching staff? A. Between 3:00p and 3:45p, or right after the last practice of the day is usually the best time to speak with the coaching staff. Please respect the fact that we have to start practice on time, and the start of practice is typically NOT a good time to speak with us. Forgive us in advance when we need to cut you off to get to practice, and cannot help you with your question. You can always call the office phone at 781-324-7680 x214 or email us at maldencrocs@gmail.com if you have questions that need to be answered!
Coaches: Morgan Chase, Head Coach Tyler Greff, Assistant Coach Tricia Argentina, Assistant Coach Team Contacts Phone: 781-324-7680 x214 Please note this is the Aquatics Office phone number and coaches are not in the office during regular work hours. You can leave a message for the team on this number and someone will return your call. Email: maldencrocs@gmail.com Website: www.ymcamlden.org Click on Programs >Youth Development > Swim Team Please check website frequently for news and updates! Please see the coaching staff ASAP if you do not have regular access to the internet, as team communication is very dependent on regular checking of email and the website. Please review the FAQs included in this packet first, as they may answer your questions! We hope you and your child continue to have a positive experience with the Malden Crocs! Sincerely, Morgan Chase Head Coach