Northampton Area Swimming
Spring/Summer 2008
Our Spring/Summer season begins April 7, 2008 and ends in July (TBA)
(Fees do not include US registration fee of $55 for All swimmers)
Northampton Area Swimming is a competitive swim team for swimmers ages 6 through High School and beyond. The
emphasis for swimmers at team practice and swim meets is always improving and acheiving personal bests, being
a great team member, showing sportsmanship and team spirit. Winning events can be fun, but it is not how winners
are defined on our team. Swimmers who improve valuable life skills, focus, practice habits, self-esteem, or attitude,
in and out of the pool are winners and help define NAS as a winning team. NAS will host two local meets at Smith College
this summer, which all swimmers and parents will need to attend (these are team fundraisers, in addition to great
local swim meets). There will be many optional meets on our schedule, mostly long course (in 50 meter pools) taking
place in Eastern MA and all over New England.
Novice Team and 8 & Unders
for younger swimmers and swimmers with limited knowledge
and skills in competitive swimming. Prerequisites include the ability to
swim 2 consecutive lengths of the pool (one free, one back) and a minimum
age of 6. Swimmers in this group will learn the four competitive strokes
with proper starts and turns, as well as drills and skills to help develop
good swimming technique. Swimmers at this level are encouraged to compete
at the appropriate meets hosted by our team, and other meets as ready.
Practice is offered 3 times per week (1 hour each), MWF 6:30-7:30 pm; attendance is strongly
encouraged. $140
Novice Plus
for the Novice/8 & Under swimmers who have more experience in competitive swimming and are ready for additional
practice time (competitive strokes are good/legal and swimmers will benefit from some endurance training),
as well as new swimmers over age 8, who still need to learn the 4 competitive strokes and competitive swimming
skills. MWF 6:30-8:00 pm. $160
Age-Group Team
for swimmers with experience swimming all four competitive strokes, as well as legal IMs,
turns, and starts. Generally, swimmers in this group are aged 9-12 (younger swimmers with
10 & Under Age-group cut times may swim in this group). Some less experienced teens may also
swim with this group. Swimmers need to be able to swim 200 yards continuously and must have
the ability to read and follow a pace clock. Training will include endurance building, developing
efficiency, gaining speed, and competitive techniques. Swimmers at this level are expected to participate
in the appropriate meets hosted by our team and any Championship meet for which they have qualified.
Practice is offered 5 times per week (1.5 hours each), M,W,F 6:30-8:00 pm, Tu,Th 7:00-8:30 pm;
attendance at a minimum of 3 per week is strongly encouraged. $190
Senior Team
for swimmers (mostly 13+ or any with Open/13 & Over cut times), knowledgeable, experienced, and proficient
in training and competition and dedicated to the sport. Training includes intense swimming, distance and
sprint work, numerous drills to improve efficiency, more advanced competitive techniques, and development of
pace strategies. Swimmers at this level are expected to participate in the appropriate meets hosted by our
team and any Championship meet for which they have qualified. Practice is offered 5 times per week
(1.5 – 2 hours each), MWF 6:30-8:30 pm and T/Th 7-8:30 pm attendance at a minimum of 4 per week is
strongly encouraged. $210
US/NE Swimming
All swimmers registered for Northampton Area Swimming must be US Registered. Swimmers and families choose most
meets and events for US meets (meet entry fees are your responsibility). US/NE registration fee includes
subscription to Splash (US Swim Magazine). $55 for new swimmers.
Swim Meets
All swimmers and families are expected to participate in the meets hosted by our team (set-up &/or take down
and work at sessions) and make donations for the food table for each meet, and Age Group and Senior Swimmers
are expected to participate in any Championship meets for which qualified. All other meets offered are
optional, but meets are recommended to give swimmers and coaches more skill focus at practice sessions.
Swimmers are expected to have meet attire, including a team cap for all meets (if a cap is worn).
Practice Info
All swimmers are expected to be on time for practice and prepared with caps (a must for longer hair) and/or goggles.
Other equipment is recommended, including fins and pull-buoys. Parents are not allowed on deck during practice
for all groups. All practices begin on Monday, April 7, 2008 and end in July (date TBA)..
For more information, please read the Team Handbook or email Sherry at sherbw@comcast.net