Newington Swim Club Team Level Descriptions

The following descriptions are informational guidelines to inform placement decisions by coaching staff for Newington Swim Club.  The age ranges provided are typical of swimmers in that level, but are flexible in that once swimmers master the skills and expectations in one level, they may be moved to an advanced level regardless of age.

Red Team

This group is primarily designed for swimmers ages 5-18.

This is our developmental training group. Red team swimmers must be able to complete 25 yards (one pool length) of backstroke and freestyle unassisted. They should demonstrate the basic water skills of blowing bubbles for air exchange, unassisted back float, and a consistent flutter kick. Red team coaching will focus on learning the four competitive strokes: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle, and other foundational aspects of the sport. Meet participation at this level is primarily optional, but highly encouraged. Some meets may be designated as mandatory as swimmers demonstrate readiness for competition.

Bronze Team

This group is primarily designed for swimmers ages 9-18. 

This is our age group preparatory training group. Bronze team swimmers must demonstrate proficiency in competitive freestyle and backstroke. Bronze team will focus on building proficiency in breaststroke and buttefly while refining stroke technique in freestyle and backstroke, starts, turns and finishes. Swimmers will begin to build endurance and racing technique. Meet participation at this level is required.

Silver Team

This group is primarily designed for swimmers ages 10-18.

This is our age group training group. Silver team swimmers must demonstrate proficiency in all four competitve strokes: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle and the competitve swimming skills of starts, flip turns, and underwater streamline. Silver team coaching will focus on refining competitive swimming skills, building endurance, and improving racing technique. Meet participation is required.

Gold Team

This group is primarily designed for swimmers ages 12-18.

This is our senior preparatory training group. Gold team swimmers must be able to swim 100 yards of all four competitive strokes: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle with consistent technique, meet time standards, and have the endurance to train with same level swimmers. Gold team coaching will focus on refining competitive swimming skills, building endurance, improving racing technique, and developing race strategy. Swimmers at this level are committed to the competitive sport of swimming. Meet participation is required.

Platinum Team

This group is primarily designed for swimmers ages 14+.

This is our senior level training group. Platinum team swimmers must be able to swim 100 yards of all four competitive strokes: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle with consistent technique, meet time standards, and have the endurance to train with same level swimmers. Platinum team coaching pairs technique work with high intensity training and increased yardage. Swimmers at this level are committed to the competitive sport of swimming. Meet participation is required.

*College swimmers training with NSC during the summer season will be placed on the platinum team. Meet participation is not required for these athletes.