For GSCY Long Course 2024 we will be offering the following programs:
For our 13 & Over Swimmers, 2 options:
Option 1: SHORT COURSE Spring Weekend practice option
- This is our traditional program. April 15th- end of July. Swimmers will remain in their 2023-2024 Short Course practice groups.
- April 15th- June 23rd:
- Weekday indoor afterschool practices
- Weekend indoor practices at Bridgewater or SHY
- June 24th- a swimmer’s last championship meet:
- Weekday outdoor morning practices.
- 2 PM indoor doubles (optional)
- Weekends off
OR
Option 2: LONG COURSE Spring Weekend practice option
*Prerequisite: 3 YMCA Silver qualifying times
(National Team members are encouraged to select this option)
- April 15th- end of July. Swimmers will remain in their 2023-2024 Short Course practice groups.
- April 15th- June 23rd
- Weekday indoor afterschool practices
- Weekend indoor Long Course practices at Jersey Aquatic Center
- June 24th- a swimmer’s last championship meet
- Weekday outdoor morning practices.
- 2 PM indoor doubles (optional)
- Weekends off
**13&Over swimmers must remain in their chosen weekend practice location for the duration of the Spring. Swimmers are not permitted to switch between LONG COURSE practice group & SHORT COURSE practice group on the weekend.
For our Thunder & Lightning Swimmers
April 15th- end of July. Swimmers will remain in their short course practice groups, except for Thunder and Lightning South. Those groups have been consolidated into 2 groups each: A & B. Rosters are attached.
- April 15th- June 23rd:
- Weekday indoor afterschool practices
- Weekend indoor practices at Bridgewater
- June 24th- a swimmer’s last championship meet:
- Weekday outdoor and/ or indoor morning practices
- Weekends off
For our Waves Swimmers
Spring Only
- April 15th- June 22nd. Swimmers will remain in their 2023-2024 Short Course practice groups.
- Waves swimmers are encouraged to join a summer swim team following the GSCY Spring season.
Program Fees:
- Junior & Senior Short Course Spring Weekends $985
- Junior & Senior Long Course Spring Weekends $1285
- $985 Registration Fee
- $300 Facility Use Fee (approximately $20 per LC practice offered)
- $300 Facility usage fee due at registration.
- Lightning $790
- Thunder $610
- Waves $252
Registration Open Now Until April 10th
How to register:
- You need an active YMCA membership.
- Only returning swimmers with a zero balance (no outstanding meet fees or fines) will be permitted to register.
- Register online at www.gscyma.org. Search “Storm” or use the LINK.
- Electronically sign and return handbook to mthompson@gscymca.org. In the subject line put swimmer name- practice group. example: Emily Thompson-Senior 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the practice schedule?
The Spring practice schedule is attached. Please note it is tentative. Practice times may need to be adjusted to accommodate actual registration numbers. The summer practice schedule will be sent in the coming weeks.
My child doesn’t want to swim Long Course. Is it required and will it affect their 2024-2025 Short Course practice group placement?
Long Course is required for Senior swimmers. Long Course is not required for Waves, Thunder, Lightning, or Junior practice groups. However, it is highly recommended for those that swim at the YMCA State level or higher. Any swimmer who does not participate in GSCY Storm Long Course is required to tryout prior to registering for 2024-2025 Short Course.
What paperwork needs to be returned?
The last page of the handbook needs to be submitted by April 10th. Swimmers will not be permitted to attend practice until a signed handbook has been submitted electronically. The handbook can be found on our team website HERE. You must be logged in. Email handbooks to mthompson@gscymca.org. Please put swimmer name- practice group in the subject line.
What group do I register for?
Swimmers will remain in their short course practice groups, except for Thunder and Lightning South. Those groups have been consolidated into 2 groups each: A & B. Rosters are attached.
Swimmers should register for one of the options offered within their Short Course practice group.
Example 1: A swimmer was a member of Thunder N in short course and has since turned 11. That swimmer should register for Thunder Long Course
Example 2: A swimmer was a member of Junior 1 during Short Course. That swimmer may choose to register for either: Junior Long Course Spring weekends (if they have 3 or more Y Silver qualifying times) OR Junior Short Course Spring weekends.
Can my swimmer swim with a summer team as well as Long Course?
Yes, and it is highly encouraged. Summer teams are fun and allow swimmers to race more. Please be aware that summer team practices are not a replacement or substitution for GSCY Long Course practices. Summer team meets should not take precedence over GSCY Long Course meets or practices.
Do I have to pay the full amount all at once?
Payments are divided into 4 equal payments for Thunder-Senior practice groups, automatically charged to the card on file April 12th, May 12th, June 12th, July 12th. Waves practice group fees are divided into 2 equal payments and will be charged to the card on file April 12th and May 12th. You may elect to pay in one installment during your initial registration. Swimmers opting for Long Course weekends will be charged the $300 Facility Use Fee at the time of registration.
Is there a sibling or employee discount?
Families with 3 or more swimmers and GSCYMCA staff members are entitled to a discount. You must email Melissa Thompson to process your discounted registration. Registration fees will not be discounted if you register your swimmer and adjustments will not be made.
My swimmer would like to participate in Long Course but they have a conflict and can’t attend for the entirety of the season. Is this OK?
All swimmers are welcome to join Long Course for whatever part of the season they are available. Program fees will not be adjusted in any way (refunds, credits, pro-rating, etc.) for days missed for any reason. There is not a Spring Only option for Thunder & Lightning this Long Course season.
Help! I don’t understand what to do.
Please contact Melissa Thompson at mthompson@gscymca.org.
**Please do not contact the welcome centers with registration questions or attempt to register at a welcome center as they will not be able to assist you. If you need your login password, the welcome center will be able to help.
