Diving squad criteria

These Squad criteria and reviewed annually and may be changed in August to ensure the best use of available pool space or all divers.

In exceptional circumstances divers maybe moved into a squad when they do not meet the exact criteria and an individual training plan designed for divers' particular needs. This decision is made and agreed between the Diving Development Manager, Diving Development Coach and the Bradford Aquatics Manager and may also involve discussions with the parents or guardians and divers.

Please note that some training could be cancelled due to events or unforeseen circumstances. This has been reflected in the price per month.

Equipment

For each Squad the following equipment is required:

• Swimming trunks or swimming costume
• Towel
• Shammy
• Shorts and T-shirt for dryland training
• Trainers (Manningham Dryland sessions)
• Drink bottle.

Please speak to the Squad Coach if any difficulties with this arise.

Foundation Squad

Squad description and objectives

The squad is for divers who have completed the learn to dive scheme or been identified by coaches as having potential to become a competitive diver. The aims and objectives of the squad are on fundamentals, enjoyment, technique and skill, learning how to take part in competitive squad style training sessions.

At this stage, divers will not yet compete but will learn the basic skills required to take part in introductory level diving competitions.

There are currently 3 groups of Foundation Squad divers, this will be reviewed as required to meet the needs of the scheme.

Entry criteria

• Divers will be invited to join the Foundation squad when completing level 4 of the learn to dive scheme.
• Divers maybe invited to join the Foundation Squad before completing level 4 of the learn to dive scheme if they have demonstrated the following within learn to dive classes:
  • Streamline to a fair standard on push offs on the front and back.
  • Perform fly kick underwater to a reasonable standard on the front and back.
  • Show the basics of effective stroke drills on 3 different strokes.
  • Perform turns to a satisfactory standard on 3 different strokes and the 3 IM turns.
  • Show a basic understanding of reading a pace clock.

While in Foundation Squad

• Divers will take part in land-based training to develop their physical and technical skills.
• Divers will learn and develop the basic skills and techniques required to take part in diving competitions.
• Divers arrive on time for the commencement of each session.
• Divers will demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, to coaches and their peers.
• Divers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit.

Exit route

• Divers will be reviewed to move to Development Squad or Teen Squad on a continual basis.
• Divers will be eligible for selection to Development Squad if they are 11 years or younger and completed the skills needed to take part in introductory level diving competitions for their age group.
• Divers will be eligible for selection to the Teen Squad if they are aged 12 to 15 years.
• See entry criteria for Development Squad or Teen Squad

Development Squad

Squad objectives

To develop divers’ skills in both dryland and in the pool learning how to compete. Divers will be expected to take part in competitions of the appropriate level.

Entry criteria

Overall skill is of high importance and the main issues that will be considered are posture and take off techniques, line up sequences, body positioning and entries. Divers must be able to complete the skills required for their age group to take part in entry level Novice/Skills competitions.

Exit route

• Divers will be reviewed to move to Competition Squad on a continual basis throughout the year.
• Divers will only be eligible to join Competition Squad from the age of 8 upwards for Males and Females
• Divers will only be considered to move to Competition Squad if they have taken part in regional skills championships, or equivalent level event.
• If divers do not achieve Competition Squad standard by 14 years of age they will exit Development Squad and be recommended to continue in the Teen Squad.
• Divers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit
• See entry criteria for Competition Squad

Competition Squad

Squad description and objectives

The squad is for divers aged between 8 to 16. The aims and objectives of the squad are for divers to qualify and compete at National Skills Finals, whilst developing skills to move compete in Age group level competitions.

Entry criteria

• Divers must have competed in North East Regional Skills or equivalent level event.
• Divers must have achieved or demonstrated the ability to achieve the standard to National Skills Finals qualification for their age group.

Age group	National Skills Qualification Standard
Group E (8/9 years)	240 points
Group D (10/11 years)	255 points
Group C (12/13 years)	270 points
Group B (14/15 years)	265 points
Group A (16 - 18 years)	1m springboard 170 points 3m springboard 175 points

While in Competition Squad

• Divers will arrive on time for the commencement of each session.
• It is desirable that divers will have a achieved a national skills qualification score.
• Divers will demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, the coaches and their peers.
• Divers must show a commitment to attending regular competitions including club invitational and/or regional age group competitions.
• Divers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit.

Exit route

• Divers will move to Performance Development Squad when they reach the required ability, criteria and age (See entry criteria for Performance Development Squad).
• Divers will lose their place in the squad if they fail to attend National Skills finals when they have achieved the qualification standard.

Performance Development Group

Squad objectives

Divers to have competitive success at National Age Group Championships, and prepare aiming to compete at Elite Junior level competitions.

Entry criteria

The squad is divers aged 12 years and over and have achieved the qualification standard for Swim England National Age Group Championships. 

Exit route

• Divers aged 18 years plus will lose their place in the squad if they are not achieving the recommended standard to compete at senior level events.

Teen Squad

Squad description and objectives

Teen squad is a mainly recreational training squad for divers aged 12 to 17 years who have completed the learn to dive scheme, but do not meet the entry criteria for a competitive level squad; or have chosen not to compete.

Entry criteria

• Divers must be age 12 to 17 years and completed the learn to dive scheme.
• Divers must have taken part in Foundation Squad before being invited to join the Teen Squad.

While in Teen Squad

• Divers will work with coach to develop their skills and achieve individual goals in diving.
• Divers will take part in both land based and pool skills during training sessions.

Exit route

• Divers aged 18 years plus will no longer be able to train in the Teen Squad and will be invited to join the Masters Squad.

Masters Squad

The ages of divers in the squad are 16+ years. Divers should have either been competitive divers previously or competed Adult Beginner diving lessons. In Masters Squad divers are encouraged and recommended to compete in Masters Competitions, however they will work with the coaches to develop their skills and achieve their individual goals.