FAQs

Updated 08/16/09 09:30 PM

Who Can Join Our Swim Team?

All children age 5 to 18 that can Swim a length of freestyle with rotary breathing and a length of backstroke. Swimmers have varying levels of skill and experience. Some have swam for 8 years... Others have never been on a swim team before.

When Can I Join?

Swimmers can join any time. Unfortunately, the fees are not pro-rated. So, starting early is most cost-effective. The first practice is September 8 at Canon-McMillan High School. The first practice at Trinity is on September 10. But, swimmers join at all points during the season. 

Do I Have to Be a Good Swimmer?

The coaching staff will evaluate all new swimmers. Swimmers that do not yet have the skill level to join the team (see the first item above) will be referred to the CMMVY swim lesson program.

Where is Practice Held?

Practices are held at Canon-McMillan High School until November 1 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Those practices move to Canonsburg Middle School from November 1 through March 31.

Practices are held at Trinity Middle School on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday All Season.

Programs return to Canon-McMillan High School from May 1 through October 31.

When will we have more practices at either site?

Coaching availability and swimmer interest level will determine additional practice nights. We hope to add a Wednesday night practice at C-M as soon as possible. Multiple coaches are typically on deck at all practices. Life guards are also on duty during practices. Facility conflicts at C-M on Fridays make the Trinity site more use-able.

What is the practice schedule?

Full practice runs from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM Monday through Friday

How Long is the Fall/Winter Season?

Practices begin September 8 at Canon McMillan and September 9 at Trinity. The season runs through February for all 8 and Under swimmers, and March for other swimmers.

Who Are the Coaches?

Our coaching staff consists of at least  3 paid professionals. Steve Leonardi is the head coach. Steve has been coaching in the Y program for over 15 years. All coaches are employees of Mon Valley YMCA.

Does Everyone Swim in Meets?

All swimmers participate in dual meets. There is no "bench" like in other sports.

How Often Do We Have to Practice?

You may attend practice on any night at either site. Swimmers that are 10 and under should practice at least 2 times per week. It is not necessary to come to all practices. Swimmers over 10 should practice at least 3 nights per week. Any questions about the appropriate practice frequency for a swimmer may be discussed with the coaches.

What are the Fees?

A Program Fee and Mon Valley YMCA youth membership are required. Please see our New Swimmer Registration Packet for more details

Why do I have to join the Mon Valley YMCA?

This is a Mon Valley YMCA "outreach" program. All rules and policies of the Mon Valley YMCA will be followed. The team is associated with the YMCA because we believe in the values and principles of the YMCA. The application of these values and principles to competitive swimming yield wonderful results. Membership is also required to participate in all swim meets-and, as such, is a requirement to participate on the team.

Can I Go to the Mon Valley YMCA in Charleroi?

Absolutely. The swimmers are full youth members of Mon Valley YMCA. They have full youth privileges at the fabulous Mon Valley YMCA in Charleroi. This is just a short drive (20 to 25 minutes for most). The YMCA encourages our team members to participate in all of its fine programs. 

How Can We Swim as a Separate Team from Mon Valley YMCA team based in Charleroi?

Our League, the WPYSL, will allow MVWYST and Mon Valley to compete separately for the Dual Meet Season ONLY. THE TEAMS WILL BE COMBINED FOR DISTRICTS AND STATES AS REQUIRED BY THE PARENT "EAST FIELD SOUTH" ORGANIZATION.

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