Age Groups

Age Group Regional (AGR)

This group is designed for athletes who are beyond the Championship Age Group Program.  Based on age and ability, athletes will either be working towards or have already achieved a regional level competition qualification (SWAGR/Age Group or Senior Zones/Sectionals). Major focuses of the group are a higher level of commitment to swimming as their main sport and competing.  Stroke refinement and attention to detail is key in this group as the swimmers begin to experience more intense, longer workouts in and out of the water. Minimum attendance requirement is 60% in this group to further the development of the aerobic base and help ensure growth in the sport as athletes hopefully prepare for the training demands of Senior Groups. Swimmers in this group will attend a number of local meets per season and have opportunities for out-of-town group travel meets to prepare for regional competition to include SWAGR, Zones, Sectionals and/or other similar championship-style meets for their age group. Athletes will compete in all strokes, at all distances in accordance with the Group Lead and Head Coaches’ guidance.

Age Group Championship (AGC)

This group is designed for athletes with other obligations and/or training constraints that do not allow for the time commitment of AGR. The minimum age requirement for this group is 8. Many of these swimmers excel within NM Swimming and should be approaching state qualifying times, and eventually working toward regional-level competition. In addition to developing an aerobic base, practices tend toward lower volume with a focus on form and good habit building. Athletes are expected to come to practices regularly in order to have consistent growth, however, there is no general attendance requirement for this group.  Swimmers in this group will have opportunities to compete in both local and out-of-town group travel meets. Athletes compete in all strokes for which they are proficient (with an expectation of ¾ strokes being legally acceptable), at all distances in accordance with the Group Lead and Head Coach’s guidance, and athlete comfort. 

Age Group State (AGS)

This group is designed to foster athlete’s growth as competitive swimmers. Swimmers must be at least 10 years old. There is no attendance policy for this group, however it is expected that to show progress, athletes should attend practices as regularly as possible. Competition in at least one regular season meet and one end-of-season championship meet is expected. Practice focus will be on stroke technique first, followed by endurance. Swimmers in this group are working towards state qualifying times and moving up to the Championship Age Group.