The Roseburg Y Swim Team (RYST) uses a progressive Age Group Program designed to develop the child physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer’s physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program. In this respect, "too much too soon" is sometimes the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential or fulfillment in senior swimming. Thus, coaches are careful not to advance swimmers more rapidly than their mental or physical capabilities allow.