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Competitive

Competitive

FUNdamentals 2

7 - 10 years old

Competitive : FUNdamentals 2

Swimmers in the Fundamentals squad may have been referred from Crusader Playground, have completed Level 8 or higher swimming lessons, or have experience with a Summer swim team. Swimmer placement is a combination of technical assessment and specific measures, along with considerations of athlete development as determined by the coaching staff.

In combination with a coaching assessment, swimmers may begin in the squad when they have the stamina to swim 100 meters of stroke resembling front crawl and backstroke, are able to kick 100m any style, and are able to listen to and follow coaching instructions. These swimmers will gradually learn to control the basic technique for all four strokes of our sport - butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle (front crawl); each of 7 turns, dives from the starting block. In general swimmers join between ages of 7 and 10. For this squad at the fundamental stage of skill learning it is a key period for establishing the technique of the sport. Skill learning of the range of skills for FUNdamental squad generally takes 3 or 4 years given a starting age of 7 years (more years if they start younger and possibly less if they start when older). They swim two times per week and participate in one to two land training sessions depending on the time of the year and facility access. These swimmers begin competition in a progressive novice program called ‘NS Novatech’ which enables step by step learning in short session swim meets close to home. They have the opportunity to participate in six Novatech meets each season.

FUNdamentals 3

7 - 13 years old

Competitive : FUNdamentals 3

Swimmers entering into the FUNdamentals squad, should be able to complete 100m of stroke resembling front crawl and backstroke, are able to kick 100m any style, and are able to listen to and follow coaching instructions. FUNdamental swimmers will gradually learn the basic technique for all four strokes - butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle (front crawl); each of 7 turns and dives from the starting block.

Swimmers are generally between 7 - 10 years old. They swim 3 times per week and participate in 1 to 3 land-training sessions per week (depending on time of year). NOVATECH swimmers begin competition in a progressive novice program: NS Novatech. They have the opportunity to participate in 5 - 6 events per season.

Blue

9 - 12 years old

Competitive : Blue

Swimmers in the Blue squad mainly progress from the FUNdamental 3 squad but may be screened and assessed for Blue Age Group squad from other year round or Summer swim clubs and occasionally from those who have completed the swim lesson levels. Swimmer placement is a combination of technical assessment and specific measures, along with considerations of athlete development for sport as determined by the coaching staff.

Blue Age Group swimmers are generally 9 to 12 years of age, are familiar with and have mastered the basic technique of all four competitive strokes, and are competent at dives from the starting block. The basic skills learned in FUNdamental squad progress in complexity in the Blue squad. Stroke skill work is matched with complimentary movement skills on land. Skill learning at this Fundamental to Learn to Train stage generally takes 2 to 4 years.

Swimmers are generally expected to be in age group level competition but may be assigned to the Blue squad when in Level 2 Novatech competition at the coach's discretion. In the age group level competition the swimmer will usually have opportunities to compete once each month.

Blue squad swimmers have three pool practice sessions and one to three land training session per week depending on facility access. The pool sessions range are usually 60 minutes but this is reviewed

Gold

11 - 13 years old

Competitive : Gold

Swimmers in Gold squad are generally 11 – 13 years of age , able to swim all four strokes and sustain basic technique throughout training sessions. They are motivated to try new challenges and build their general and race fitness. With greater challenge in training and competition, cognitive and emotional understanding is developed. Mental preparation is introduced. Even though swimming may be a favoured sport at these ‘learn to train’ and ‘train to train’ stages, continued alternate activity is still encouraged for its benefits to overall athletic ability. As much as 50% of the week’s physical activity should be non-swimming. Skill learning at this level generally takes 2 to 4 years. Swimmers in Gold squad have six pool practices per week for 60 to 90 minutes, and one to three land training session per week.

Gold squad swimmers will compete at NS Age Group short course, and if qualified long course, development meets. Learning to focus on process driven goals is important to refining technique, learning about race plans, and beginning to assess performance. Age Group development meets are usually scheduled once per month over two days on a weekend and will involve some out-of-town travel. The swim meets include racing in short course (25m pools) and long course (50m pools) events over the full season which runs from September to June or July.

Junior

13 years & over

Competitive : Junior

Junior squad swimmers are generally 13 and over, are competent in technique for all strokes, turns, and starts, and have three or more years competitive experience in a broad range of events at NS AA Championship level and higher. Swimmers are training to compete for personal improvement, for the value of personal fitness, and to contribute to the Team. Junior squad swimmers are motivated to improve their personal performance and strive toward NS AAA Championship level and higher. Swimmers with multisport interests are able to train and compete with Junior squad in a consultative relationship with the coach. To move on to the Senior squad they need to be ready to narrow their focus and make swimming their priority for competitive sport.

Training performance measures for eventual moving forward into the Senior squad are considered in combination with persistent work ethic and performance intent. A demonstrated motivation to set challenging personal goals and supporting others in the pursuit of their goals is part of the attitude needed with the Junior squad, and resonates further in the Senior squad. Personal motivation includes aiming to achieve NS-AAA, finalist, podium, and higher standards.

The Junior squad’s competition plan includes NS Age Group development meets, NS AA Competition, NS AAA Championships, and may include Invitational meets, or Swimming Canada meets with qualification. Their competitions are generally once per month, scheduled over two days, but may include 3 or 4 day meets and some travel. They include both short course and long course meets. Swimmers may be considered for Senior squad when they have maximized their training with the Junior squad, met performance standards including training test results, day-to-day work ethic, technical performance through the season, and readiness for the next level of training and competition challenges.

Senior

14 years & over

Competitive : Senior

Senior squad is a training and competitive level at which swimmers fine tune technical and tactical skills. Swimmers must be prepared to participate in challenging training and be prepared to contribute to the training atmosphere.

Commitment to striving for challenging personal goals is expected and the expectation is also that athletes will place swimming sport as the main focus of personal activities outside of home and academics. The focus is on final and podium performances at NS Provincial Championships, and working toward achieving standards for National level competitions. The Senior squad's competition plan includes local age group development short course and long course meets, NS AA and AAA Provincial Championships, select Invitational meets in the Atlantic region, and may include one or more travel competitions outside of the region. All travel competitions can be expected to have qualifying standards. Meet selection for the calendar is a coaching decision and is determined in line with seasonal goals. Additional meets for qualifiers include all levels of National meets as designated by Swimming Canada.

Senior group swimmers are expected to root their behavior choices in a way that:

supports a culture of providing leadership to other Club swimmers, such as: consistent work ethic, participating in team activities, creating a welcoming team environment, and getting to know and encouraging younger swimmers;
supports a culture that is driven by excellence in fitness and personal performance;
supports a culture of leaving a positive legacy.

Senior squad swimmers are expected to see themselves as role models for the team and to make choices that support personal and team excellence in athletic performance.

SENIOR Prospects

14 years & over

Competitive : SENIOR Prospects

Senior National Prospects squad generally train with the Senior Squad. These swimmers may have extra training opportunities (including one extra practice each week).

Swimmers in this squad have proven a dedication to achieving success beyond regional competitions.

Terms & Conditions

Volunteer Terms
Membership Confirmation
Swim NS Letter to Swimmer
Medical Release Waiver
Liability Waiver
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Electronic Communication