Squad structure and criteria
Squad Information & expectations for swimmers
The updated squad information & expectations for each squad has been created to be in line with British Swimming’s New Optimal Athlete Development Framework https://www.britishswimming.org/news/general-swimming-news/revitalised-optimal-athlete-development-framework-launched/ . The squad information & expectations are not to be used as criteria for promotion or moves between squads but as a focus on the aims for each swimmer within that squad based on 3 Key Areas, The Person, The Athlete & The Performer (further detail is available at the link above and on Off The Blocks).
In addition to the above focus there are some Swim Performance minimums that are expected for the Performance squads and these will be expected to be achieved within the year when they are in one of the Performance squads. However based on the 3 areas outlined below for moves between squads, the Head Coach reserves the right to have final discretion on any swimmer moves between squads.
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 to fulfil the training requirements of that squad. Weekday morning sessions are an important part of swimming and also have their own specific recommended number of sessions.
The protocols and criteria are continually being reviewed by the coaches. It is expected that the criteria will evolve as the club develops. The head coach, in conjunction with the club, reserves the right to alter the criteria for this programme at any time, if deemed necessary.
Squad moves & progression through the squads
For all squad moves in the Performance & Competitive sections of the club we will consider the below 3 criteria. The coaches will take into account these 3 areas when deciding if any squad moves are required, based on a triangle approach (for example if they excel at 2 areas but are weaker in the other area we would still consider them compared to someone who is good in all 3 areas). As coaches, if required we will provide feedback on the areas below that swimmers need to work on to progress within the club.
Progressions in the Academy Squads & up to Junior Pathway
There only difference for Academy squads and up to Junior Pathway is that that the 3rd Criteria, Swim Performance at Competitions is replaced by Technique & Ability in Training. As the focus for our younger swimmers is to improve & excel in their technique on all 4 strokes and the turn & start skills for every swimming event.
Exams (GCSE and A Levels)
Swimmers entering an important period of public examinations or similar circumstances and who feel that their training commitments cannot be met should negotiate such arrangements with their coach in advance of the required period.
The updated squad information & expectations for each squad has been created to be in line with British Swimming’s New Optimal Athlete Development Framework https://www.britishswimming.org/news/general-swimming-news/revitalised-optimal-athlete-development-framework-launched/ . The squad information & expectations are not to be used as criteria for promotion or moves between squads but as a focus on the aims for each swimmer within that squad based on 3 Key Areas, The Person, The Athlete & The Performer (further detail is available at the link above and on Off The Blocks).
In addition to the above focus there are some Swim Performance minimums that are expected for the Performance squads and these will be expected to be achieved within the year when they are in one of the Performance squads. However based on the 3 areas outlined below for moves between squads, the Head Coach reserves the right to have final discretion on any swimmer moves between squads.
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 to fulfil the training requirements of that squad. Weekday morning sessions are an important part of swimming and also have their own specific recommended number of sessions.
The protocols and criteria are continually being reviewed by the coaches. It is expected that the criteria will evolve as the club develops. The head coach, in conjunction with the club, reserves the right to alter the criteria for this programme at any time, if deemed necessary.
Squad moves & progression through the squads
For all squad moves in the Performance & Competitive sections of the club we will consider the below 3 criteria. The coaches will take into account these 3 areas when deciding if any squad moves are required, based on a triangle approach (for example if they excel at 2 areas but are weaker in the other area we would still consider them compared to someone who is good in all 3 areas). As coaches, if required we will provide feedback on the areas below that swimmers need to work on to progress within the club.
- Attendance in Training (with minimum expectations required for competitions).
- Effort & Focus in Training.
- Swim Performance at Competitions.
Progressions in the Academy Squads & up to Junior Pathway
There only difference for Academy squads and up to Junior Pathway is that that the 3rd Criteria, Swim Performance at Competitions is replaced by Technique & Ability in Training. As the focus for our younger swimmers is to improve & excel in their technique on all 4 strokes and the turn & start skills for every swimming event.
Exams (GCSE and A Levels)
Swimmers entering an important period of public examinations or similar circumstances and who feel that their training commitments cannot be met should negotiate such arrangements with their coach in advance of the required period.