Does my swimmer need to be a member of the YMCA?
Yes and No
The summer swim season does not require you to have a Massillon YMCA membership. Swimmers must obtain a Massillon YMCA membership to compete in our age group program during the winter season.
(Exception: High school swimmers that are looking for pre-season workouts do not have to have a membership)
How old does my swimmer need to be to join the team?
The Massillon YMCA Gators accepts swimmers starting at six years old.
What swimming requirements do you have?
Each new swimmer needs to be evaluated by a coach. We typically look to see if the swimmer can complete two laps of the pool without stopping. Additionally, the swimmer should be able to swim both freestyle and backstroke.
To set up a time for a swimmer evaluation, please contact Coach Scott Mazon | mazon.scott@gmail.com
When are practices?
Due to the number of swimmers in our program, we have split the swimmers into two groups.
Group 1 swims Monday to Thursday 5:30 to 6:30
Group 2 swims Monday to Thursday 6:30 to 8pm and Saturday 7:00 to 8:45
*Practice times may change.
Do you provide swim lessons?
No. This is a competitive swim team where we work with swimmers to develop better stroke technique, strength, and review core swimming concepts.
If you have a child interested in swimming and needs lessons, the YMCA offers great swim lessons for kids of all ages and levels. Check out their website: https://www.weststarky.org/mfy
Can you tell me about your coaches?
We currently have three coaches working with our swimmers. Each coach is an experienced swimmer and two have competed on Division 1 Swim Teams.
All our coaches are dedicated to helping swimmers achieve their best in the sport of swimming. We create challenging and purposeful practices, provide stroke technique and support the swimmer both in and out of the water.
Additionally, each coach is required to keep up their certifications for both YMCA and USA Standards, including Background checks, CPR and First Aid, Water Safety, Coaching Advantage Training, Athlete Protection Training, Foundation of Coaching (Continual Training), Concussion Protocol Training, and Safe Sport Training.
Do you have to come to all the practices?
No. However, you get out of the program what you put in. We encourage swimmers to attend all practices and meets but understand there are times you’re unable to come.
To participate in the Championship Meets (MOSL and Divisionals) you need to swim a minimum of 2-3 meets.
What swim leagues or associations are you with?
The Massillon YMCA Gators offers swimmers the opportunity to participate in both the YMCA and USA Swimming leagues. We’re one of the only programs that provide this to our families. We believe it’s important for the swimmers to have the ability to compete with athletes from different areas and abilities.
We are a part of the Mid-Ohio Swim League (MOSL) and USA Swimming during the summer.
What is USA Swimming, and do I have to join?
USA Swimming is an optional program for swimmers. I usually tell parents/swimmers USA Swimming is like “travel baseball,” where you select and swim in meets around the Northeast Ohio region. The level of competition is a little higher than regular dual meets and can offer swimmers the chance to race a more competitive group of swimmers.
EVERYONE is welcome to join USA Swimming, no matter the skill level. This additional cost is not included in the registration fee (the yearly cost is $76 – other short-term options are available).
The Massillon YMCA Gators are a part of the Lake Erie Swimming division: www.lakeerieswimming.com
What is Safe Sport?
Since the Massillon YMCA Gators is part of USA Swimming, we are required to go through USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program. It is a comprehensive abuse prevention program consisting of a multi-layered approach to keep kids safe.
We have taken this one step further by appointing a dedicated parent trained thoroughly about Safe Sport practices for a safe place for swimmers to go to if they don’t feel comfortable talking with their coach.
What does my registration fee go towards?
The Massillon YMCA Gators supports our swimmers by providing a safe and exceptional pool with the necessary training equipment, including kickboards, pull buoys, hand paddles, swim fins, resistance training equipment, and more.
Additionally, we provide swimmers with a t-shirt, swim caps, an updated website, and covers championship entry fees.
Does the team do fundraisers?
Yes. The Massillon YMCA Gators has an amazing support group that has allowed us to grow and offer swimmers much more than the fundamental equipment. While there are no required fundraisers, we do offer parents and swimmers the opportunity to contribute to the team.
How long do the meets last?
Dual meets usually last between 2-3 hours. We split our schedule between hosting home meets and traveling to other facilities (usually within a 45-minute drive).
USA Swimming meets can last approximately 4 hours and are located throughout Northeast Ohio. Some USA Swimming meets will be 2-3 days.
Do I need to volunteer?
You’ve heard, “It takes a village…” while the parent involvement is minimal, there will be occasions we will need parents to volunteer their time – it’s usually while we host swim meets at our facility.