Competitive Squad Criteria
Squad Coaches- Emma Harris
Other coaches for the squad - Freyja Baker, Louise Peters, Dave Grayson
Overview
Competitive Squad will be made up of swimmers looking to have the ability and desire to achieve BSBASA County qualifying times in an event of 100m or above.
The following guidelines will be applied to swimmers selected to the Competitive Squad;
- Swimmers should be developing all four strokes and be working towards the 200 Individual Medley and 200 Freestyle events at local competitions.
- Swimmers will learn the skills for successful competitive swimming.
- Swimmers will increase their aerobic development.
- Introduction of low-level land work.
- Swimmers will be no older than 15 years old.
The aim of this squad is to enhance skill and aerobic development.
Training attendance
Training consists of 2 elements:
- Swim training;
- Land training.
Swimmers should commit themselves to a minimum of 3 sessions a week.
Land training is provided on Sunday nights at 5pm and this should be attended by all swimmers to improve core strength.
Swimmers who turn up to swim training on Sunday night having not attended land training should not expect to be allowed to swim.
Competition attendance
Swimmers must attend club events when selected for the team, such as Arena League and Thames Valley Junior League.
At least four external competitions must be entered each year as per squad open meet programme. This should include Level 3 Long course Meets if featured on the clubs schedule.
It is important to stick to the meet schedule, over-competing is likely to prevent further development. Swimmers should not attend meets other than with the club.
Squad places will be jeopardised if this is compromised.
Motivation of swimmers
Swimmers are expected to maintain a positive attitude and must try their hardest in all sessions. This can be demonstrated by meeting the times set by the coach for session sets and progress towards their annual goals.
This will be constantly monitored and swimmers not committing to the squad programme will be moved to a squad more relevant to their commitment and ability levels.
Required performance levels
‘Competitive’ Squad swimmers should be aiming for Berks and South Bucks County level for their current age group as per County rulings; all times must be obtained at a licensed meet (L4 and above). These will ideally be in 100m or above events.
Volunteering
The club is run by volunteers, and we expect as swimmers progress through the squads that parents will start to volunteer in some form to ensure the continued operation of the club. This includes roles such as joining the committee, training as an official to help at meets and run internal galas and offering to fill jobs at our internal meets.
Review of squad members
Continuation in ‘Competitive’ Squad is at the discretion of the Squad and Head Coach based on performance, attendance and attitude towards the training programme.
Any swimmer who has a long-term injury is highly likely to be moved to another squad. Swimming in a less pressurised environment has been proven to help with a faster, better recovery.
Movement from this squad will be at the discretion of the Head Coach after consultation with the squad coach, based on stroke technique and skill levels along with performance, attendance and attitude towards training.
Swimmers nearing the age of 15, who haven’t achieved the desired level will be offered a place in the Youth Squad in order to continue their fitness levels. This is not a downgrade and doesn’t have to be a permanent move. Swimmers will have the chance to prove their commitment and be monitored by the Youth coach.
Performance levels alone will NOT guarantee a place in the ‘Competitive’ Squad.
The above is at the discretion of the Head Coach at all times and special circumstances may apply.
Kit Required
