Facilities

piranha_facilities

Henry Ziegler Pool at the Darien YMCA

The Ziegler Pool is a 6-lane 25 yard facility with a maximum depth of 10 feet and minimum dept of 4 feet. The Ziegler features a high vaulted wood ceiling, a new Colorado Timing board, one meter diving board, spectator seating of 150 and a spectacular view of Holly Pond and Long Island Sound.

 

 

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The Studios at the Darien YMCA

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The Kirk Rhein Wellness Center

 
The “Wellness” Center boasts 14 Treadmills, 19 Crosstrainers, 4 Stairmasters, 5 Lifecycles, 3 Rowers, 6 Stationay Bikes, 7 Station Circuit Weight Machines, medicine balls, foam rollers, free wieghts and more. 
 

wellness center

 

 

 

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Stroke Clinics

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Spring 2014 Stroke Evaluation Clinic – April 7th – 10th 

 
The Spring Stroke Clinic is offered to swimmers 7 years and up (swimmers aging up to 7 by the end of the year can participate).  All new swimmers including winter-only 2013-2014 Piranhas who did not register for Long Course 2014 or Fall or Winter House must attend the Spring Stroke Clinic to be considered for membership on the Team.  Any returning Fall or Winter 2013-14 House swimmer who wishes to remain in House for the Spring does not have to participate in the Spring Clinic.  Registration for Stroke Clinic may be done online or in-person at the Y by following the YMCA’s Spring 2014 Registration Schedule.  Returning full year Piranhas or seasonal Piranhas who participated in Fall or Winter House are not required to attend the Spring Stroke Clinic.  
 
All new swimmers including House swimmers must attend the Spring Stroke Clinic to be evaluated for Team. Fall and Winter House swimmers do not have to be evaluated for Spring House.  Each swimmer considering the stroke clinic should be able to swim at least three of the following strokes:  freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly, as well as be able to dive into the pool. During the clinic coaches will teach drills for all four competitive strokes, analyze technique and work towards correcting technical flaws.  New swimmers will be evaluated and some will be invited to join the Piranhas or House Swimming.  It is important for all swimmers to attend all four days of stroke clinic.  If you have conflicts please inform the coaches.  New swimmers who attend the stroke clinic are not guaranteed placement on the Team or House.  We have limited space on both and some kids will be put on a wait list or referred to lessons in an effort to keep kids in the pool.  Parents and swimmers will be notified via email about placement no later than one day after the completion of the clinic (see Y session brochure or clinic letter for detailed date and time).  Emails will contain all the necessary information about registration, start dates, suit fitting, etc.
 

Fees:

Members $105

Non-Members $165

 
 
April 7th -10th
Monday – Thursday
Monday: 6:15-7:00pm
Tuesday: 6:30-7:15pm
Wednesday: 6:15-7:00pm
Thursday: 6:30-7:15pm
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Short Course Practice Schedule

2012-13 Short Course Practice Schedule Sept 10 – March 12

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
House xxx 4:45 – 5:30p xxx

4:45 – 5:30p

xxx 9:00 – 9:45a
Maia 4:15 – 5:00p xxx

4:15 – 5:00p

xxx

4:15 – 5:00p

9:45 – 10:45a

Nautilus II

6:15 – 7:15p

xxx

6:15 – 7:15p

xxx

6:30 – 7:45p

9:45 – 11:00a

Nautilus I

6:15 – 7:15p

6:30 – 7:15p

 6:15 – 7:15p

6:30 – 7:15p

6:30 – 7:45p

9:45 – 11:00a

Poseidon 7:15 – 8:30p

7:15 – 8:30p

7:15 – 8:30p

6:30 – 7:30p DL 5:15 – 6:00p
Sw 6:15 – 7:00p

9:45 – 11:15a

Junior ll 6:30 – 8:00p 6:30 – 8:00p

6:30 – 8:00p

7:30 – 9:00p DL 4:15 – 5:15p
SW 5:15 – 6:15p

6:30 – 8:00a

Junior

4:15 – 6:15p

5:30 – 7:00a
DL 5:30 – 6:30p

4:15 – 6:15p

5:30 – 7:00a
7:00 – 9:00p

4:15 – 6:15p

6:30 – 8:00a
Senior 4:00 – 6:30p 5:30 – 7:00a
DL 4:00 – 5:00p

4:00 – 6:30p

5:30 – 7:00a
6:30 – 9:00p

4:00 – 6:30p

SW 6:00 – 8a
DL 8 – 8:45a

DL = dry lands.   
Please note that early morning Thursday practices will not start until mid-late October. 

 

 

 

 

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Fundraising

piranha_fundraising
Each Piranha family is required to participate in the Team’s fundraisers.  Every other year, the Team runs a Swim Challenge, a large effort swim-a-thon for which all Piranhas are obliged to collect pledges at minimum levels.   The minimum required level of financial participation will be determined by the PAC during its annual budgeting process.  On alternate years, the PAC will determine if a smaller fundraiser is required to meet their goals in support of the Team.  Fundraiser participation is a requirement of Team membership. Any requests for variation on your payment must be approved by the Head Coach before registration. Any swimmer in arrears of fundraising requirements will not be permitted to practice until account is settled.
Money raised from fundraisers fund guest speakers, Team items such as tents for summer meets, Team banners, much needed computer software for the coaching staff, timing equipment and allows the coaches to attend travel meets and clinics. 
 
2011 Commitment
As stated in your registration information you were given at the beginning of the swimming year, the commitment for each family is detailed in the packet cover letter.  Any family who fails to raise the minimum amount will have the amount deducted from their meet fee account.
 
2014 Packet cover letter
2014 Pledge Sheet
2014 Prize List
2014 Swim Challenge Schedule

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Long Course Practice Schedule II

2012 Long Course Practice Schedule June 18 – July 19

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
House xxx 4:45 – 5:30p xxx 4:45 – 5:30p xxx 9:00 – 9:45a
Maia xxx 4:45 – 5:30p 5:00 – 6:00p 4:45 – 5:30p xxx 9:00 – 9:45a

Nautilus

5:00 – 6:00p

xxx 5:00 – 6:00p 6:30 – 7:30p 5:00 – 6:00p 9:00 – 9:45a
Poseidon 6:00 – 7:30p

6:30-8:00p

DL 6:00 – 6:45p
Sw 6:45 – 7:30p

6:30 – 8:00p 5:00 – 6:30p 9:45 – 11:15a
Junior ll 6:00 – 8:00a

xxx

xxx
DL 6:00-6:30p
SW 6:30-8:00p

6:00 – 8:00a

xxx

xxx
DL 6:00-6:30p
SW 6:30-8:00p

xxx

5:00 – 6:30p

9:45 – 11:15a
Junior 6:00 – 8:00a

xxx

xxx
DL 6:00-6:30p
SW 6:30-8:00p

Sw 6:00-8:30a
DL 8:00-8:30a
xxx

xxx
DL 6:00-6:30p
SW 6:30-8:00p

6:00 – 8:00a
or
5:00 – 6:30p
6:30 – 8:00a
Senior xxx
5:00 – 7:30p

6:00 – 8:30a
DL 5:00-6:00p

xxx
5:00 – 7:30p

6:00 – 8:30a
DL 5:00-6:00p

6:00 – 8:00a
xxx
Sw 6 – 8:00a
DL 8 – 8:45a

 

 

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Refund Policy

Withdrawal from the Team
Starting in September, a swimmer who withdraws from the team within the first three weeks of the season will receive a full refund on training fees paid and PPA fees less a $25 administrative fee and any balance in their meet account, please note USA registration fees cannot be refunded once your swimmer is registered. From that point on until January 1st any swimmer will receive a 40% refund of paid Training Fees less a $25 administrative fee and any balance in their meet account, PPA and USA fees will not be refunded.  After January 1st, no refunds of paid Training Fees will be provided, but a swimmer can request their Meet Fee Account balance less a $25 administrative fee as long as said swimmer does owe any Piranha training fees or owe fees of any other kind to the Y.
 
For brand new swimmers who sign up in the Spring (not returning Piranhas who decided to take the winter off), a swimmer who withdraws from the team within the first two weeks of the season  will receive a full refund on training fees paid and PPA fees less a $25 administrative fee and any balance in their meet account, please note USA registration fees cannot be refunded once your swimmer is registered.  From that point until May 22nd, any swimmer will receive a 40% refund of paid Training Fees less a $25 administrative fee and any balance in their meet account, PPA and USA fees will not be refunded. After May 22nd no refunds of paid Training Fees will be provided, but a swimmer can request their Meet Fee Account balance less a $25 administrative fee as long as said swimmer does not owe any Piranha training fees or owe fees of any other kind to the Y.   
 
For swimmers not returning to the Team in the Fall, a swimmer can request their Meet Fee Account balance less a $25 administrative fee as long as said swimmer does owe any Piranha training fees or owe fees of any other kind to the Y.
 
Meet Fee Account
At the beginning of the new swim year, families with returning swimmers will have their meet fee balances from the prior year applied to their meet fee account for the current year.  Families with non-returning swimmers will be advised of meet fee account credit balances of greater than $25.00.  These families will receive a letter with balance details and instructions on how to get your balance refunded as long as said families do not owe any Piranha training fees or owe fees of any other kind to the Y.
 
At the end of each calendar year, all meet fee account balances of non-returning swimmers will be cleared. 
 

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Fees

The Piranha competitive swim program is affiliated with both the National YMCA and United States Swimming (USA Swimming). Our Local Swimming Committee is Connecticut Swimming, Inc. (CSI). The fees indicated for our program are reflective of the Club’s participation in both programs and are required of all participants.  
 
YMCA Membership
The Y membership fees are used for covering the actual YMCA facility expenses. All Team participants are required to have a full Child YMCA membership (vs ‘Member-kid’ membership which is granted free of charge when a parent joins the YMCA) and are eligible to participate in YMCA Dual meets, YMCA State Championships and YMCA Nationals. House Swimmers who are full child members of the Y will also be entitled to compete in YMCA dual meets.
 
Training Fees for 2012-13
This fee covers the coaches’ salaries and administrative costs

 

Group Name

Training Fee

Meet Fee**

USA Fee

PPA Dues*

Maia II (winter only)

$570

$100

$60

$70

Maia I (full year)

$970 $200

$60

$95

Nautilus II (winter only)

$800 $250

$60

$70

Nautilus I (full year)

$1,150 $325

$60

$95

Poseidon

$1,400 $400

$60

$135

Junior II

$1,500 $475

$60

$185

Junior I

$1,550 $475

$60

$210

Senior

$1,750 $525

$60

$210
*Multiple swimmer families receive a $50 credit for the second child and $35 credit for the third child on their PPA Dues.
**Sr and Jr I & II Swimmers who do not have a personal training kit will be required to purchase one when the season gets underway.  
 
PPA Dues
PPA dues cover an wide array of important Team expenses not covered by training fees.   Included are funds for Team spirit building social events (eg holiday parties, age group socials, post-practice feasts on the lawn), subsidy for our annual banquet, Team banner,  and Team T-shirts for championships. Also covered are the costs of registering and purchasing uniforms for our Team’s volunteer officials, website support and funds to subsidize swimmer’s costs for travel meets.  PPA Dues are determined during the PPA annual budget process, must be paid in full at registration and are non-refundable.
 
USA Swimming Fees
United States Swimming is the national governing body for swimming in the United States. The Piranha Swim Club is a member of USA Swimming through the Local Swimming Committee (LSC) of Connecticut Swimming Inc. The Piranha Swim Team participates in USA Swimming sanctioned meets throughout the course of the year. These meets are in addition to the YMCA dual and championship meets. Every Piranha swimmer is required to register with USA Swimming, in order to participate in these meets, as well as be insured while participating in practices and meets. The membership is effective from the September registration date. 
 
Meet Fees
All swimmers are required to pay an amount specified in the fee schedule for meet fees.  An account is maintained for each family to cover the entry fees charged by USA swimming for each event a swimmer is entered in. 
 
In preparation for every meet, Piranha management forwards a check to the hosting Team of each meet, with our Team Entry to cover meet fees for the whole Team.  ($4-$8 per event).  Payment is made to the host team on each swimmer’s behalf, regardless of whether they actually compete or not.  These checks are often for several thousands of dollars.  
 
Swimmers are entered based on check-off lists posted on the Team bulletin board in the YMCA lobby prior to each meet. Depending on the number of meets and events a swimmer enters, their meet fee account may diminish quickly or slowly.   Mid-season invoices will be sent to all families whose meet account balance is low.   No account will be permitted to go into arrears.   Swimmers attending championship meets may be required to make an additional meet fee deposit at the beginning of the championship season.   Payment is due in full upon receipt of any meet fee invoice.
 
For Team registration, an estimate is made of meet fee charges that each individual swimmer will incur over the course of the season.  The estimated amount must be paid in full at the time of registration.  Individual swimmer meet fee account balances are managed in the Piranha office.  Invoices for additional deposits mid-season, if needed, will be forwarded to individual swimmers.  Meet fee accounts will not be permitted to go into arrears.
 
If at any time you have questions regarding a balance or meet charges, contact the Piranha Administrator at the YMCA 203-655-8228, ext 329.
 
Insurance Statement
The Darien YMCA does not provide accident insurance for injuries sustained during YMCA activities. Participants in programs use the facility at their own risk. Members are encouraged to have personal medical insurance coverage.
 

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Long Course Practice Schedule I

2012 Long Course Practice Schedule April 9 – June 17

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
House 5:30 – 6:15p xxx 5:30 – 6:15p xxx 5:30 – 6:15p xxx
Maia 5:15 – 6:15p xxx 5:15 – 6:15p xxx 5:15 – 6:15p xxx

Nautilus

5:15 – 6:15p 6:30 – 7:30p 5:15 – 6:15p 6:30 – 7:30p 5:15 – 6:15p xxx
Poseidon 6:15 – 7:45p 6:30 – 7:45p 6:15 – 7:30p 6:30 – 7:45p 6:15 – 7:45p 9:45 – 11:15a
Junior ll 6:15 – 7:45p 3:00 – 5:30p 6:15 – 7:45p 3:00 – 4:45p 6:15 – 7:45p 9:45 – 11:15a
Junior 3:15 – 5:15p

5:30 – 7:00a
3:00 – 5:30p

5:30 – 7:00a
3:15 – 5:15p

5:30 – 7:00a
3:00 – 5:30p

3:15 – 5:15p 6:30 – 8:00a
Senior 3:15 – 5:30p 5:30 – 7:00a
3:00 – 5:30p
3:15 – 5:30p 5:30 – 7:00a
3:00 – 5:30p
3:15 – 5:30p 6:00 – 9:00a

 

 

 

 

 

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Pool Directions

Albertus Magnus College, New Haven CT 

I-91 to Exit 3 (Trumbull Street). Proceed to fourth traffic light, turn right onto Prospect Street. Proceed to fourth traffic light and turn left onto Huntington Street. Pool is on right at the end of the block.

Asphalt Green Aquacenter, Manhattan, NY
By Car:  Take I-95 South toward NY City.  Merge onto I-278 W. via Exit 6B on the LEFT toward TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE.  Take the exit toward RANDALL-WARDS ISLAND/MANHATTAN/FDR DRIVE.  Stay STRAIGHT to go onto the TRIBOROUGH BRIDGE.  Merge onto FDR Dr. South.  Take exit 14, East 96th St., and continue straight onto York Ave.  The entrance to the Asphalt Green AquaCenter is at 1750 York St.  Parking:  Street Parking is available according to NYC regulations.  Discounted parking is available at the Brittany Garage at 441 East 92nd Street, between York Ave and First Ave (212-860-9627)  Parking tickets must be validated at the front desk of the facility.  

By Subway:  Take the Lexington Ave. 4, 5 or 6 train to the 86th Street Station.  Walk east to York Ave and north to 90th St.
 

Blodgett Pool, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
From the South

Take I-95 north to I-93 north. Follow I-93 until Exit 20 (Massachusetts Turnpike). Take Mass. Pike west to Exit 20 (Allston/Cambridge). After paying toll, bear left at fork towards Allston. Turn right at second set of lights onto North Harvard Street. Proceed approximately one mile. Blodgett Pool will be on your left.

Alternative from the Southwest
Take Route 128 (I-95) to Massachusetts Turnpike. Take Mass. Pike east to exit 18. (Allston/Cambridge). After paying toll, bear left at fork towards Allston. Turn right at second set of lights onto North Harvard Street. Proceed approximately one mile. Blodgett pool will be on your left.

Via M.B.T.A.
The Red Line subway stops at Harvard Square. The Soldiers Field Complex is a 10-minute walk from the square, down JFK St. and over the Charles River. Several bus routes make stops at Harvard Square as well. The 66 and 86 routes include stops on North Harvard Street in front of Harvard Stadium.

Cheshire Academy, Cheshire, CT 

Merritt/Wilbur Cross Parkway 
From South (New York): Exit 60 (Rt. 10) turn right (north); *Go 1.7 miles. Turn left at Whitney Ave. (Rt. 10N). Go 8.2 miles. turn right at Rt. 68170 East. Go .1 miles. Turn left into man entrance of Academy. YMCA is red brick building on right. From North (Hartford): Exit 60 (Rt. 10) Turn left (north). *Proceed as above.

Cheshire Community Pool
From the south, CT15 North to exit #61, Whitney Ave. Exit towards Hamden.  At end of ramp, turn right on Whitney Ave. Go 5.5 mi.  Whitney Ave. becomes S. Main St.  Go 2.3 mi.  Pool is on right, across from Cheshire High School.

Alternate From the south, 95 north to 91 North to exit 10 (Rte 40 exit). Follow to the end, take a

right onto Rte 10 north, follow into Cheshire. Pool is on the right across from the

Cheshire High School.
From the north, 91 South to 691 west. Take exit 3 off 691 (Cheshire). At the light at the end of the ramp, take a left heading south on Rte 10. Follow Rte 10 through Cheshire. Pool is on the left across from Cheshire High School. 

From 84 west to 691 east to the exit 3(Cheshire), take a right off the ramp heading south on Rte 10 Pool is on the left across from Cheshire High School..

From 84 east to exit 26 (Rte 70). Follow Rte 70 into Cheshire. At Rte 10 intersection, take a right, heading south on Rte 10. Pool is on the left across from Cheshire High School.

Continental Manor, Norwalk
112 Main St., Norwalk, tel:  846-2864

I-95 N. to Exit 15, to RT 7 Connector North to Exit 2.  Left at bottom of ramp, go over RR tracks, take right a ‘T’ intersection (Main St.)  Go through two sets of lights.  Continental Manor is on your left.   Or, Rte 15 North to exit 39A to US7 South, Exit 2.  Left at bottom of ramp, go over RR Tracks, take right at ‘T” intersection (Main St.)  Go through 2 lights.  Continental Manor is on the left.

Felix Festa Middle School, West Nyack, NY (NY Sharks)
30 Parrott Road, W. Nyack, NY 10994

From I95 south, take exit 21 to merge onto Cross Westchester Expy/I-287W towards White Plains/Tappan Zee Bridge. Continue to follow I 287 W. across Tappan Zee Bridge.  Take exit 13N for Palisades Pkwy N. toward Bear Mountain.  Merge onto Palisades Interstate Pkwy North.  Take exit 10 toward N. Middletown Rd/New City/Nanuet.  Turn right at Germonds Rd. Turn left to stay on Germonds Rd.  Continue on Parrot Rd. to Felix Festa MS.  (este Mapquest time: 45 minutes from Darien.) 

East Hartford High School, East Hartford, CT
869 Forbes St., East Hartford, CT 06118

I-95 Northbound: Take Exit 25, Route 3 keep to left and take Route 2 to East Hartford. Exit 5A to Main Street. Turn right at first light to Brewer Street. Turn left t 2nd light and school is about 1/2 mile on left. From North & West: Take I-84 Eastbound, exit Roberts Street; follow signs to Silver Lane. Turn left on Silver Lane. Turn right at Forbes Street (5th light) and school will be on right about 3/4 mile. From East: Take I-84 West or I-384 West. Exit for Silver Lane. Follow Silver Lane west to Forbes Street. Turn left and school will be on right about 3/4 mile.

Greenknoll Aquatic Center At Camp Greenknoll
10 Huckleberry Hill Rd, Brookfield CT 06804

From Darien:
Take I-95 towards New Haven.  Merge onto US-7 North via Exit 15.  Turn RIGHT at light onto US-7/GRIST MILL RD.  Turn LEFT onto MAIN AVE/US-7. Continue to follow US-7 NORTH for approximately 22.2 miles to Exit 11 (Federal Road).  Take LEFT off Exit ramp.  Take RIGHT on Federal Road (US-202) .  Pass Costco on LEFT.  In .4 miles bear LEFT on Old New Milford Road. Turn LEFT on Huckleberry Hill Road.  YMCA is on right, Greenknoll Aquatic Center at Camp Greenknoll  is just past the YMCA Building, also on the right.

Greenwich Family YMCA, Greenwich, CT (Marlins Swim Team)
50 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830.

From I-95 southbound:  Exit 3, take ramp right for Arch St. toward Greenwich.  Bear right onto Arch St.  Road changes to Havemeyes Place.  Turn left onto Mason St.  Go straight up for 2 traffic lights and stop sign.  After stop sign, parking lot is on your right, on Mason St.

From I-95 northbound:  Exit 3, take ramp left for Arch St. toward Greenwich.  Follow directions as above.

Hamden High School, Hamden, CT
2040 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514

From South of Hamden: Take CT-15 N / WILBUR CROSS PKWY toward HARTFORD, Take the CT-10 exit- EXIT 60- toward HAMDEN.  Turn LEFT onto DIXWELL AVE / CT-10.  High School will be on your left.  Pool entrance is in the rear or left side of school.

From North of Hamden:  Take CT-15 S / WILBUR CROSS PKWY toward New Haven.  Take the CT-10 exit- EXIT 60- toward HAMDEN / NEW HAVEN.  Turn LEFT onto DIXWELL AVE / CT-10.  High School will be on your left.  Pool entrance is in the rear or left side of school.

Hopkins School, New Haven, CT
986 Forest Road, New Haven, CT

From Wilbur Cross Parkway (North from NYC): From Route 15, take Route 34 (Derby Turnpike) east for 2 1/2 miles; turn left onto Route 122 (Forest Road). Hopkins is on the left after approximately 1/2 mile. 

From I-95 (North from NYC): Take Exit 43 (Route 122, Campbell Avenue, West Haven); turn left at end of exit ramp. Follow Route 122 for 2 miles – across both Routes 1(Boston Post Road) and 34 (Derby Turnpike), at which point it becomes Forest Road. Hopkins is on the left.

Lehman College, Apex Aquatic Center
250 Bedford Park Blvd. West., Bronx, NY 10468

From I-95 South, take the Hutchinson Pkwy South, exit 14 (for 2.2mi). Take Pelham Pkwy West, exit 3W. (for .2mi)  Merge onto Bronx and Pelham Pkwy West. (for 1.9mi)  Merge onto Bronx River Pkwy N. toward White Plains. (for 0.7mi)  Take Exit 8W toward Mosholu Pkwy (for 0.1mi).  Follow signs to New York Botanical Gardens (you are on the Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff Blvd).  Turn slight right onto Bedford Park Blvd. East.  Go approx. 1 mile Apex Aquatic Center is on your left, parking is in the lot at the end of the street.

Madison Surf Club, Madison, CT
From I 95 north, take Exit 61 (Rte 79).  Take right off exit.  Proceed 1/2 mile to 3rd light.  Turn right onto Rte 1.  Proceed for approx 1/2 mile and turn left on West Wharf Rd.  (Madison CC is on corner).  At next stop sign, turn right on Surf Club Rd and proceed into Surf club. 

Mc Cann Natatorium, Milford, CT
From I-95 north, take Exit 39A (Route 1, south).  Turn right off exit.  As soon as possible, get into far left lane and continue straight ahead (Route 1 bears right).  This is Cherry Street.  Stay on Cherry St. to fourth traffic light (at top of small hill), turn left onto Gulf Street.  Go under railroad overpass, through traffic light to the next street (Evergreen Ave.), turn left. Parking lot is straight ahead.  Natatorium is at far side of lot.

Masuk High School Pool
1014 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT

From I-95 (North or South): take exit 27A onto Route 25/8 Connector. Follow until expressway intersects with Route 111. Turn right onto Route 111 North and follow for approx. 6 miles. Masuk HS will be on your right at the bottom of the hill. The entrance to the pool is on the left side of the building as you face it.

From Merrit Parkway (North or South): use exit 49 to Route 25 North. Follow Route 25 expressway to the intersection of Route 25 and Route 111. Take a right onto Route 111 North and follow for approx. 6 miles. School will be on your right. The entrance to the pool is on the left side of the building as you face it.

New Canaan YMCA, New Canaan, CT
564 South Avenue, New Canaan , CT

 

From Merritt Parkway: (Route 15) to Exit 37.  Turn left onto Rt 124 towards New Canaan.  YMCA is approximately 1/2 mile up on the right hand side. 

NORTH HAVEN TOWN POOL, North Haven, CT 
From Merritt Pkwy North (Route 15) to Exit 63. Take a right at the end of the ramp (RT 22/Bishop St.).  Turn right at the light onto State St.  Take first Left onto Broadway.  Stay on Broadway until you go under the Highway, then take a Right at the light onto Elm St.  The Pool is 100 yds up just past the library on left.  Park in the big lot past the pool.

Norwalk High School, Pat Spinola Natatorium, Norwalk, CT
23 Calvin Murphy DriveNorwalk, CT 06851

I-95 to Exit 16, East Ave.  Go west on East Ave. for 2 lights.  Turn right onto Sunset Hill Ave.  Go to end (Sunset Hill becomes Tierney St.)  At stop sign turn left onto Strawberry Hill Ave.  Turn right onto County St.  Driveway to High School is on right. Park at top of driveway.  Pool entrance is on the right.

Orange Town Pool
525 Orange Center Rd., Orange, CT, 06477

From I-95 South from Fairfield County, take exit 41, turn left at end of ramp onto Marsh Hill Road- stay on Marsh Hill until light at Route 1 (TGIFriday Restaurant is on your left) — turn left onto Route 1 – go to first traffic light across from Home Depot and turn right (Orange Center Road) – follow through one traffic light. High Plains Community Center is on the right, pool in rear.

From Wilbur Cross Parkway coming from both directions — take Exit 57 (Rt 34 East) – turn right at first traffic light onto Orange Center Road – bear left at stop sign – High Plains Community Center is on the left after you pass by Orange Town Green – pool in rear.

Southern CT State University – Hutchinson Natatorium, 
125 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT 06515

From Merritt Pkwy North:  Take Exit 59. Turn Right on Whalley Avenue. Continue on Whalley to Fitch St. Turn left on Fitch Street, which bisects the campus. Follow Fitch St. to third light and take left onto Wintergreen Ave. Moore Field House is the second building on the right.  Hutchinson Natatorium is in the Field House.

From I-95 North: Take Exit 44 (Kimberly Ave., Route 10). Turn right at the end of the exit onto Kimberly Avenue, then left at the stoplight onto Ella Grasso Boulevard, which ends at Crescent St. Take left onto Crescent St. to first light. Take right at the light onto Fitch St. At first light, take left onto Wintergreen Ave. Moore Field House is second building on the right. Hutchinson Natatorium is in the Field House.

UCONN – Wolff-Zackin Natatorium 
Take I-84 to Route 195 South, exit 68. follow Route 195 for 7 miles to UCONN campus. Turn right onto North Eagleville Road (at traffic light and church on right.) At first traffic light, turn left. Follow through stop sign. Entrance to the pool is to the right of Gample Pavilion.

Walsh Intermediate School, Branford, CT
185 Damascus Rd, Branford, CT

I-95: To Exit 55 (Route 1, Branford). At end of exit ramp, turn west on Route 1. Proceed to first intersection (a Mobil station will be on your left) and turn left onto Windmill Hill Road. At stop sign turn left onto Damascus Road. Entrance to school is on your right at bottom of the hill. Please DO NOT park in the small lot. Instead enter the circular drive and proceed to the large lot on the far side of the building. DO NOT PARK IN THE CIRCULAR DRIVE. YOU WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED.

Waveny Community Pool, New Canaan, CT
Merritt Parkway to Exit 37.  Turn left onto Rt. 124 North (South Ave.)  Follow 1/2 mile to Waveny Park entrance on left. Follow access road through park to the pool on the far side of the park.

Wesleyan Univ.-Freeman Ath. Center, Middletown, CT
161 Cross Street, Middletown, CT

From the South: From I-91N, take exit 18 (66East) or from the Merritt Parkway/Wilbur Cross Parkway, take exit 68 to Route 691/66East.  Route 66 becomesWashington St. in Middletown (approx 10 minutes after leaving freeway.) Turn right on Vine St. (traffic light and cemetery on corner) after going under train overpass and passing Dunkin Donuts on left side.  Travel down Vine (tennis cournts on right) to first lights at Cross St.  Freeman Athletic Center is just ahead on your left.  Parking is available in both Lot R on the right side of Cross St., or in Lot Q, on the left side of Cross St. after the fire station.

From the North: Take I-91 to Exit 22 South (left hand exit, Route 9 South). Follow Route 9 South.  At Exit 15 (second light) turn right onto Route 66West (also called Washington St.)  At the 5th light, make a left onto Vine Street and proceed past tennis courts to light at Cross Street. Turn right and the Freeman Athletic Center is just ahead on the left hand side.

Westhill High School, Stamford, CT
125 Roxbury Road. Stamford CT 06902

From North, Merritt Parkway: Exit 34 (Long Ridge Road). At the end of the ramp, turn left. Follow about a mile to the first street on the right (About the fourth light…not the corporations). Take a very sharp right onto Roxbury Road. The High School will appear on your right shortly. The pool is in the back. Enter at the loading dock.

Weston Middle School Pool, Weston, CT 
Merritt Parkway northeast to Exit 42. Turn right onto Route 57 north.  Turn right at fifth light (just past town center) onto School road.  Left at (immediate) fork and follow road past the elementary school, high school and then middle school (all on your right).  The entrance to the Weston Middle School Pool is immediately to the right of the steps leading up to the school. Please drop off swimmers at the pool entrance and then park in the rear of the school. Overflow parking will be at the High School parking lot. 

Westport YWCA, Westport, CT
59 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 

Merritt Parkway: to Exit 42. Go south at end of ramp. (Right from New Haven, left from New York) on Main Street for 1 mile. When street becomes one way, you must turn left. Just after turn, the Y is on your right (beyond Klein’s). Parking lots on both sides of street. I-95: Take Exit 17. Follow Rte. 33 North. Turn right on Post Road. Proceed across bridge to the 2nd stop light. Turn left onto Main Street. Take your first right onto Elm Street. The Y is on your right as stated above.

White Plains YWCA, White Plains NY
515 North Street, White Plains, NY

Merrit Parkway: Heading south to exit 25 North Street. Turn right onto North Street, proceed about 1.5 miles the YWCA is on left opposite White Plains High School.

287 West: Take exit 9 N&S (it’s one exit), proceed along Westchester Ave. until you reach Bryant Ave. Turn left, cross over 287 and at the top of the hill, turn left onto North Street. The YWCA is on your right.

Wilton YWCA, Wilton, CT
404 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897

From New Haven: Merritt Parkway Exit 41 (Route 33). Turn left at end of exit. North onto Route 33. Give five (5) miles to 6th traffic light. The Y is on right. From New York: Merritt Parkway Exit 40 (Route 7). Turn right at exit onto Route 7. Go 5.2 miles. Wilton Y is on the right. Wilton High school is on the left for additional parking. I-95 North or South: Take Exit 15 Route 7 and follow Route 7 Freeway to end. Turn right at light. At end of road turn left at light and follow old Route 7 North for 3 miles. Wilton Y is on the right. Wilton High School on left for additional parking.

Yale University, New Haven, CT
20 Tower Parkway, New Haven, CT

Merritt Parkway to Exit 59. Turn right at end of ramp and head south on Whalley Avenue for approximately 3 miles to York Avenue. Turn left on York to the first light. Turn left onto Tower Pkwy.  Payne-Whitney Gymnasium is straight ahead. Metered parking on street or in lot at corner of York Sq. Pl. and Ashmun St.  

I-95 north to Exit 47 -left hand exit.  Turn right at York St (Exit 3 from off-ramp from I-95).  Go to 5th stop light. Turn left onto Tower Pkwy – pool is straight ahead. Meter parking on street or at lot at corner of York Sq. Pl., and Ashmun St. 

To get back on I-95 South:  From Tower Pkwy, turn Left on Broadway.  Take first right onto Park St.  Take left on South Frontage Rd which leads you to the connector to I-95.

To get back to the Merritt Parkway:  From Tower Pkwy, follow signs for Whalley Ave.  Stay on Whalley for approx. 3 miles to the Merritt.

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Code of Conduct

 

The Darien YMCA Piranha Swim Team abides by a strict Code of Conduct governing all coaches, swimmers, and parents. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that all those associated with Darien YMCA Piranha swimming treat others with dignity and respect.
 
 
The Code of Conduct is a condition of membership for all swimmers, parents and coaches.  All members of the Piranha Swim Team and their parents agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and agree to be subjected to the consequences of violating the Code.   
 
 
All enforcement decisions made by the Darien YMCA are final and are not subject to review. No refunds will be granted to those swimmers dismissed from the team for their or their parents’ violation of the Code of Conduct.
 
 
Roles And Responsibilities

 
Parents- 
  1. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all meets and practices. You are role models! 
  2. Respect the sport.  Respect the officials. Respect the coaches.  Respect other parents, who often serve as volunteers.
  3. Do not coach your child. Let swimmers swim and coaches coach, and support both positively. 
  4. NEVER criticize other swimmers, coaches or officials regardless of the circumstances. 
  5. Follow the “24 Hour Rule”.  If you have a complaint resulting from a meet (or practice) situation, speak with the coach on the following day. 
  6. Notify the Head Referee or the Meet Manager if there is a serious problem at a meet.
  7. Emphasize the FUN of the sport and the benefits of training, competing and putting forth effort at all times.  Do not emphasize winning or beating another swimmer.
  8. Time at least twice during the season. 
 
 
All-
  1. Any conduct, including abusive language and/or gestures, racially insensitive remarks, damage
    to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on you, the Darien YMCA,
    and/or the Piranhas is deemed to be unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to
    all swimmers, parents, siblings and guests at all times when at meets and/or practices, on the
    pool deck, in the locker rooms or any other associated facilities. 
  2. You represent the Piranhas and the Darien YMCA during any meet or practice, home or away.  
    Any conduct such as shoplifting, destruction of property, illegal consumption of drugs or alcohol,
    or any other questionable activity will not be tolerated. This rule applies for the entire duration
    of such meet or practice.  
  3. The Piranha coaching staff and the Executive Director of the Darien YMCA will deal with
    unacceptable conduct at their sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion,
    as they deem appropriate.  ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE TEAM BASED ON
    VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY ANY REFUNDS.
 


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Registration Information


How to Join

New swimmers must register for the Spring (not guarnteed to be held every year, check the Spring Clinic page for details) or Fall Stroke Clinic to be evaluated for placement on the Team. The Spring Clinic is for the Summer season (April-July) sign-up and Fall is for the Winter Season (Sept-March) or full-year (Sept-July) sign-up. Through these clinics all swimmers will be evaluated and some swimmers will be invited to join Piranhas, some will be invited to join House and some will be referred to YMCA lessons or put on a wait list. Please see “Stroke Clinic” under the Program” tab for more information.

Competitive Swimming Year

The Piranha Swim Team operates on an annual fee basis for all 10/overs: Fall registration will include training and meets for both the Short Course (SC) season and the Long Course (LC) season. Swimmers 9/under (as of the last Friday in August) will have the option of signing up as seasonal or as full year swimmers. The SC season (meets in 25 yd. pools) begins in early September and ends early March. For qualifying swimmers, the SC championship season may continue into April. After a short break, the LC season (meets in 50 m pools) begins in early April and runs to mid July. All returning Piranhas will receive a Registration Packet by email in EARLY AUGUST. You cannot register without this packet and there is no YMCA online registration for Piranhas. Returning swimmers will have until the last Friday in August to complete their registration and be guaranteed a place on the Team.

At time of Registration:

  • Full Child Membership to the Darien YMCA
  • Training Fee
    • All Swimmers will have the opportunity to pay in three installments
    • Information on YMCA Financial Assistance is available on request.
  • Piranha Parents Association (PPA) Dues
  • USA Swimming Registration (once per year)
  • Meet Fees (plus a one-time equipment kit fee for Junior/Senior swimmers)

 

Through the course of the season:

  • Each swimmer is required to buy a Team suit and cap. All Piranhas MUST have a Team Speedo bathing suit, Team t-shirts and bathing caps if worn.  In addition, swimmers must also have:
    • 13/Overs – Team warm-up and Team backpack
    • 11/12’s – gray Piranha sweatshirt, Team backpack
    • 9/10’sgray Piranha sweatshirt, Team backpack
    • 8/unders – aforementioned  t-shirts and yellow bathing cap (if worn)
  • Fundraising: Each Piranha family is also required to participate in the Team’s fundraisers. Every other year, the Team runs a Swim Challenge, a large effort swim-a-thon for which all Piranhas are obliged to collect pledges at minimum levels. The minimum required level of financial participation will be determined by the PAC during its annual budgeting process. On alternate years, the PAC will determine if a smaller fundraiser is required to meet their goals in support of the Team. The fundraiser participation is a requirement of Team membership. Any swimmer in arrears of fundraising requirements will not be permitted to practice until account is settled.
  • Senior swimmer travel is arranged for selected meets. For these meets a fee will be identified in advance. This fee will include applicable hotel, food and transportation costs and must be paid in full before a swimmer will be allowed to leave for the meet. In some instances, additional expenses may be incurred during the course of a meet and will be billed later. Swimmers with any delinquent Team fees will not be eligible to travel.

Insurance Statement

The Darien YMCA does not provide accident insurance for injuries sustained during YMCA activities. Participants in programs use the facility at their own risk. Members are encouraged to have personal medical insurance coverage.


Cancellations Go to www.piranhaswimming.org for up-to-date weather-related cancellation information. Cancellations due to inclement weather are also broadcast over local radio stations. Participants may also or call the YMCA at 655-8228 ext 1329 to determine if practice is being held.

 

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