Swimmers will be placed in the appropriate squad dependent on their age and ability; they will be assessed on the criterion below which determines which squad a swimmer is assigned. This is a guide for swimmers and parents and at such times the squad coach may make a decision to move certain swimmers on ability only. Whilst working towards Competitive Development Squad criteria swimmers are expected to continue swimming lessons outside the club (e.g. Council or private)

To be considered for the squad an assessment is required using the following ASA Expected Standards criteria: Swim 25m Backstroke; Swim 25m Frontcrawl; Swim 25m Breaststroke; Attempt 25m Butterfly; Sculling: head first, feet first; rotation; forward/backward somersault; Perform a sitting dive; Swim 50m continuously using one stroke; Swim 100 metres using a minimum of 3 different strokes; Tread water using egg beater action for 30 seconds

Coaches discretion if one area is not met, however this is dependent on intended swimming sessions with the club (e.g. If only attending one session a week, meeting criteria will take longer and could potentially take another childs place if they have fully met the criteria).

Aim: To develop more advanced swimming techniques working towards ASA Expected Standard turns in Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Freestyle and completing a 400m set on a specified turn around time. To meet the Competitive Development Squad criteria, swimmers must be able to achieve in comfort, the following skills: Complete a set lasting 400m (e.g. 16 x 25m, 8 x 50m, 4 x 100m or 2 x 200m) on a specified turn around time set by the coach: Swim 50 metres in all four strokes to ASA Expected Standards; Kick 25 metres in all four strokes with/without using a board; Perform a turn in all four strokes from 10 metres in to 15 metres out to ASA Expected Standards; Swim 400 metres continuously using one stroke; Sculling: head first, feet first; rotation: forward/backward somersault.

Swimmers should ideally be able to meet these set criteria to be moved into this squad. They should be of a suitable biological age to undertake the squads training.

Skills: Must be able to sustain the training in the squad; Be able to perform all strokes to a good standard; Execute all turns correctly; Streamlining should be excellent; Demonstrate good sculling techniques; Be able to work off the pace clock; Be able to swim within the lane without encroaching on other swimmers; Be able to complete a set of a minimum of 2500m in 1.5hrs; Swim 600m continuous on front crawl; Be able to demonstrate two drills for each stroke and explain the reason for the drill.

Consideration times: Be able to complete a set of 8 100’s fc off 2.15mins; 100m front crawl under 1.35 mins; 100m back crawl under 1.45 mins; 100m breast stroke under 1.55 mins; 50m butterfly under 50sec; 100m IM under 1.45mins; Be able to complete a 200 IM with correct turns.

Swimmers should ideally be able to meet these set criteria to be moved into this squad. They should be of a suitable biological age to undertake the squads training.

Skills: Must be able to sustain the training in the squad; Be able to perform all strokes to a good standard; Execute all turns correctly; Streamlining should be excellent; Be able to scull proficiently in both the supine and pronate position; Be able to work off the pace clock; Be able to swim within the lane without encroaching on other swimmers, recognising the right order for different strokes; Be able to complete a set of a minimum of 3000m in 1.5hrs; Swim 800m continuous on frontcrawl; Be able to demonstrate three drills for each stroke and explain the reason for each drill.

Consideration times: Be able to complete a set of 10×100’s fc off 2 mins; 100m front crawl under 1.20 mins; 100m back crawl under 1.35 mins; 100m breast stroke under 1.45 mins; 50m butterfly under 45 sec; 100m IM under 1.33mins; 200 IM under 3.15 mins.

Commitment: Turn up to all training sessions; Compete when requested to do so Have the correct equipment at all sessions.

Swimmers should ideally be able to meet these set criteria to be moved into this squad. They should be of a suitable biological age to undertake the squads training.

Skills: Must be able to sustain the training in the squad; Be able to perform all strokes to a very good standard; Execute all turns correctly; Streamlining should be excellent; Show excellent sculling techniques both supine and pronate; Be able to work off the pace clock and work out their times; Be able to swim within the lane recognising the right order; Be able to complete a set of a minimum of 3500m in 1.5hrs; Swim continuous for 1600m on front crawl; Be able to demonstrate four drills for each stroke and explain the reason for each drill; Be able to explain what a threshold set is, lactate production and lactate tolerance sets are; Explain why we do recovery swims; Explain the importance of warm up and cool down

Consideration times: Be able to complete a set of 16×100’s fc off 1.50mins; 100m front crawl under 1.15 mins; 100m back crawl under 1.30 mins; 100m breast stroke under 1.35 mins; 100m butterfly under 1.30 mins; 100m IM under 1.28mins; 200 IM under 3.05 mins.

Commitment: Turn up to all training sessions; Compete when requested to do so; Have the correct equipment at all sessions.