Squad structure and criteria
Criteria for movement of swimmers through the squads
The squad criteria and expected progress through the squads is set by the Head Coach and Lead Coaches of squads. It is continually reviewed, and as the club itself develops may be subject to change.
The performance standards set are targets to be achieved before being considered for squad movements; other factors will also be taken into account by the coaching staff when assessing whether a swimmer is ready to move squads. These will include: perceived potential, training ability, technical ability, positive attitude, training attendance record and attendance at recommended competitions. The club reserves the right to move swimmers between squads on the recommendation of the Head Coach or Lead Coaches.
In order for coaches to plan weekly programmes and balance squad training sessions, some squads will have priority training sessions which will need to be attended before being able to access additional sessions. These will be clearly signposted on the website, but if in doubt, swimmers should check with their coach.
Those swimmers who currently train below the recommended number of sessions for the squad they are in will be expected to gradually increase the number of sessions so as to fulfil the training requirements of that squad. Exceptions must have prior agreement with the Head Coach/Lead Coach. Swimmers may lose their place in the squad if these criteria are not met and maintained. In the event of the squad being full, swimmers who are not meeting the training requirements or criteria may be moved. Swimmers and/or parents will be involved in discussions with the Head Coach before such measures are put in place.
Progression within the Academy Squads
For swimmers to fulfil their potential, it is important that they acquire good skills before progressing through the Academy, and into the main club. Swimmers' skill level, session attendance, behaviour and competition attendance will be continually monitored and assessed by their group coach. There may be a few moves during the season between squads but these will only be for those swimmers who the Academy coaches consider ready to move (based on skill levels, performance and attendance in training, competitions and behaviour).
Exams (GCSE, AS and A Levels)
Swimmers entering an important period of examinations, or face other circumstances that dictate that their training commitments cannot be met should discuss their plans with the Head Coach or Lead Coach in advance of any action being taken.
The squad criteria and expected progress through the squads is set by the Head Coach and Lead Coaches of squads. It is continually reviewed, and as the club itself develops may be subject to change.
The performance standards set are targets to be achieved before being considered for squad movements; other factors will also be taken into account by the coaching staff when assessing whether a swimmer is ready to move squads. These will include: perceived potential, training ability, technical ability, positive attitude, training attendance record and attendance at recommended competitions. The club reserves the right to move swimmers between squads on the recommendation of the Head Coach or Lead Coaches.
In order for coaches to plan weekly programmes and balance squad training sessions, some squads will have priority training sessions which will need to be attended before being able to access additional sessions. These will be clearly signposted on the website, but if in doubt, swimmers should check with their coach.
Those swimmers who currently train below the recommended number of sessions for the squad they are in will be expected to gradually increase the number of sessions so as to fulfil the training requirements of that squad. Exceptions must have prior agreement with the Head Coach/Lead Coach. Swimmers may lose their place in the squad if these criteria are not met and maintained. In the event of the squad being full, swimmers who are not meeting the training requirements or criteria may be moved. Swimmers and/or parents will be involved in discussions with the Head Coach before such measures are put in place.
Progression within the Academy Squads
For swimmers to fulfil their potential, it is important that they acquire good skills before progressing through the Academy, and into the main club. Swimmers' skill level, session attendance, behaviour and competition attendance will be continually monitored and assessed by their group coach. There may be a few moves during the season between squads but these will only be for those swimmers who the Academy coaches consider ready to move (based on skill levels, performance and attendance in training, competitions and behaviour).
Exams (GCSE, AS and A Levels)
Swimmers entering an important period of examinations, or face other circumstances that dictate that their training commitments cannot be met should discuss their plans with the Head Coach or Lead Coach in advance of any action being taken.