These are the essential elements of the YMCA competitive aquatic philosophy: * Support and instruct every swimmer on the team. * Work on basic skills and teach good physical habits. * Teach fair play and mutual respect. * Help swimmers set and evaluate individual and team goals. * Foster a winning attitude, in victory and defeat. * Encourage lifetime involvement in sports and physical activity. * Work with the whole person, spirit, mind, and body. * Provide opportunities for swimmers to achieve the maximum potential the sport has to offer. *Swim team training begins during September and ends during the month of March or April (depending on whether your child qualifies for Nationals). Placement on the team depends upon training group availability. Swim team practices are divided into groups by ability level (coach's recommendation).