Are you experiencing a surge of new swimmers due to Phelps Mania? In addition to an entirely new crop of potential swimmers, the Summer Leaguers, Country Club swimmers and High Schoolers across New England are looking to join a team. Right now! Are you ready for them?

It's an exciting time for swimming and we look forward to being a part of your upcoming season. We've added some new features to the website to help you manage your administrative needs, attract and retain swimmers and grow your program. Take a look at our resources page for the following information:

• Marketing - information for your YMCA, Aquatics Department and Parent Volunteers for creating professional and appropriate marketing materials - YMCA Logo's, artwork, media materials, photographs, Internet Communications Policies and more.
   
  
• Web Site - a comprehensive sample team website utilizing Google Sites. If you are guilty of having an out-of-date website or don't even have a website consider looking at the free Google Sites. Follow the tutorial to learn how to create a site similar to the sample -- we've even included instructions on how to include Hy-Tek reports in your website! The best part is you don't need to be a computer wiz to use this service. If you can create an email or send an instant message you can create a basic website.
   
  
• E Tools - are you aware of the YSWYMS Database, the YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving Message Boards, or the Google Map of New England Pools so generously shared by ANA's John Silva of all the swimming pools in Eastern New England? With your input we hope to include every competition pool in New England by the end of the season.
   
  
• For Coaches & Aquatics Staff - the YMCA Exchange is your one stop shop for information such as Rules that Govern YMCA Competitive Sports, Overview of YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving, Competitive Swimming and Diving technical assistance paper and a powerful presentation for your staff and parents "Everybody Wins, YMCA Competitive Swimming and Diving" . The YMCA Aquatics Catalog is where you'll books such as the Rookie Coaches Swimming Guide, Championship Swim Training, The Swim Coaching Bible, Swimming Drills for Every Stroke, Coaching Swimming Successfully.
   
  
• Coming Soon - Hy-Tek hints, Coaches Handouts, Fundraising That Works, Forms & Sanction Numbers and more.

Why do we do this? Because we love YMCA Swimming and all that it stands for. By sharing meet information and resources we can increase the opportunities for our athletes to swim and thrive within the YMCA program. In just a few short months we've helped new coaches, aquatics staff and even a new YMCA President with their programs - and matched swimmers with on-deck coaches for Championship meets they might otherwise not have attended. We hope you join us in our efforts.

Here's to the best season ever and a bumpercrop of new hopefuls for 2012!

Rick & Leslie