Squad Progression criteria

B Squad to A Squad:

• Swimmer to discuss with Coach first.

• Parent can then discuss further with coach if needed.

Coaches selection guidelines will include the following considerations:

• Space availability in A squad.

• Morning training is compulsory. If not able to attend morning sessions the place in A squad cannot be kept. Reviewed annually.

• Attendance, punctuality and good work ethic, both in training and galas. Training commitment is critical when moving up squads as the next squad training is significantly more strenuous and with a new coach.

• Good Stroke technique and willingness to listen and act on improvements.

• Commitment / potential to qualify and attend summer divisions.

• Ability to read the pace clock for complex sets.

• Parents must agree to undertake

- Time keeping and turn judge course. - Garda Vetting & safe guarding course.

• Agreement between coaches of B & A squads.

• Please note achieving Level 3 times alone does not ensure a place in the A Squad.

• Coaches decision is final

- Coach will inform committee to update on-deck and billing

information. - Appeals to be made to the coach first. - Explanation for the appeal from coach to include all the

above points with advice on what may be missing and a plan of work needed to meet the requirements in the future.

C Squad to B Squad Progression:

• Swimmer to discuss with coach first.

• Parent can then discuss with coach further if required.

Coaches guidelines will include the following considerations:

• Space available in B squad

• Attendance, punctuality and good work ethic, both in training and galas. Training commitment is critical when moving up squads as the next squad training is significantly more strenuous and with a new coach.

• Ability to read the pace clock

• Good Stroke technique – Vital to progress.

• Agreement between coaches of C & B squads

• Please note that achieving level two times alone does not ensure a place in the B Squad.

• Coaches decision is final

- Coach will inform committee to update on-deck and billing

information. - Appeals to be made to the coach first. - Explanation for the appeal from coach to include all the

above points with advice on what may be missing and a plan of work needed to meet the requirements in the future.

Entry to C Squad:

• Swimmer needs to be listed on the application list for the annual trials event.

• Attendance at the annual trials event August -September. Dates will be posted on the notice board / website end July early Aug.

• Each stroke is assessed and graded by two coaches.

• Good technique / water confidence.

• Understanding of the requirement of good attendance, punctuality and good work ethic, both at training and galas

• ALL PARENTS understanding that they will be required to:

Do deck duty

Attend courses – time keeping, Turn judge etc

Help with transport to events

Undertake Garda vetting and safeguarding courses when requested.

• If there are more applicants attending the trials than spaces available this will require agreement between coaches of C Squad Plus another coach helping on the night. 

Other guideline criteria includes:

• Swimmers must be capable of completing one hour swim sessions given to the squad.
• All strokes will be taken into consideration.
• Attendance at Galas and sessions is compulsory. Non-attendance needs to be individually communicated to the coach.
• Attitude and behaviour at training sessions is critical for learning stroke / technique / race skills.
• Children that start in Sharks with complete strokes tend to progress much faster.