Squad Progression Criteria
In order to progress to the next level of squads swimmers need to meet the below criteria. Note that this criteria can be somewhat flexible and may change throughout the season as that current squad develops fitness and speed. At the start and end of each term swimmers should try and talk to their coach about what they need to achieve to advance to the next squad level.
Mini Squad
In order to start in Mini squad swimmers must show:
- A minimum ability to swim at the pace of the beginning Mini squad level.
- Able to swim freestyle and backstroke with good body position, kick and breathing.
- Able to swim breaststroke with a correct kick.
- Have a working understanding of butterfly.
- An attitude that is not disruptive, is motivated and wishes to develop as a swimmer.
- An interest to develop as a competitive swimmer. (Ideally swimmers should be part of a swimming club and able to attend weekend carnivals).
- A commitment to train to the level of Mini squad. (Swimmers should be able to train a minimum of 2 times a week if possible).
Bronze Squad
In order to swim in Bronze squad swimmers must demonstrate:
- A minimum ability to swim at the pace of the beginning Bronze squad level. This includes at a minimum swimmers should be able to repeat 100 freestyle distances on 2.40.
- A level of technique in each of the strokes that is consistent with Bronze level swimmers.
- Know how to dive and how to do each of the stroke turns.
- An understanding of how to use the clock and follow times.
- An understanding of each sets structure written on the whiteboard.
- An attitude that is not disruptive, is motivated and wishes to develop as a swimmer.
- A commitment to train to the level of Bronze squad. (Swimmers should be able to train a minimum of 3 times a week if possible). Swimmers should aim to make every session they can.
- An interest to develop as a competitive swimmer. (Ideally swimmers should be part of a swimming club and able to attend weekend carnivals).
Silver Squad
In order to swim in Silver squad swimmers must demonstrate:
- A minimum ability to swim at the pace of the beginning Silver squad level. This includes at a minimum swimmers should be able to repeat 100 freestyle distances on 2 minutes.
- A level of technique in each of the strokes that is consistent with Silver level swimmers. This includes being highly skilled at each of the strokes. Have good body position, strong kick, good press through the water, and good timing and rhythm.
- Show a high skill level at dives and all turns including medley.
- An exceptional attitude of commitment, good behaviour and focus in their training.
- A commitment to train to the level of Silver squad. (Swimmers should be able to train a minimum of 5 times a week if possible). Swimmers should aim to make every session they can.
- A commitment to develop as a competitive swimmer. The swimmer must be in a swimming club and regularly attending targeted carnivals.
Performance Squad
In order to swim in Performance squad swimmers must demonstrate:
- A minimum ability to swim at the pace of the beginning Performance squad level. This includes at a minimum swimmers should be able to repeat 100 freestyle distances on 1.30.
- A level of technique in each of the strokes that is consistent with Performance level swimmers. This includes being highly skilled at each of the strokes. Have good body position, strong kick, good press through the water, and good timing and rhythm.
- Show a high skill level at dives and all turns including medley.
- An exceptional attitude of commitment, good behaviour and focus in their training.
- A commitment to train to the level of Performance squad. (Swimmers should be able to train a minimum of 7 times a week if possible). Swimmers should aim to make every session they can.
- A commitment to develop as a competitive swimmer. The swimmer must be in a swimming club and regularly attending targeted carnivals.
Application for Advancement
In some case an application for squad advancement may be considered. An application will only be considered if swimmers show:
- That the current squad level is not suitable for the swimmer in some way.
- That they are able to train at the level of the squad they are applying to train in.
- That they are able to commit to the level of the squad they are applying to train in.
- The swimmer must have displayed an exceptional level of focus, motivation, good behaviour and dedication in squads.