Swim 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 swimmers.

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

Please note that some training could be cancelled due to events / 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
• Swimming cap (if you normally wear one)
• Swimming goggles and a spare pair
• Towel
• Kick and pull buoy
• Hand and finger paddles (if you own them)
• Fins (of the correct size)
• 2 drink bottles.

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

Rising Stars Squad

Squad description and objectives

The squad is for swimmers aged 7 to 12 for both males and females. The aims and objectives of the squad are on fundamentals, enjoyment, technique and skill, a wide range of stroke drills will be used and a firm focus will be placed streamlining, underwater fly kick and turn techniques.

At this age, swimmers will be encouraged to compete (mainly graded meets with their local clubs, will be targeted) and Grassroots meets will be available for squad members up to the age of 9 and squad members will be encouraged to compete in these meets with their local clubs.

The number of swimmers in the squad will be 42. (This number will be reviewed annually).

Entry criteria

• Swimmers will be taken into Rising Stars Squad from the local clubs and from Talent ID spotting within the Bradford Aquatic swimming lessons. The local club coaches shall be consulted with regard to any intake of new swimmers from their particular clubs.
• Swimmers must be of the age as stated in the squad description.
• Swimmers must be competent in swimming 3 different strokes and be able to swim a distance of 200 metres continuously using 1 or more strokes.
• Swimmers must show a fair standard of aerobic stamina to be considered for Rising Stars Squad.
• Swimmers will only be considered to move in to Rising Stars Squad if they can perform the following on a constant ongoing basis:
  • 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 Rising Stars Squad

• Swimmers will be encouraged to enter Grassroots competitions when they feel ready.
• Swimmers arrive on time for the commencement of each session.
• Swimmers will demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, to coaches and their peers.
• Swimmers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit.

Exit route

• Swimmers will be reviewed to move to Rising Stars Transition Squad or Junior Development Squad at 3 review points during the year (usually September, Christmas and Easter).
• Swimmers will only be eligible to join Rising Stars Transition Squad or Junior Development Squad from the age of 9 upwards for males and females.
• If swimmers do not achieve Junior Development Squad standard by 13 years of age they will exit Rising Stars Squad and be recommended continue to swim with their local club.
• See entry criteria for Rising Stars Transition Squad or Junior Development Squad

Rising Stars Transition Squad

Squad objectives

To prepare swimmers for the Junior Development Squad

Entry criteria

The maximum number of swimmers selected for RS Trans Squad is 8.

Overall skill is of high importance and the main issues that will be considered are Streamlining, ability to kick fly underwater to a good standard, stroke technique and turning ability. The Senior Coach and Development Coaches’ decisions are final.

Exit route

• Swimmers will be reviewed to move to Junior Development Squad at 3 review points during the year (usually September, Christmas and Easter, if places are available).
• Swimmers will only be eligible to join Junior Development Squad from the age of 9 upwards for Males and Females
• Swimmers must show a good standard of aerobic stamina to be considered for Junior Development Squad.
• Swimmers will only be considered to move to Junior Development Squad if they can perform the following on a constant ongoing basis:
  • Streamline to high standard on push offs on the front and back.
  • Perform fly kick underwater to a good standard on the front and back.
  • Show 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.
• If swimmers do not achieve Junior Development Squad standard by 13 years of age they will exit Rising Stars Squad and be recommended to continue to swim with their local club.
• Swimmers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit
• See entry criteria for Junior Development Squad

Junior Development Squad

Squad description and objectives

The squad is for swimmers aged between 9 to 15 for both males and females. The aims and objectives of the squad are to develop swimmers for age group (BAGCAT) competitions. A varied range of skills and stroke drills will be implemented, but the focus will be on fundamentals and enjoyment. The maximum number in the squad will be 36 swimmers.

Entry criteria

• Swimmers must be of the age as stated in the squad description.
• Swimmers must have ambitions to achieve N.E.R. qualifying times and above.
• To be considered for JD swimmers must be able to demonstrate, on a regular basis:
  • A good front and back streamlined position when pushing of the walls.
  • A good fly kick on both front and back when pushing of walls.
  • Show a satisfactory level of turn skill on all 4 strokes and the 3 IM turns.
  • Be competent on 3 of the 4 swimming strokes.
  • Show a satisfactory level of fitness and stamina.

While in Junior Development Squad

• Swimmers will attend a minimum of 5 sessions per week, including Saturday mornings.
• Swimmers will arrive on time for the commencement of each session.
• It is desirable that swimmers will hold a current Yorkshire A. qualifying time.
• Swimmers will demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, the coaches and their peers.
• Swimmers must show a commitment to morning training to be considered to move into Youth Development Squad.
• Attend a minimum of 8 meets per season and enter the correct events as directed by the Senior Coach and Development Coach.
• Swimmers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit.

Exit route

• Swimmers will move to Youth Development Transition Squad when they reach the required ability, criteria and age (See entry criteria for Youth Development Squad).
• Swimmers will lose their place in the squad if their attendance falls below 4 sessions per week on a more often than not basis and will be recommended to continue their training with the local clubs.

Junior Development Transition Group

Squad objectives

To prepare swimmers for the Youth Development Squad

Entry criteria

The squad is for swimmers that have reached the age of 13. The squad will not exceed 6 swimmers. The Senior Coaches and Development Coaches decision is final. It is desirable that swimmers hold a minimum of 1 NER QT.

Exit route

• Swimmers will lose their place in the squad if their attendance falls below 5 sessions per week on a more often than not basis and will be recommended to the local clubs.
• Will move to Youth Development Squad once they reach the required ability, criteria and age to do so.

Youth Development Squad

Squad description and objectives

Youth Development Squad is the premier squad within the scheme. The maximum number of places available in YD Squad is 26. The aims and objectives of the squad are to develop and prepare swimmers for the National Championships and above such as International competition. An emphasis is also placed on success at Yorkshire S.A. and North East Region A.S.A. events and the progression to these levels through competition in selected open and club meets.

Entry criteria

• Swimmers must be able to demonstrate a high skill level on all 4 strokes, all turns including Medley turns, streamlining, under water kick skill and a good understanding of using a pace clock.
• Swimmers will be reviewed to move to Youth Development Squad at 3 review points during the year (usually September, Christmas and Easter, if places are available).
• Swimmers in Youth Development Squad will be aged 14 for both males and females. Younger swimmers can be taken/fast tracked in to Youth Development depending on the swimmers ability, Skill, and requirements. The Senior Coach’s decision will be final regarding this.
• It is desirable that swimmers have at least 1 regional qualifying time.

While in Youth Development Squad

• The number of required sessions each swimmer attends weekly will be set by the Senior Coach. The Minimum requirement is 6 sessions. Swimmers attending a Competition on a Saturday will be classed as attending training.
• Swimmers must show an ongoing commitment to morning training.
• Swimmers must attend the Saturday morning session at Eccleshill Pool and take part in the land session after the water session.
• Swimmers must attend meets and enter relevant events on a regular basis as directed by the Senior Coach. (Minimum of 6 meets per year). If a swimmer competes on 1 day of a 2 day meet only that will be considered as 1 meet.
• Swimmers will arrive on time for sessions and will complete blood flow exercises prior to the commencement of sessions.
• Swimmers must complete sessions to the standard required
• Swimmers must demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, coaches and their peers.
• Swimmers will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit
• Swimmers are expected to keep an up to date logbook.
  
  

Tri Training Squad

Squad description and objectives

There will be 6 places available, for those whom fulfil the criteria below. The aim of the squad will be to fulfil the commitment of 3 to 4 swim sessions per week to fit in around their other training for the cycle and run elements of the Triathlon. It is expected that they will partake in the swim sessions with the aim of improving their speed, stamina and endurance for the swim element of the Triathlon.

Entry criteria

It has been decided, that to be eligible to train as a triathlete within the Bradford Aquatics swim training scheme, that the individual must have been selected by the YTA (Yorkshire Triathlon Academy) or the YTS (Yorkshire Talent Squad).

The YTA has qualification times that need to be achieved for the swim, these are for 13 to 15 years a 200m time and for 16 to 19 years a 400m time. See the table below.

Age	Female qualification time	Male qualification time
14 years	2.25.8	2.20.1
15 years	2.24.4	2.17.4
16 years	5.00.4	4.48.7
17 years	4.57.4	4.43.1
18 years	4.54.5	4.37.5

The YTS  allows the swimmer to be just outside the time on the swim or run but to be on the radar to be selected.

Masters Squad

Squad description and objectives

The ages of swimmers in the squad are 18+ for males and females.

Bradford Aquatics Competitive Swimming Training Scheme is committed to the competitive development of its participants. Swimmers in Masters Squad are encouraged and recommended to compete in Masters Competitions such as open meets, county, regional and National competition. Its members are also encouraged and recommended to be members of the COBSC. This membership allows individuals to compete in such competitions.

Priority regarding available space at training will be given to the competitive members of the squad.