Artistic Swimming Programme and Pathway
Programme
The Artistic Swimming squad is growing and is increasingly successful, with teams competing at both recreational (Division 1) and competitive (Division 2) levels at county, regional and national championships throughout the year. The competitions a swimmer attends will be based on their age, grade attainment and level of training commitment.
Individual Grades
As an artistic swimmer progresses, they will need to have their skills tested before they can enter certain competitions. There are six figure grades and five routine grades with each grade providing a higher level of difficulty than the previous grade. The grades awarded have three levels (gold, silver and bronze) which allows swimmers to perfect their figures before moving to the next grade. Skill levels are tested at Assessment days which are held mainly at locations in the South West. Swimmers will only be sent to Assessment days if the coaching team consider them ready. More information can be found here Artistic Swimming Grades
Competition Events
Athletes perform routines to music that can be anything from 2.5 to 5 minutes long, depending on whether they perform alone or as part of a team.
There are five main routine types:
- Solos - an individual swimmer will synchronise with the music. Grade requirements are dependent on age.
12 and under age group - grade 3 silver.
13-14 age group - grade 4 silver.
15-17 age group - grade 5 silver.
- Duets - two swimmers perform the same movements in time with the music. Necessary skill levels are the same as for solos.
- Mixed Duets – one male and one female swimmer performs the same movements in time with the music. Grade requirements are dependent on age.
12 and under age group - grade 1 bronze.
13-14 age group - grade 1 bronze.
15-17 age group - grade 3 bronze.
- Teams – where up to eight athletes of the same grade co-ordinate their movements in time to the music. The minimum number of athletes for a team is four. Teams lose marks for every swimmer they have under the full complement. Up to two athletes can be entered as reserve.
- Combination - a team routine where up to ten swimmers perform in one continuous routine. Within a combo routine there must be a solo, duet and another moment where not all 10 swimmers swim at once. Swimmers grades can vary up to grade 3.
In competitions, there is also an event called 'figures'. Figures are specific synchro movements which are internationally recognised and these are produced by FINA, the sport's world-wide governing body. There is no music in this event and the individual performs 4 different movements in front of a panel of judges. The points awarded count towards the end result of the team events. Note that the reserves can participate in figures even if they don't perform in the team event.
Pathway
Getting Started
Children as young as 7 will be able to learn in our Starter section and when they have the skills, stamina and confidence they will be invited to join the Main Club, where we cater for swimmers up to the age of 18 in multiple teams. Swimmers are assessed regularly by our lead coach and progress though the levels as and when they are ready.
Starter Section
The starter section is for swimmers who are just starting on their Artistic Swimming journey. Swimmers must be competent with a reasonable level of skill in the main swimming strokes and can swim without touching the floor of the pool for at least 50m and be comfortable in deep water.
The emphasis is on enjoyment and developing the basic sculling and routine techniques and preparing swimmers for their artistic swimming journey.
Training is once a week at either Filton or Hengrove Leisure Centre. Trials are held monthly, please contact: [email protected] for more information.
12 and Under Development Team (Division 1)
The 12u Development team is for swimmers to continue to develop their basic skills and techniques and to learn their first competitive routine, as well as starting to compete with other clubs.
The emphasis in this team is on enjoyment and development, and on introducing all the other aspects of artistic swimming in a controlled way (flexibility, body conditioning, water fitness).
Training is three times a week at Filton and Hengrove Leisure Centre.
12 and Under Competitive Team (Division 2)
The 12u Competitive team is for swimmers to continue to develop their skills and work towards competing at Regional and National Level, with the ultimate aim of reaching the Regional Squad.
The emphasis is on continued development on the basic skills in both Figures and Routines, with an emphasis on developing a strong work ethic whilst still promoting enjoyment and inclusion. In this team the emphasis is on increased flexibility and gaining Grade 3 Figures and Routines.
Training is five times a week at Filton, Bristol South and Hengrove Leisure Centre.
13 to 15 Development Team (Division 1)
The 13-15 Development team recognises that at this age and level athletes may have come from a variety of different pathways. It also recognises that the step from 12 and under to 13-15 competitive requirements is extremely large. Therefore, this team is for swimmers who may have come to artistic swimming slightly later or from another sport, or from the 12 and under squads who may need a little more time to reach the 13-15 Competitive team requirements.
The emphasis is on continued development of base skills, introducing more challenging skills and routines, and on improving flexibility and conditioning, whilst still maintaining inclusion and enjoyment.
Training is three times a week at Hengrove Leisure Centre.
13 to 15 Competitive Team (Division 2)
13-15 Competitive team is for swimmers to develop into Regional and Elite Athletes and compete at National Level in the National Age-groups, Regional level at Regional Games, and International Level with the England Youth Development Squad.
The emphasis is on getting enjoyment and satisfaction from hard work and achievement. Whilst we never lose sight of the need for development and inclusion, in this squad the emphasis moves more towards starting to condition the body, increase flexibility, promoting excellence and developing the elite mindset.
Training is five times a week at Bristol South and Hengrove Leisure Centre.
13 to 18 Combo Team (Division 1)
The 13-18 Combo team is for swimmers who enjoy Artistic Swimming and who may not wish to compete or train at the level of the Competitive Teams, or those that are combining other interests and cannot commit to the training at that time. Swimmers will have the opportunity to compete at regional events and the annual Combo Cup competing against clubs from across the country.
The emphasis is on enjoyment of the sport, and whilst there will be development of skills within the squad it is not the primary focus.
Training is three times a week at Filton and Hengrove Leisure Centre.
Senior Competitive Team (Division 2)
The Senior Competitive Team is for swimmers to continue to develop into Elite Athletes and compete at National Level in the National Senior and Junior Championships, Regional level, and International Level with the England and Great Britain Junior and Senior Squads.
The emphasis is on gaining excellence and enjoyment and satisfaction from hard work and achievement. Whilst we never lose sight of the need for development and inclusion, in this squad the emphasis moves towards conditioning the body, maximising flexibility, and honing the elite mindset.
Training is five times a week at Hengrove Leisure Centre.
Competitive + Team
The Competitive + team is invitation only and is for swimmers who have been, or have the potential and commitment to be, selected into one of the England and GB Talent Squads.
The emphasis is on developing Routine Skills appropriate to the International Standard and providing sometime within the club structure to practise GB/England routines and associated skills.
Training is an additional session alongside the swimmers existing training programme at Hengrove Leisure Centre.
Club Artistic Swimming Pathway
Squad criteria
NEW STARTERS
12U DEV
12U COMP
13-15 COMP
15-18 COMP
13+ COMBO
13-15 COMP + & 15-18 COMP +
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