Who may apply?
1. Swimmers in our WEY Spring Training are ages 6 to 18, but college swimmers ages 19-21 may also apply and train with us in their off-season.
2. Members of WEY Swim Team Fall-Winter Season are strongly encouraged to use Spring Training to improve their strokes, starts, turns, and body balance in ways that are valuable building blocks toward our next phases of competition! Winter team members should NOT attend try-outs.
3. New applicants who have completed the Pre-Team or an equivalent level program are encouraged to try out for Swim Team Spring Training. Ask your instructor if you are ready to try Swim Team.

When are Try-Outs?
Try-outs are required for new applicants. Please attend try-outs on Friday, April 11, 2008 beginning at 6:45pm. Your prompt arrival at 6:45pm is very important, dressed in swimsuit and goggles, and ready to swim. Parents, please fill out the try-outs registration page when you arrive on the pool deck at 6:45pm (no pre-registration is necessary). We will need the child's age, phone, and family email address. We will finish try-outs at about 8:00pm.

What will we swim at Try-Outs?
New applicants should expect to swim a warm-up of about 300 yards freestyle plus another 600-800 yards total, divided up into 50 yard swims of all 4 competition strokes. We will not evaluate swimmers as much on speed as stroke knowledge, endurance, and attention to detailed instructions.

Results of Try-Outs
Results of April 11 try-outs will be posted on this web page by 5pm on April 12. Results will explain who is accepted to Swim Team Spring Training, and into what training group they are accepted. Results may also recommend some swimmers to other programs such as the Porpoise class or the Pre-Team.

REGISTRATION & FEES

All WEY Fall-Winter Team Members will find a coach-signed registration form for Spring Training in their Mail File at the Y at 5pm on April 1, 2008. Your registration is recommended prior to April 10.

NEW Applicants to WEY Spring Training, who are approved to join, will find a coach-signed registration form for Spring Training in their new Mail File at the Y at 5pm on April 14, 2008.

Once you have received your coach-approved registration form, please process registration at the YMCA Welcome Center. Registration forms are NOT available from the Welcome Center staff, nor from anyone but swim team coaches. Registration MUST be completed with proper, coach-approved, signed paperwork. Swimmers and parents may NOT select training groups without coach recommendation.

PROGRAM FEES
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) YMCA Full Privilege Facility Membership is required for participation in any swim team programs.
2) WEPO (West Essex Parents’ Organization) collects a Booster Fee ($12 for this Spring Training session) to defray expenses such as league dues, professional association dues, travel, equipment, awards, and more.
3) Participation in WEY Spring Training and/or Summer Training does not indicate acceptance to WEY Fall-Winter Team.
4) Registration to USA Swimming is required for participation in swim meets, and will be processed for new applicants after beginning training. Additional fee of $50 applies, or $5 for transfer athletes. Swim meet entry fees will also be assessed.
5) Please read Team Guide 2007-2008 for rules on attendance, behavior, etc.
6) YMCA Policy on this program is “No Refunds, No Credits, No Make-Ups.”

Equipment Needed for Spring Training
SWIMMERS SHOULD WEAR A CAP AND GOGGLES for EVERY practice as well as a training swim suit (Speedo, TYR, or the like. Girls, no two-piece suits. Boys, no surf shorts or loose shorts). "Drag Suits" are not necessary for Spring Training. Sneakers are required for dryland & weight training.

All swimmers must have a pair of FINS to train with every day, such as Zoomers brand fins, or another variety that is NOT LONG like a scuba fin. FINS ARE A NON-NEGOTIABLE TRAINING TOOL FOR THIS SPRING SESSION! MOST OF THE DRILLS WE WILL PERFORM REQUIRE FINS - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS BRING FINS TO PRACTICE!
Training fins as well as several optional team equipment items and apparel are available from our team vendor Ultimate Swim Shop (call 800-628-SWIM).