How to Guide: Progressing to the Next Group

Below is a guide to help parents and swimmers formulate a better understanding of what the goals and expectations are for each of the NEON groups (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), and what requirements must be met for a swimmer to advance into the next group.

Bronze:

10 and Under (or by ability/coaches’ discretion)

Bronze group is designed for developmental swimmers. The goal of this group is to develop proper stroke mechanics and a basic understanding of competitive swimming. Swimmers are expected to make three out of four practices every week (75 percent of practices for the season).

Goals:

1.      Proper stroke mechanics

2.      Basic understanding of starts and turns for all four strokes

3.      Basic understanding of swimming terms

4.      Basic understanding of how to read a pace clock

5.      Basic understanding of USA swim meets (check-in, warm-up, start procedure for races)

Requirements for Advancement to Silver:

1.      Must be at least 9 years of age (or coaches’ discretion)

2.      Must have completed I.M.R.

3.      Has to participate in 2 meets and 1 championship meet per season

4.      75 percent practice attendance for the season

5.      Advancement is based on coaches’ discretion

Silver:

13 and under (or by ability/coaches’ discretion)

Silver is designed to continue stroke development and to start refining stroke mechanics. Swimmers will also be introduced to basic interval training and to practices which will build their endurance in preparation for racing. They are introduced to various types of goal setting (time based and technique based). These swimmers will be expected to make a minimum of five practices out of the six they are offered every week (80 percent practice attendance for the season).

Goals:

1.      Refine and perfect stroke mechanics

2.      Learn how to keep proper technique and pace in practice

3.      Complete I.M.X. program (for 11-12 year-old age group)

4.      Qualify for silver and gold champs

Requirements for advancement to Gold:

1.      Completion of I.M.X. program for 11-12 year-old track

2.      Must have 3 "BB" times

3.      Must have 1 "A" time

4.      Must be at least 11 years of age

5.      80 percent of practice attendance for the season

6.      Advancement based on coaches’ discretion

Gold:

11-14 year-old age group (or by ability/coaches’ discretion)

This group is designed for the swimmers with the highest ability and most experience in the 11 to 14 year-old range. Training in this group is higher intensity and focusing on race strategy and refinement. This group will continue their stoke refinement but their goals will be focused on time and meet achievement. This group will be expected to make five out of six practices offered in a week (90 percent practice attendance for the season).

Goals:

1. Refine stroke mechanics

2. Understanding of race strategies

3. Qualify to Gold Champs

4. Qualify to Zones

5. Swim a 1650 or a 400 I.M.

Requirements for advancement to Platinum:

1.      Must have 2 "A" times

2.      Must have either a 1650 or a 400 I.M. completed in a sanctioned meet.

3.      Must be at least 13 years of age

4.      90 percent of practice attendance

5.      Advancement on coaches’ discretion

***All Advancement will be made at the start of the new season***