OCSC offers a progressive, age- and skill-based group structure designed to meet swimmers where they are and help them grow—from first dives to competitive-level training. Each group builds on the one before it, focusing on technique, work ethic, racing skills, and a genuine love for the sport.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Individual progress in swimming is closely tied to the effort each athlete puts in, both in practice attendance and behavior.

  • Swimmers influence one another’s practice habits through encouragement, accountability, and striving for personal and team excellence.

  • Coaches emphasize team dynamics: while swimmers race individually, they are integral members of the Oregon Community Swim Club (OCSC).

  • Swim groups are not one-size-fits-all. Coaches consider many factors when assigning or moving swimmers, including skill level, ability, age, social aspects, and family dynamics (such as siblings). If you have questions about your swimmer’s placement, please encourage your athlete to speak with their coach or email the coaching staff, [email protected].

  • It is not typical for swimmers to move groups each season (for example, from short course to long course). Group moves happen when a swimmer consistently shows readiness, not just because a new season starts. Coaches look for steady skill development, comfort with training expectations, and overall readiness before making a change.

Leopard Sharks (Developmental/Beginner | Ages 8 & Under)

This group introduces the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a fun, dynamic way. Swimmers learn all four strokes, starts, turns, racing procedures, and pool etiquette. Home meet participation required.


Minimum Requirements:

  • 25-meter freestyle with rhythmic side breathing (under 1:00)
  • 25-meter backstroke (under 1:00)
  • Coaching staff approval
     

 

Hammerhead Sharks (Developing 8-9/Beginner 9–10)

This group is for swimmers refining their skills across all four strokes. Athletes begin goal setting, using the pace clock, and developing positive practice habits, while continuing to improve their pool awareness and overall practice etiquette. Meet participation expected at least once per month.


Minimum Requirements:

  • 25-meter freestyle with side breathing (under 40 seconds)
  • 25-meter backstroke (under 50 seconds)
  • Coaching staff approval
     

 

REEF ( Emerging 10&Under | Beginning/ Developing 11-12)

This group is designed for experienced 10 & Unders and developing 11-12 year olds with a passion for swimming. Swimmers focus on maintaining proper technique under fatigue, reading and using the pace clock independently, and building a consistent, competitive work ethic. Athletes are nearing consistent pool awareness and practice etiquette, with a major emphasis on racing, racing skills, and competition performance, all with an emphasis on fun! Meet participation expected regularly.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Flip turns
  • 100 IM in under 2:00 (yards) / 2:10 (meters)
  • Ability to swim 6x50 @ 1:00 with fins
  • Coaching staff approval
     

 

Silky Sharks (Advanced 10-11, Evolving 12-13)

This group serves as the introductory performance level at OCSC. Practices focus on refining stroke technique, starts, and turns, while developing aerobic capacity and race strategy in a fun, competitive environment. Swimmers begin building the mental discipline needed to withstand the rigors of higher-level competitive swimming. Athletes are reliable in demonstrating consistent pool awareness and practice etiquette. Dryland training is incorporated as part of overall athletic development. Meet participation expected regularly.


Minimum Requirements:

  • Ability to swim a 90 minute training session with minimal breaks
  • Demonstrates growing independence and responsibility during training
  • Maintains a positive attitude with a growth mindset
  • Nearing ability to perform practice at optimal intensity relative to ability
  • Maintains a pace and focus that supports the group’s overall training flow
  • Consistently models sportsmanship and leadership by setting a strong example for others
  • Coaching staff approval
     

 

Great Whites (Emerging 13 & Overs |Cross Training High School Swimmers)

 

This group is designed for swimmers ages 13 and over who want to continue competing while balancing other commitments. It provides a competitive training environment without the full-time performance training load. Practices are offered Monday through Friday in the evenings and are generally coordinated with the Megalodons when possible to support continued social connection and team development. Athletes are expected to model appropriate pool awareness and practice etiquette at all times. Meet participation expected regularly.

 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Ability to swim independently and without disrupting practice flow
  • Completes a 50 freestyle in under 40 seconds
  • Ability to complete a 2- hour swim workout
  • Coaching staff approval

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Megalodons (Transcending 12 & Over | Committed High School Swimmers). 

This is our highest training group, designed for committed swimmers ready to embrace the work required for high-level performance and to self-actualize as athletes and leaders.16-18 hours of practice per week will be offered. Training focuses on advanced aerobic and anaerobic development, race strategy, mental skills, strength and dryland work, and goal-driven progression. Athletes in this group demonstrate leadership, accountability, and consistently model appropriate pool awareness and practice etiquette. Meet participation expected regularly.
 


Minimum Requirements:

  • Demonstrates full independence and accountability in training
  • Exceptional ability  to perform practice at optimal intensity relative to ability
  • Completed at least one full high school season with proficiency in all four strokes
  • Leads by example and upholds a high training standard
  • Coaching staff approval