Squad System

Dolphins

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.

Entry into this group will normally be NTPS level 3 or equivalent standard but at the coach's discretion.

D Squad

This group is the link group between the early development group (Dolphins) and forms the backbone of skills development needed to achieve a higher level. Their aim will be to compete in:-

• Club Championship gala's
• Graded gala’s

The aim of the squad is to achieve a level of skill which is transferable and will enable swimmers to progress into a competitive training group.

Swimmers in this squad will have to show commitment and meet the following criteria:-

• Have achieved NTPS level 6 or equivalent level
• Perform the four strokes effectively
• Perform a forward and backward roll in the tuck position.
• To be able to push and glide in the prone and supine position for 5m
• Dive in deep water from starting blocks or poolside
• An understanding of pool safety
• Attend the recommended number of training sessions.

C Squad

This group consists of those swimmers from D Squad who are almost ready to move up to B Squad full time but who require some additional training first.  These swimmers attend their usual D Squad sessions and also one B Squad session per week in order to introduce them gradually into a more competitive group

Swimmers in this squad will have to show commitment to extra training and, as well as meet the criteria:for D Squad, also meet the following criteria:

• To have achieved a standard of training acceptable in this squad
• To show determination and commitment during training sessions
• Attend the recommended number of training sessions
• Commitment to club championship galas and non club galas
• Age acceptance open at Head Coaches discretion

B Squad

This group represents the clubs intermediate development squad and swimmers will work in a training environment aimed at developing basic technical skills as well as introduction to competition in the following competitions: -

• Team Gala's (Diddy)
• League gala's
• Club Championship gala's
• Open & Graded meets
• County Championships

The aim of the squad is to achieve a level of performance which will enable them to progress within B Squad and ultimately A Squad

Swimmers in this squad will have to show commitment and meet the following criteria: -

• To have achieved a standard of training acceptable in this squad
• To show determination and commitment during training sessions
• Attend the recommended number of training sessions
• Commitment to club championship galas and non club galas
• Age acceptance open at Head Coaches discretion

A Squad

This squad represents the clubs main competition squad and will train to compete in the following competitions: -

• League Gala's
• Club Championship gala's
• Open meets. (Designated Meets)
• Inter-Association. (Selected swimmers)
• County Championships

The aim of the squad is to achieve a level of performance which will enable them to compete in the above events.

Swimmers in this squad will have to show commitment and meet the following criteria: -

• To show determination and commitment during training sessions
• Attend the recommended number of training sessions.
• Commitment to compete in Club Championships and at least one gala outside of Club champs in each 6 month swimming period (Jan-July & Aug-Dec)
• Compete in events that they qualify for in the County Age Group Championships.
• Represent the club in competition, when asked.
• Maintain a log book covering training and competition.

The programme will enable the swimmers to learn the fundamentals of training aimed at their individual requirements. It will include knowledge of the following principles: -

Warm and swim down, how and when to stretch, nutrition and hydration, mental preparation as well as pre and post competition routines.

A Development Squad

This squad represents the clubs top competitive squad and will train to compete in the meets identified for the A Squad and also in the following competitions: -

• National Championships
• North West Regional Championships

The aim of the squad is to achieve a high level of performance which will enable them to compete in the above events.

Swimmers in this squad will have to show commitment and meet the criteria outlined for the A Squad but must attend additional training sessions as necessary.