Moving between swimming squads within CBHSC is typically based on a combination of factors including technical ability, fitness, attitude, and competition performance. Swimmers are assessed by coaches to determine if they are ready to advance to a more challenging squad, with criteria including attendance, personal best times, and the ability to meet the demands of the higher-level training program.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the criteria:
- Technical Ability:
- Proficiency in all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly).
- Effective body position, balance, and streamlined movement in the water.
- Proper breathing technique.
- Strong starts and turns.
- Fitness and Endurance:
- Demonstrated endurance and ability to complete sets of varying distances and intensities.
- Consistent improvement in times for various distances and strokes.
- Ability to maintain pace and effort throughout training sessions.
- Attitude and Commitment:
- Positive attitude towards training and willingness to learn.
- Consistent attendance at training sessions and competitions.
- Respect for coaches and fellow swimmers.
- Strong work ethic and dedication to improvement.
- Willingness to compete in recommended galas and meets.
- Competition Performance:
- Achievement of personal best times in competitions.
- Ability to perform under pressure and race effectively.
- Demonstrated racing skills, such as starts, turns, and finishes.
- Other Considerations:
- Age and maturity level, particularly for moving to squads with more demanding training schedules.
- Potential for future development and improvement.
- Concerns that moving a swimmer may result in negative outcomes for them, leading to loss of technical ability due to increased workload.
- Feedback from coaches and their overall assessment of the swimmer’s readiness.
Important Notes:
- Squad movement is not always automatic and is at the discretion of the coaching staff.
- Swimmers are continuously monitored and assessed, and movement is often a gradual process.
- Progression is also dependant upon space being available in the appropriate squad as squads have a maximum number.