Tritons Swim Team FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Tryouts
We know that being part of a swim team might be new to you and your child. Please read through our FAQs about swim team tryouts to enable you to arrive ready and prepared to put your best stroke forward!
Please arrive to the facility wearing your face covering. Individuals who are not properly wearing a mask will not be allowed into the building. Make sure your athlete arrives wearing their bathing suit. Changing rooms will only be available after tryouts.
Metro North Tritons is a year-round competitive team offering technique instruction for athletes of all ages and abilities. There are many benefits to getting your child involved in the competition, including:
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- Promote physical development.
- Develop aerobic endurance.
- Enhance a child’s natural flexibility and promote muscle development.
- Develop superior coordination.
- Encourage fitness and enjoyment for life.
- Promote time management.
- Swimming is an important safety skill for young children.
It’s fun. It’s great exercise and helps build confidence. It’s a great way for your child to meet other kids in the neighborhood. It’s a great way for you to meet other parents.
A tryout is an evaluation done by our coaching staff to identify which group would be best for your child to practice with. Each athlete is different and may or may not be ready to join the team. The tryout will last up to 15 minutes. Swimmers should be ready to swim with swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. A cap is recommended for swimmers whose hair is longer than their shoulders. Divers should arrive already wearing their suits.
If your child is 6 to 18 and can swim a lap of the pool then they should register for tryouts. Generally, our minimum requirement for entry-level swimmers on the team consists of being able to swim 25 yards of freestyle with proper breathing technique and 25 yards of backstroke, all unassisted.
NO! We recommend kids complete Level 4 in our swim lesson program before trying out for the team. No child is required to complete a specific lesson level before attending tryouts.
Generally, our minimum requirement for entry-level divers on the team consists of Hurdle, Front and back jumps, Line-ups and entries, forward and back dives, progressing to forward 1 SS and inward dive.
The only form you need to complete is our evaluation form. You will receive it right when you arrive.
When you arrive at the pool, please wait for the coaches to address the group. They will instruct each athlete which where and in what order their evaluation will be in. After the evaluation, the coach will give a brief assessment of their performance. You will be contacted within one week after tryouts to inform you if your child is able to join the team at this time.
Divers need to arrive already wearing their suits.
Swimmers must come to tryouts ready to swim. This includes:
- Proper swimming suit.
- Goggles
- Swim cap (kids with long hair should wear a cap)
Contact our Welcome Center or register online to reserve your try-out time slot. If you are not a member of the YMCA of Metro North you will need to create an online account.
Unfortunately, we have limited spaces available in each practice group. We are NOT able to accept every child who attends tryouts. You will be contacted by one of the coaches within 1 week of your tryout to let you know if your child is able to join our team, or if they will be put on the waitlist.
We will keep a list of all athletes who attend tryouts and which practice group they are best suited for. If space does become available you will be contacted by one of the coaches. They will let you know which practice group your child will be in and how to register.
Send your email questions to ymntritons@metronorthymca.org, and your question will be answered or directed to the right person.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tritons
If you are asking yourself, “What did I just get myself into?”, you are not alone! Being a new swim parent can be overwhelming, with tryouts and registrations, equipment purchasing, and deciphering the meet schedule. We are here to help!! Please read the following FAQ as well as the YMNT handbook.
Any athlete or coach experiencing any symptoms of fever, recent cough, unusual fatigue, or headache, or who has had any exposure to someone who has any symptoms, should remain at home and seek medical treatment. Any athlete or coach with a fever or symptoms of illness may not attend practice until 14 days after the fever or symptoms has ceased. Athletes and staff must see a physician and be cleared for training after being diagnosed or suspected to have COVID-19. For us all to stay healthy and be able to keep practicing, we ask our athletes to please practice responsible social distancing (staying 6’ away from others, avoiding large gatherings) when they are away from the pool as well.
Unfortunately, we have limited spaces available in each practice group. We are NOT able to accept every child who attends tryouts. You will be contacted by one of the coaches within 1 week of your tryout to let you know if your child is able to join our team or if they will be put on the waitlist.
We will keep a list of all athletes who attend tryouts and which practice group they are best suited for. If space does become available you will be contacted by one of the coaches. They will let you know which practice group your child will be in and how to register.
Show up to practice positive and ready to work. Be Responsible and prepared for every practice. Be respectful of yourself, your teammates, and your coaches. Be caring and treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. Be honest, you are the one accountable for your actions.
The Metro North YMCA Tritons Swimming & Dive team has a strong tradition of parent involvement. You are expected to arrange transportation for your swimmer to all scheduled practices as well as meets. Every meet requires parent volunteers.
We believe attendance at practice is essential for success. You should make every effort to be at all practices. Should you have an emergency or appointment that necessitates missing a practice, try to let the coach know in advance.
As a competitive program, the Metro North Tritons support YMCA, AAU, and USA competitions. The focus of the Tritons is on providing opportunities for all of our athletes to showcase their hard work and dedication by competing against other athletes in their age group. Meets are held at a variety of locations throughout the New England area. It is expected that parents arrange transportation for their athletes to attend meets.
Send your email questions to ymntritons@metronorthymca.org and your question will be answered or directed to the right person.