Start of Season Placements & Early Season Group Movements

A swimmer's initial group placement is determined by our coaching staff based on many factors, such as training ability, best times, skill development, coachability, dedication, etc. As coaches we try to place each swimmer in a group that will give them the best possible chance to reach their goals, have fun, and learn throughout the season. Factors such as age, peer group, worth ethic, attendance and qualification standards are all other considerations used to determine the initial group placement.

The first month of the season is a very fluid time as we start to see each new group come together as a whole. As training begins, it may be apparent that a swimmer is not in the most appropriate group for their development. As coaches, we do our best with the initial placements, but it is sometimes difficult to predict exactly what the right fit is for each swimmer after the summer off.

If the coaching staff determine that there is a more appropriate training group for a specific swimmer they may suggest to the athlete and the parents that a move be made early, while swimmers are still adapting to a new season and potentially a new coach. If you feel your child was placed in the wrong group, it is important to respectfully voice your concern to the correct people early in the season. Your first step should be to consult with your current group coach. If the group coach agrees a more suitable group placement should be considered, the next step would be a meeting with the Head Coach, Group Coach and Family to discuss where to place the swimmer.

Mid Season Group Movements

Sometimes in the middle of the season athletes have achieved new standards, and there could be the possibility of a group move. Many factors need to be considered in this: the new group schedule, available space in the next training group, ability to successfully train at the higher level, achievement of new standards, coach recommendation, etc. There are two times that group movements may be done: January & April. 

All mid-season group movements will be carefully considered by both the current and new group coach to make sure that we are providing a seamless transition, and allowing our athletes the best possible environment to achieve their personal goals. Any mid-season movements would also result in the swimmer family taking on the new group fee scale for the remainder of the season.