Tryout Information and Minimum Requirements for the Newton Bluefish Swim Team.

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Who can join the Newton Bluefish Swim Team?

The team is open to competitive swimmers that are Newton residents ages 6 through 18 that have completed Level 4 swim lessons skills or above.  It is a program designed to promote competitive swimming for any youth seeking the opportunity to challenge himself or herself to achieve excellence in competitive swimming.  Athletes will receive quality coaching and training, including the development of good stroke technique.  The main goal of the program is to teach all aspects of competitive swimming as well as for each swimmer to enjoy the sport!  

A swimmer must be able to swim on his or her own. Coaches work with swimmers during the season to develop the four main swim strokes (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke).  If your swimmer is not ready for the swim team, a referral to the Newton Parks and Rec swim lesson program will be made. 

• Swimmers are expected to attend practices, dual meets (home and away) and the League Championship meet.

• Parents are expected to volunteer in assisting with running of the swim meets held during the season. 

These activities help Newton Bluefish maintain the high standards in programming.  The Newton Bluefish Swim Team program is limited to a League mandated maximum roster of 225 swimmers during the winter season.  Please keep in mind that the Newton Bluefish team reaches this maximum each season so it is not possible to take everyone that tries out.

Placement on the team will be determined by a variety of factors at the coach’s discretion, including a swimmer's ability to swim the four competitive strokes (fly, free, breast and back) correctly. 

Consideration may be given to previous team members who have demonstrated a commitment to attend both home and away meets on a consistent basis, and who have demonstrated a commitment to work hard at practice.  Younger siblings may be given legacy importance.

What can I expect during the tryout?

Team tryouts are based upon the age of the swimmer and their swimming abilities as of a November 1, 2023 League cutoff date. (For example, if a swimmer turns 9 after November 1, they will practice and compete as an 8 & under swimmer the entire winter season). The tryout will help the coaching staff determine your child’s swimming ability. Upon completion, a recommendation will be provided to the parent as to whether the child is ready to join the competitive swim team, or if he/she needs swim lessons prior to joining the team or if a current swimmer needs additional swim lessons. Swimmers who pass the entry level will be invited to join the swim team. 

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The minimum requirements are as follows:

8 and under age group:  The swimmer should be able to swim one length in the competition pool. One length (25 yards) of freestyle and one length of backstroke. He or she will be able to swim the length of the lane without stopping. For freestyle, swimmers must have their face in the water and use good rhythmic breathing. The swimmer must be able to attend a minimum of two practices a week and be able to focus and follow instruction for 45 minutes.  Swimmers are expected to swim all dual meets (home and away) and the League Championship meet.

9 & 10 age group:  The swimmer should be able to dive and swim two lengths in the competition pool. Two lengths (50 yards) of freestyle and two lengths (25 yards) of backstroke. He or she will be able to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping. For freestyle, swimmers must have their face in the water and use rhythmic breathing. The swimmer must be able to attend a minimum of two practices a week and be able to focus and follow instruction for 45 minutes.  Swimmers are expected to swim all dual meets (home and away) and the League Championship meet.

11 & 12: The swimmer should be able to do a basic start from the starting block (dive) and swim five lengths in the competition pool. Three lengths (50 yards) of freestyle and two lengths of backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. He or she will be able to swim the lengths without stopping. Swimmer should know freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, backstroke, flip turn, and basic starts from the starting blocks (dive). The swimmer must be able to attend a minimum of two practices a week and be able to focus and follow instruction for 45 minutes.  Swimmers are expected to swim all dual meets (home and away) and the League Championship meet.

13 – 18: Swimmers in this group should have previous swim team experience. The swimmer will be expected to know all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle) legally, racing dives and flip turns. Must be able to swim 200 yards freestyle and backstroke without stopping, 50 yards butterfly and 50 yards breaststroke.  Must be able to attend a minimum of two practices a week and be able to focus and follow instruction for 60 minutes.  Swimmers are expected to swim all dual meets (home and away) and the League Championship meet.

What is a league meet?

The Newton Bluefish Swim Team is a member of the Winter Swim League, which consists of 12 teams and a Championship meet the first weekend in March.                                                                 

Where do I go to try out?

Tryouts are held at the Newton North High School pool, 457 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA  02460.  If you are dropping off a swimmer on Tiger Drive, you CANNOT take a left onto Walnut Street when exiting.  Park in designated spots on Tiger Drive as the police do ticket and tow as sports buses returning need to enter and navigate the circle. Parking is also located on Elm Street (off Walnut Street) and along Hull Street, which is a one way off Walnut Street.  Note, Dexter Road (off Hull) is resident permit parking and the police do ticket.        

How should I prepare for the tryout?

If a swimmer has access to a pool before tryouts, please try to get them in the water before the tryout. This will give them more confidence during the try out.  During the tryout, please do not make your swimmer nervous.  All we ask is that they give their best effort!  A competitive swimsuit is not required for the tryout, but swimmers should have goggles and cap if they have long hair.  Our pool time is limited and we have quite a few swimmers trying out so we cannot talk to individual parents unless it is an emergency.  An email will be sent regarding the tryout within 72 hours after all the tryouts have been completed on Thursday October 26. 

Parents are allowed on the pool deck 10 minutes before the tryout for an introduction to the program before each session for tryouts.  Please be on time.  It is upsetting to some swimmers when they realize they are late and do not know what is going on.  A swimmer must be willing to stay on the pool deck without a parent, which is a facility rule.  Parents are always welcome to watch the sessions from the seating gallery above the pool.  When exiting the locker rooms, take a left, then right and walk up the stairs and take a left and the seating gallery is on the right.  Please do not distract your swimmer during the try out..

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