SELECTION OF GROUPS

 

Coach and Swimmer Responsibilities and Expectations:

As a team, there are certain things that are expected from a coach and certain things expected from the athletes. Please view the list below for Coach and Athlete Responsibilities and Expectations.

Responsibilities to the swimmers include…

  • Grouping the swimmers into appropriate age and skill-leveled groups.
  • Instructing each and every swimmer on the most updated technique for all of the four competitive strokes.
  • Helping the swimmers to understand the policies and regulations of not only USA Swimming, but of the Northglenn Fusion Swim Club as well.
  • Finalizing decisions made on which meets the Fusion Swim Club will attend as well as which events any swimmer will swim at the meet.
  • Attending the meets that the swimmers are registered for, provide instruction during warm-up, as well as giving positive feedback and areas of improvement on races completed during the meet.
  • If and when enough swimmers are available for a relay, the coach will be responsible for putting the relay together.

As USA Swimmers, you also have certain responsibilities and expectations. Responsibilities/Expectations of the swimmers include…

  • Attend workouts
  • Take ownership of team
  • Have good sportsmanship
  • Attend meets
  • Respect and listen coaches

 

 

Details about Group Promotions:

During each season, coaches promote swimmers to new practice groups. During each “promotion” period, there are swimmers and parents of swimmers who struggle to understand the decision process used in determining whether or not a swimmer should be promoted. The following is an outline of factors the coaches use when determining practice group “promotions.” (Please note: group promotions CANNOT be done within one month of a championship meet).

 

1)  For a swimmer to advance to the next practice group, there must be space available in that practice group. The current size of the team makes this evaluation a harsh reality. There will be swimmers who are ready to advance, but don’t because there isn’t space for them. Be assured, the coaches will make sure swimmers are challenged regardless of their group placement.

2)  For swimmers to be eligible for a group promotion, they must have been swimming with the team in the two months prior to the evaluation period.

3)  Lane leadership experience in the current practice group is a key consideration in group promotion.

4)  Swimmers attending the expected number of practice sessions for their group will be considered for promotion.

5)  Swimmers consistently completing all practice sets on the prescribed intervals will be considered for promotion.

6)  A swimmer’s behavior at practice is considered when determining promotions. Swimmers listening to the coach’s instructions, not disrupting practice, behaving maturely, encouraging their teammates, and giving appropriate effort during practice will be considered for promotion.

7)  A swimmer’s age will be considered. When possible, an attempt will be made to keep swimmers of similar ages in the same practice groups.

8)  A swimmer’s participation in FUSION attended meets will be considered.

9)  A swimmer’s participation in qualifying meets such as Silver State, Senior State, LC State, and the 14&U Age Group Champions is considered. ]

10)  Completion of given test sets will be considered when looking at group promotions.

11)  A swimmer’s technique, speed and endurance will also be key factors in consideration for group promotions.

 

The coaching staff makes decisions on group placement based on a season long process of watching swimmers daily practice and meet habits for returners.  The coaching staff and head coach have final say on all group assignments regardless of written guidelines.  All group assignments are subject to change by the coaching staff at any time throughout the duration of the swim season.

These are entrance requirements and should be looked at as such.  Each group will be trained to improve in all aspects of their swimming and to aim beyond the next group’s requirements creating a progressive long term approach.   

 

Please refer to the "Group Descriptions" for more detailed information about each Fusion group.