At the end of the school year and the end of the long course season (summer), swimmers may be asked to move up to new practice groups. During each “move-up” period, there are swimmers and parents of swimmers who may struggle to understand the decision process used in determining whether or not a swimmer should be promoted. Our goal is to help you understand what that process looks like and what the means for your child as they develop through our program.
Group Assignments
The process of assigning groups is a delicate process that requires a lot of attention to several factors. Placement is based on such areas as:
1. Physical and mental maturity
2. Chronological age
3. Meet performance
4. Training effort
5. Attendance
6. Availability and our current and future expectations of the groups.
Swimming is not a "one size fits all' sport. Every family has different priorities in how we raise our children. It takes work and open communication for families and coaches to make things work effectively and efficiently for the swimmer.
Advancement
Athletes are always being evaluated on their understanding of the sport. Our coaches are experts in examining strengths and weaknesses in our athletes. There is no set test that allows an athlete to move up in a group. We want to make sure we place a swimmer in a group that will give them the best opportunity to grow and develop as a positive leader, not just an athlete.
Adjustments and modifications to each group may occur based on what we see in practice and how well they perform at swim meets and competition.
Advancement in the program occurs only when a swimmer masters the skills that are taught in each group and fulfill the performance standards and personal development expectations for their current group. Advancement is dependent on availability, team makeup, and the coaching staff’s decision based on individual swimmer’s needs. There is not set standard or criteria that applies to every swimmer.
***It is solely up the coaching staff to decide whether or not a swimmer should advance***
The following is a more detailed outline of factors the our coaching staff uses to determine practice group move-ups.
1. For a swimmer to advance to the next practice group, there must be space available in the next group. The current size of the team makes this evaluation a harsh reality with having a long list of swimmers waiting to join a team where almost every single spot is full.
2. For swimmers to be eligible for a group promotion, they must have been swimming with the team for the previous season. This assures us that they have developed the necessary skills to progress to the next level.
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 move-ups. 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 swim meets such as State, TAGS, STAGS, and STX Champs are also considered.
