This is for anyone interested in swimming on the Friendship YMCA swim team. Please register each swimmer for just 1 session, evaluation will take about 10 minutes – after the assessment is complete the coach will inform you of which practice level your swimmer should be registered for or if your swimmer should continue with swim lessons or the pre-competitive program.

This is for NEW swimmers to the Friendship team. Previous team members do not need to register for an assessment unless they are requesting to move up a level.

The Family Registration Fee for the 2024/2025 season is $125 if you have 1 swimmer, $225 for multiple swimmers. 

(NOTE: The registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.)

Returning team members can begin registering on Monday, August 12th.

New members to the team can begin registering on Wednesday, August 14th. New team members must have attended one of our evaluation sessions and assigned a practice group by the coaches.

For high school swimmers, the program’s focus shifts to supporting their success in the pool while allowing for flexibility around increased demands from other commitments such as academics, college preparation, jobs, etc. Swimmers at this level are strongly encouraged to participate in USA Swimming as a way to get access to more meets, higher-level competition, and the opportunity to compete in longer distance events. This is especially important for swimmers seeking to register nationally recognized times in a more complete and well-rounded portfolio of events for college recruiters.

Focus

• Equally developing highly advanced stroke technique & highly advanced training skills.
• Highest Level of Commitment and Workout Ability.
• Mature, Dedicated, Responsible, & Dependable.
• Must maintain good academic standing.
• Positive role model for younger swimmers.

Required Skills

• Ability to complete a 90-minute practice.
• Commitment to attending practice regularly.
• Strong understanding of intervals, sets, pace and race strategy, and “swimming language.”
• Ability to compete in 200 free, 200 IM and 100 stroke distance events.
• Be able to hold 5×100 Free on 1:20 or under.
• Be able to hold 5×100 IM on 1:45 or under.
• Be able to hold 6×50 stroke on 0:50 or under.
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 0:45 or under.
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 2:15
• Read a pace clock and sets without coach aid.
• Can maintain 3500-4500 yards per practice.

Workout Commitment (with FSY)

During High School Pre-season:

• Min (1) practice per week.
• Max (5) practices per week.

During high school season:

• Min (0) practices per week.
• Max (5) practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Compete in at least 1 Y Meet and 1 USA Meet per month.
• Preference to meet attendance will always be deferred to high school meets being the top priority attendance.

Goals

• Compete in the 200 free and 200 IM event once in the season.
• Build a strong work ethic, endurance, and commitment.
• Develop long term goals for the sport, beyond high school age.
• Become adequately prepared for swimming post-high school graduation.

Ability to understand pace and race strategy

PRACTICE TIME: Monday-Friday 3:30-5p

For high school swimmers, the program’s focus shifts to supporting their success in the pool while allowing for flexibility around increased demands from other commitments such as academics, college preparation, jobs, etc. Swimmers at this level are strongly encouraged to participate in USA Swimming as a way to get access to more meets, higher-level competition, and the opportunity to compete in longer distance events. This is especially important for swimmers seeking to register nationally recognized times in a more complete and well-rounded portfolio of events for college recruiters.

Focus

• Equally developing highly advanced stroke technique & highly advanced training skills.
• Highest Level of Commitment and Workout Ability.
• Mature, Dedicated, Responsible, & Dependable.
• Must maintain good academic standing.
• Positive role model for younger swimmers.

Required Skills

• Ability to complete a 90-minute practice.
• Commitment to attending practice regularly.
• Strong understanding of intervals, sets, pace and race strategy, and “swimming language.”
• Ability to compete in 200 free, 200 IM and 100 stroke distance events.
• Be able to hold 5×100 Free on 1:20 or under.
• Be able to hold 5×100 IM on 1:45 or under.
• Be able to hold 6×50 stroke on 0:50 or under.
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 0:45 or under.
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 2:15
• Read a pace clock and sets without coach aid.
• Can maintain 3500-4500 yards per practice.

Workout Commitment (with FSY)

During High School Pre-season:

• Min (1) practice per week.
• Max (5) practices per week.

During high school season:

• Min (0) practices per week.
• Max (5) practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Compete in at least 1 Y Meet and 1 USA Meet per month.
• Preference to meet attendance will always be deferred to high school meets being the top priority attendance.

Goals

• Compete in the 200 free and 200 IM event once in the season.
• Build a strong work ethic, endurance, and commitment.
• Develop long term goals for the sport, beyond high school age.
• Become adequately prepared for swimming post-high school graduation.

Ability to understand pace and race strategy

PRACTICE TIME: Monday-Thursday 7-8:30p & Friday 6-7:30p

This is our beginner level where we work with our youngest swimmers and older kids who are new to the sport. Our focus is initially on proper body position, basic kicking, breathing and balance in the water, then on fundamental stroke instruction in all four strokes. To deliver this most effectively, we staff these practices with a coach in each lane, providing mostly in-water, hands-on instruction that directly and frequently guides and corrects swimmers to achieve proper technique.

Lane groupings are organized into three tiers to keep lesson plans for each lane focused on the needs of 3 distinct groups of swimmers:

• Tier 1: Swimmers who are brand new to swimming and can only complete required skills.
• Tier 2: Swimmers with experience in swimming and are legal in freestyle and backstroke.
• Tier 3: Swimmers who understand the concepts of breast and fly, but are not yet legal in those strokes.

Focus

• Develop stroke technique.
• Develop interest in competing & training.
• Develop an understanding of competition, including legal strokes, legal starts & legal turns.

Required Skills

• Comfortable in deep water.
• Comfortable in a group setting away from parents during practice time.
• 8 & under
  • Ability to complete one length of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.
• 9 & over
  • Ability to complete one, preferably two lengths of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.

Workout Commitment

• (2) 45-minute practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Green Level (formerly Developmental) swimmers that the coaches assess prior to meets to be ready for competition will be included in meet lineups and are expected to compete.
• Those who are assessed to be not yet ready for competition will not be required to participate in meets until they are ready.
• The decision to promote pre-competitive swimmers to “meet ready” will be based on coaches’ assessment of readiness athletically and in consultation with parents to ensure they are mentally and emotionally ready for competition.
• The decision to promote exhibition swimmers to live heats will be based on their times.
• Swimmers must compete in (3) dual meets in order to participate in the Divisional Championship meet.

Goals

• Complete legal starts.
• Underwater streamlining.
• Achieve competent body position in water.
• 8 & under
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 25 yards.
• 9 & over
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 50 yards.
  • Complete legal turn.
• Have fun

This is our beginner level where we work with our youngest swimmers and older kids who are new to the sport. Our focus is initially on proper body position, basic kicking, breathing and balance in the water, then on fundamental stroke instruction in all four strokes. To deliver this most effectively, we staff these practices with a coach in each lane, providing mostly in-water, hands-on instruction that directly and frequently guides and corrects swimmers to achieve proper technique.

Lane groupings are organized into three tiers to keep lesson plans for each lane focused on the needs of 3 distinct groups of swimmers:

• Tier 1: Swimmers who are brand new to competitive swimming and can only complete required skills.
• Tier 2: Swimmers with experience in competitive swimming and are legal in freestyle and backstroke.
• Tier 3: Swimmers who understand the concepts of breast and fly, but are not yet legal in those strokes.

This is NOT swim lessons.

Focus

• Develop stroke technique.
• Develop interest in competing & training.
• Develop an understanding of competition, including legal strokes, legal starts & legal turns.

Required Skills

• Comfortable in deep water.
• Comfortable in a group setting away from parents during practice time.
• 8 & under
  • Ability to complete one length of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.
• 9 & over
  • Ability to complete one, preferably two lengths of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.

Workout Commitment

• (2) 45-minute practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Green Level (formerly Developmental) swimmers that the coaches assess prior to meets to be ready for competition will be included in meet lineups and are expected to compete.
• Those who are assessed to be not yet ready for competition will not be required to participate in meets until they are ready.
• The decision to promote pre-competitive swimmers to “meet ready” will be based on coaches’ assessment of readiness athletically and in consultation with parents to ensure they are mentally and emotionally ready for competition.
• The decision to promote exhibition swimmers to live heats will be based on their times.
• Swimmers must compete in (3) dual meets in order to participate in the Divisional Championship meet.

Goals

• Complete legal starts.
• Underwater streamlining.
• Achieve competent body position in water.
• 8 & under
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 25 yards.
• 9 & over
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 50 yards.
  • Complete legal turn.
• Have fun

This is our beginner level where we work with our youngest swimmers and older kids who are new to the sport. Our focus is initially on proper body position, basic kicking, breathing and balance in the water, then on fundamental stroke instruction in all four strokes. To deliver this most effectively, we staff these practices with a coach in each lane, providing mostly in-water, hands-on instruction that directly and frequently guides and corrects swimmers to achieve proper technique.

Lane groupings are organized into three tiers to keep lesson plans for each lane focused on the needs of 3 distinct groups of swimmers:

• Tier 1: Swimmers who are brand new to swimming and can only complete required skills.
• Tier 2: Swimmers with experience in swimming and are legal in freestyle and backstroke.
• Tier 3: Swimmers who understand the concepts of breast and fly, but are not yet legal in those strokes.

Focus

• Develop stroke technique.
• Develop interest in competing & training.
• Develop an understanding of competition, including legal strokes, legal starts & legal turns.

Required Skills

• Comfortable in deep water.
• Comfortable in a group setting away from parents during practice time.
• 8 & under
  • Ability to complete one length of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.
• 9 & over
  • Ability to complete one, preferably two lengths of the pool in a recognizable stroke, on the stomach and back, without stopping.

Workout Commitment

• (2) 45-minute practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Green Level (formerly Developmental) swimmers that the coaches assess prior to meets to be ready for competition will be included in meet lineups and are expected to compete.
• Those who are assessed to be not yet ready for competition will not be required to participate in meets until they are ready.
• The decision to promote pre-competitive swimmers to “meet ready” will be based on coaches’ assessment of readiness athletically and in consultation with parents to ensure they are mentally and emotionally ready for competition.
• The decision to promote exhibition swimmers to live heats will be based on their times.
• Swimmers must compete in (3) dual meets in order to participate in the Divisional Championship meet.

Goals

• Complete legal starts.
• Underwater streamlining.
• Achieve competent body position in water.
• 8 & under
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 25 yards.
• 9 & over
  • Complete all four strokes legally for 50 yards.
  • Complete legal turn.
• Have fun

This practice level is for swimmers ages 14-18/in high school AND ONLY swimming for until the High School Season Starts.

FSY’s High School Open Program is designed to give high school swimmers flexibility and guidance from coaches they can relate to and who understand local high school and college swimming from their perspective. Participants in this program use either their existing Family or Individual Friendship YMCA membership, or purchase – directly from the Friendship YMCA – a low cost, FSY Teen Membership for access to the lap lanes whenever it’s most convenient for them, from September through the end of the YMCA and PIAA seasons

Throughout the season, designated FSY coaches will:

• Meet individually with the swimmer periodically to:
  • Create and maintain an Individualized Development Plan.
  • Help set appropriate goals.
  • Provide guidance on high school swimming experience.
  • Provide guidance for evaluating and applying to college programs.
  • Lead groups of participants on trips to college meets to meet and speak to college coaches (within applicable NCAA and PIAA rules).
• Provide swimmers with workouts to complete on their own schedule as necessary.

High School Open Program, Pre/ Post Season: September – the beginning of high school season then continue after the HS PIAA season is over to train and compete for the Y championship meets.

This program is a low-cost option to practice prior to the PIAA season from September through mid-November for swimmers who expect to get all of the work they need during the PIAA season in their high school program. As Open Program participants, they can practice at any time. They will be supported by FSY coaches staffing our Gold and Silver Level practices during the Pre Season period

Swimmer are able to attend up to (5) 1.5 hour practices per week.

This practice level is for swimmers ages 14-18/in high school AND ONLY swimming for until the High School Season Starts.

FSY’s High School Open Program is designed to give high school swimmers flexibility and guidance from coaches they can relate to and who understand local high school and college swimming from their perspective. Participants in this program use either their existing Family or Individual Friendship YMCA membership, or purchase – directly from the Friendship YMCA – a low cost, FSY Teen Membership for access to the lap lanes whenever it’s most convenient for them, from September through the end of the YMCA and PIAA seasons

Throughout the season, designated FSY coaches will:

• Meet individually with the swimmer periodically to:
  • Create and maintain an Individualized Development Plan.
  • Help set appropriate goals.
  • Provide guidance on high school swimming experience.
  • Provide guidance for evaluating and applying to college programs.
  • Lead groups of participants on trips to college meets to meet and speak to college coaches (within applicable NCAA and PIAA rules).
• Provide swimmers with workouts to complete on their own schedule as necessary.

High School Open Program, Pre/ Post Season: September – the beginning of high school season then continue after the HS PIAA season is over to train and compete for the Y championship meets.

This program is a low-cost option to practice prior to the PIAA season from September through mid-November for swimmers who expect to get all of the work they need during the PIAA season in their high school program. As Open Program participants, they can practice at any time. They will be supported by FSY coaches staffing our Gold and Silver Level practices during the Pre Season period

Swimmer are able to attend up to (5) 1.5 hour practices per week.

The Orange Level (formerly Pewter) covers a range of swimmers, from those who have recently achieved legal form in at least three strokes to those that are competing effectively in 50-yard events. These swimmers tend to be grade school-aged, competing in the 8 & under and 9-10 age groups with some 11-12 age group swimmers as well. They are all working on gaining competence and consistency in their stroke technique while learning additional skills such as turns and breathing strategies as part of multi-lap sets.

For these swimmers, we employ a hybrid of in-water and on-deck instruction.

Our focus is on establishing strong habits with the solid technique fundamentals needed to swim 50s in competition. Distance practice and dryland training are not yet appropriate at this level. Our time, effort, mental focus, and physical development are focused on proper swimming skills and habits.

Focus

• Equal between developing stroke technique & training skills.
• Foster competitive interest.
• Introduce basic goal-setting.

Required Skills

• Be legally proficient in 3 strokes, with an understanding of all 4 strokes.
• Competent starts and turns.
• Complete 4 laps free and a 100 IM, each one must be done continuously without resting at walls.
• Complete a 50 free in under 1:15.
• Complete 3x25s in each stroke in under 0:45.

Workout Commitment

• (2) 1-hour practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• USA registered swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least 3 USA meet sessions during the season.
• Compete in 1 meet per month

Goals

• Complete all 4 strokes legally.
• Complete all starts and turns legally.
• Be able to swim 4×50 free on 1:15.
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:40
• Complete a set of 3×100 free on 2:30 and a set of 3×100 IM on 3:00.
• Ability to swim a 200 free under 3:30
• Continue development of competent body position.
• Begin to understand and develop Distance Per Stroke (DPS).
• Read pace clock and understand practice sets with coaches’
• Have fun!

The Orange Level (formerly Pewter) covers a range of swimmers, from those who have recently achieved legal form in at least three strokes to those that are competing effectively in 50-yard events. These swimmers tend to be grade school-aged, competing in the 8 & under and 9-10 age groups with some 11-12 age group swimmers as well. They are all working on gaining competence and consistency in their stroke technique while learning additional skills such as turns and breathing strategies as part of multi-lap sets.

For these swimmers, we employ a hybrid of in-water and on-deck instruction.

Our focus is on establishing strong habits with the solid technique fundamentals needed to swim 50s in competition. Distance practice and dryland training are not yet appropriate at this level. Our time, effort, mental focus, and physical development are focused on proper swimming skills and habits.

Focus

• Equal between developing stroke technique & training skills.
• Foster competitive interest.
• Introduce basic goal-setting.

Required Skills

• Be legally proficient in 3 strokes, with an understanding of all 4 strokes.
• Competent starts and turns.
• Complete 4 laps free and a 100 IM, each one must be done continuously without resting at walls.
• Complete a 50 free in under 1:15.
• Complete 3x25s in each stroke in under 0:45.

Workout Commitment

• (2) 1-hour practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• USA registered swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least 3 USA meet sessions during the season.
• Compete in 1 meet per month

Goals

• Complete all 4 strokes legally.
• Complete all starts and turns legally.
• Be able to swim 4×50 free on 1:15.
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:40
• Complete a set of 3×100 free on 2:30 and a set of 3×100 IM on 3:00.
• Ability to swim a 200 free under 3:30
• Continue development of competent body position.
• Begin to understand and develop Distance Per Stroke (DPS).
• Read pace clock and understand practice sets with coaches’
• Have fun!

Swimmers in the Purple Level (formerly Silver) are typically older grade school and early middle school kids who have achieved solid competency in all strokes and most events. The focus of the Purple Level program is on refining technique and building endurance. In support of that, all practices in the Purple Level are 90 minutes all in the water. Coaching at these levels transitions to all on-deck.

Swimmers at this level are expected to demonstrate commitment to their development through strong attendance, excellent listening skills, and practice discipline. They are encouraged to participate in USA Swimming as a way to get access to more meets, higher-level competition, and the opportunity to compete in longer distance events.

Dry Land Training is expected to be on the athlete own time.  Being members of the Y the swimmers can have access anytime to the many types of strength training available to them.  We will incorporate and several dry land exercises that the swimmers can do beginning of practice to prepare for the workout.

Focus

• Equal between developing advanced stroke technique & advanced training skills.
• Develop goal-setting skills.

Required Skills

• Grasp of sets and intervals.
• Understanding the concept of Distance Per Stroke (DPS).
• Ability to read a pace clock and sets without coach aid.
• Ability to swim continuously for 15 minutes with proper turns at each end.
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 1:00
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:30
• Hold legal proficiency for 5×50 in all strokes under 1:15.
• Complete a set of 4×100 free on 2:00.
• Complete a set of 4×100 IM on 2:30
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 3:00.
• Can maintain 3000-3500 yards per practice

Workout Commitment

• Minimum (2) 1.5-hour practices per week.
• Maximum (5) 1.5-hour practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Attend 1 YMCA and 1 USA Meet per month.
• Attend Team championship meets.

Goals

• Compete in the 200 free and/or 200 IM event once in the season.
• Be able to hold 5×100 free on 1:30.
• Be able to hold 5×100 IM on 1:45
• Be able to hold 6×50 stroke on 0:50
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 0:45
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 2:30
• Continue to work towards strong kicking ability.
• Refinement of starts and turns to “high school ready” level.
• Ability to compete in 200 stroke events, 500 free, and 400 IM.
• Ability to understand pace and race strategy.
• Begin rigorous dryland training and stretching routine.

PRACTICE:
Mon/Wed/Fri 3:30-5p

Swimmers in the Purple Level (formerly Silver) are typically older grade school and early middle school kids who have achieved solid competency in all strokes and most events. The focus of the Purple Level program is on refining technique and building endurance. In support of that, all practices in the Purple Level are 90 minutes all in the water. Coaching at these levels transitions to all on-deck.

Swimmers at this level are expected to demonstrate commitment to their development through strong attendance, excellent listening skills, and practice discipline. They are encouraged to participate in USA Swimming as a way to get access to more meets, higher-level competition, and the opportunity to compete in longer distance events.

Dry Land Training is expected to be on the athlete own time.  Being members of the Y the swimmers can have access anytime to the many types of strength training available to them.  We will incorporate and several dry land exercises that the swimmers can do beginning of practice to prepare for the workout.

Focus

• Equal between developing advanced stroke technique & advanced training skills.
• Develop goal-setting skills.

Required Skills

• Grasp of sets and intervals.
• Understanding the concept of Distance Per Stroke (DPS).
• Ability to read a pace clock and sets without coach aid.
• Ability to swim continuously for 15 minutes with proper turns at each end.
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 1:00
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:30
• Hold legal proficiency for 5×50 in all strokes under 1:15.
• Complete a set of 4×100 free on 2:00.
• Complete a set of 4×100 IM on 2:30
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 3:00.
• Can maintain 3000-3500 yards per practice

Workout Commitment

• Minimum (2) 1.5-hour practices per week.
• Maximum (5) 1.5-hour practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Attend 1 YMCA and 1 USA Meet per month.
• Attend Team championship meets.

Goals

• Compete in the 200 free and/or 200 IM event once in the season.
• Be able to hold 5×100 free on 1:30.
• Be able to hold 5×100 IM on 1:45
• Be able to hold 6×50 stroke on 0:50
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 0:45
• Be able to complete 200 free in under 2:30
• Continue to work towards strong kicking ability.
• Refinement of starts and turns to “high school ready” level.
• Ability to compete in 200 stroke events, 500 free, and 400 IM.
• Ability to understand pace and race strategy.
• Begin rigorous dryland training and stretching routine.

PRACTICE Time is: Mon/Wed 7-8:30p & Fri 6-7:30p

In the Red Level, formerly Bronze, we see the introduction of more performance-based qualifications that a swimmer must meet or exceed to be assessed at this level. Bronze swimmers are typically older grade school kids that have achieved legal competency in all strokes and are very competitive in their best events. Our focus remains on technique, with emphasis on establishing strong habits of proper form in all strokes over somewhat longer sets. Coaching is primarily from the deck, but in-water instruction may still be employed, as the coaches deem appropriate.

Red (Bronze) Level swimmers are encouraged to participate in USA Swimming as a way to get access to more meets, higher levels of competition, and the opportunity to compete in a greater variety of events than are possible in age-group dual meets alone.

Focus

• Equal between developing stroke technique & training skills.
• Foster competitive interest.
• Introduce basic goal-setting.

Required Skills Bronze Level

• Be legally proficient in all 4 strokes.
• Competent starts and turns.
• Basic pace clock reading skills.
• Be able to hold 4x50s free on 1:15.
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:40.
• Complete a set of 3×100 free on 2:30 and a set of 3×100 IM on 3:00.
• Complete a 200 free under 3:30
• Swims 2000 yards per practice

Workout Commitment

• (3) 1-hour practices per week.

Competition Commitment

• Compete in all YMCA dual meets.
• USA registered swimmers are encouraged to compete in at least 1 USA meet per month.

Goals

Same as Orange (formerly Pewter) Level, plus:

• Grasp of sets and intervals.
• Understanding the concept of Distance Per Stroke (DPS).
• Ability to swim continuously for 15 minutes with proper turns at each end.
• Be able to hold 6×50 free on 1:00.
• Be able to hold 4x25s in each stroke on 0:30.
• Hold legal proficiency for 5×50 in all strokes under 1:15.
• Be able to complete a set of 4×100 free on 2:00 and a set of 4×100 IM on 2:30.
• Be able to complete a 200 free in under 3:00.
• Ability to compete in USA IMX events (e.g., 200 free, 200 IM, and 100 stroke distance events).
• Continue development of competent body position.
• Beginning to understand pace and race strategy.
• Work towards strong kicking ability.
• Be able to read pace clock and sets without coach’s aid.