Squad Structure

Squads

The squad system will allow swimmers to train at different levels throughout their long-term athletic development.

It will help identify a level of acceptance of swimmers within the programme by the achievement of predetermined levels: -

• Training ability.
• Commitment
• Swimming standard (stroke technique and times)

Training Development

The following development phases will operate within the club structure.

• Early Development - Dolphins
• Development – C, D & B
• Competition – B, A & A Development

Early Development

This represents the starting point of the programme. It focuses on teaching children the relevant basic swimming skills needed for them to further their development.

Development

This training stage is defined as club swimming, developing the basic swimming strokes and competitive awareness; it is also used to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Competition

These groups will include swimmers who need to develop their skills, enabling them to compete  and taking them to a stage where a higher level of training will be introduced.

Group levels based on the NTPS are as follows: -

Training assessment

Training assessments are designed to identify a swimmers ability to perform certain training related sets and determine the swimmers level of competence. Reaching a level of competence does not always mean promotion into the next squad, as other criteria has to be considered, and is as follows: -

• Age
• Ability (as above) Also see squad criteria sheets
• Commitment to training and competition.

Squad definition guidelines are clear, but at the Head Coaches discretion promotion may be given beyond current guidelines.

Equally, if a swimmer is unable to maintain their present levels of performance within a squad they will be asked to return to their former squad. This will be in the best interest of the swimmer and only be done after consultation with the swimmer and their parents.