SWIMMER PATHWAYS (SQUADS)

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1 SWIMMER PATHWAYS (SQUADS) Updated: 22 July 2017

Overview of the Pathway (in order of ability)... 3 Expectations for All Squads... 3 Assessment Process... 4 Parent/caregiver Support... 4 Tadpoles Squad... 5 Penguins Squad... 6 Seals Squad.

2 Overview of the Pathway (in order of ability)... 3 Expectations for All Squads... 3 Assessment Process... 4 Parent/caregiver Support... 4 Tadpoles Squad... 5 Penguins Squad... 6 Seals Squad... 7 Swordfish Squad... 8 Sharks Squad... 9 Orcas Squad Senior Squad Lane Senior Squad Lane Senior Squad Lane Swimmer Pathways Tadpoles Penguins Seals Swordfis Sharks Orcas Senior Squads PCA Learn to swim PCA Squad Programme PCA Club Programme Beginner club swimmers Junior club swimmers Senior club swimmers h PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 2

3 PCA COMPETITIVE TRAINING SQUADS At PCA, we group swimmers by ability for practice sessions. To find out what group your swimmer will be in, you will need to have them assessed by one of our coaches. The expectations and squad descriptions set out in this guide will be referred to when deciding where your swimmer might fit. Overview of the Pathway (in order of ability) Club volunteer program (beginner, junior and senior abilities) Tadpoles (approx.12 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Penguins (approx.16 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Seals (approx.16 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Swordfish (approx.16 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Sharks (approx.16 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Orcas (approx. 12 swimmers in Squad)* - Ben Walsh Senior Squads (squad size to suit abilities) - Nevill Sutton *The number of swimmers in each Squad is a guideline. Expectations for All Squads Junior Squads to be at least 8 years old Senior squads to be at least 12 years old, younger swimmers may be considered at the coaches discretion To demonstrate age-appropriate social skills To maintain age-appropriate focus entire duration of practice To demonstrate appropriate competitive drive and good sportsmanship Strive for continued self-improvement Show respect to coaches and other swimmers Junior squads attendance as outlined for the squad Senior squads attend the number of sessions per week as agreed between coach and swimmer Participate in Meets outlined for the squad Where the above expectations are unable to be met, the swimmer may be guided to the relevant club programme at their ability level. We encourage parents with any communication related to their child s progress to the Coach in the first instance. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 3

4 Assessment Process Assessments for junior squads are completed at the end of each school term by the Junior Squad coach. Once completed, possible squad movements will be discussed with the head coach. Those ready to be moved will be advised from there by the Club President. Any movement is subject to openings available and at the coach s discretion. Senior Squad assessments are completed as required by the Head Coach. Parent/caregiver Support Junior Squads Parents/caregivers are encouraged to sit in the grandstand during training sessions so as to ensure the important relationship between swimmer and coach is focused and not distracted. Senior Squads If in attendance, parents/caregivers are encouraged to sit at the turn end of the pool during training sessions so as to ensure the important relationship between swimmer and coach is focused and not distracted. Parents/caregivers are otherwise welcome to arrive 10 minutes prior to the end of each session to pick up swimmers. Health and Safety and Well-Being Swimmers are not to attend training if they are sick, injured or have a cold /cough. If swimmers do come to training with any of the above they will be sent home. Parents are asked to familiarise themselves with the Club s Health and Safety policy available on poolside notice boards and on the club website PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 4

5 Tadpoles Squad This is a technique squad. The emphasis is on stroke technique and fun. Be able to swim a 25 freestyle Be able to swim a 25 backstroke Be able to swim a 25 breaststroke This is an introductory squad getting the swimmers ready to move into one of the competitive training squads. There is a big focus on technique and developing the basic skills needed before being able to efficiently race. There is a big emphasis on fun which is done through water games and using different pieces of equipment. 40 minutes Sessions available: Fri pm We encourage attending the 1 session a week We encourage participation in Gold Coast Meets. We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights and Club Events. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 5

6 Penguins Squad This is the initial entry level for the PCA Junior Squad programme. The emphasis is on stroke technique and fun. Be able to swim a 50 freestyle Be able to swim a 50 backstroke Be able to swim a 50 breaststroke The Penguins squad focuses on creating good habits that can be expanded on in order to improve the swimmer. A big focus on technique development in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke with an introduction to butterfly. Turns are introduced for each stroke and practiced throughout each session. Diving is also introduced and worked on with each swimmer when diving is available. 45 minutes Sessions available: Wed pm, Fri pm We encourage attending at least 1 session a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights, Club Events and Gold Coast Meets. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 6

7 Seals Squad Stroke technique and development of training skills are paramount. The emphasis on racing skills is in individual medley (IM). And of course, to have fun. Be able to swim a 100 freestyle Be able to swim a 100 backstroke Be able to swim a 50 breaststroke Demonstrate legal starts, turns, transitions and finishes in all four strokes Pass these test sets, administered by a coach: 100 Freestyle under 2.00 Swim one 75 Individual Medley (IM) with legal start, transitions and finish without stopping (No Fly) 50 Freestyle kick under 1.30 The program focus of the Seals squad is stroke development and teaching all four competitive strokes, Individual Medley (IM), and starts and turns through positive reinforcement and immediate feedback. An important objective for this group is to develop a love for swimming through fun games and activities in the water. Swimmers are expected to continue developing self-discipline, respect for coaches and swimmers, as well as age-appropriate social skills in a team environment. 45 minutes Sessions available: Tue pm, Thu pm We encourage attending at least 1 session a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights, Club Events and Gold Coast Meets. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 7

Swordfish Squad Stroke technique and skill development are very important along with fun. To qualify for Wellington Short Course Championships.

8 Swordfish Squad Stroke technique and skill development are very important along with fun. To qualify for Wellington Short Course Championships. Be able to swim a 200 freestyle Be able to swim a 100 backstroke Be able to swim a 100 breaststroke Be able to swim a 25 butterfly Demonstrate legal starts, turns, transitions and finishes in all four strokes Start off the block with a head-first dive Pass these test sets, administered by a coach: 200 Freestyle under 4.00 Swim one 100 Individual Medley (IM) with legal start, transitions and finish without stopping 100 Freestyle kick under 3.00 The program focus of the Swordfish 2 squad builds on skill development, stroke construction, and refinement. Swimmers are introduced to interval sets, effort, and pace management. 60 minutes Sessions available: Mon pm, Tue pm, Thu pm We encourage attending at least 2 sessions a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights, Club Events, Gold Coast Meets and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Short Course Championships. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 8

9 Sharks Squad To qualify for Wellington Long and Short Course Championships and still have fun. Competition emphasis is on individual medley development. Be able to swim a 400 freestyle Be able to swim a 200 backstroke Be able to swim a 100 breaststroke Be able to swim a 50 butterfly Demonstrate legal starts, turns, transitions and finishes in all four strokes Start off the block with a head-first dive Pass these test sets, administered by a coach: 400 Freestyle under 8.00 Swim one 200 Individual Medley (IM) with legal start, transitions and finish without stopping 200 Freestyle kick under 6.00 The program focus of the Sharks squad devotes great attention to all four strokes and Individual Medley (IM) refinement. Starts, turns, transitions and finishes receive significant attention including reaction time, flight, entry and underwater work. Shortcourse racing demands an emphasis on underwater work. The increased proficiency will benefit the swimmer during the long course season as well. 60 minutes Sessions available: Mon pm, Wed pm, Fri pm We encourage attending at least 2 sessions a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights, Club Events, Gold Coast Meets and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Long and Short Course Championships. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 9

Orcas Squad To qualify for Wellington Long and Short Course Championships. Qualify for Auckland Junior Champs Long Course. Competition emphasis is on medley.

four strokes Start off the block with a head-first dive Demonstrate a basic use of the pace clock Pass these test sets, administered by a coach: 400 Freestyle under 7.

10 Orcas Squad To qualify for Wellington Long and Short Course Championships. Qualify for Auckland Junior Champs Long Course. Competition emphasis is on medley. Be able to swim a 400 freestyle Be able to swim a 200 backstroke Be able to swim a 200 breaststroke Be able to swim a 75 butterfly Demonstrate legal starts, turns, transitions and finishes in all four strokes Start off the block with a head-first dive Demonstrate a basic use of the pace clock Pass these test sets, administered by a coach: 400 Freestyle under 7.00 Swim one 300 Individual Medley (IM) with legal start, transitions and finish without stopping 200 Freestyle kick under 5.00 The program focus of the Orcas squad is on swimming biomechanics with attention to every detail in stroke refinement and racing techniques. The backbone of the structure is Individual Medley (IM) training. PCA believes the age group swimming focus should be to develop all-around swimmers. IM training addresses that effectively. Swimmers are assessed individually and attention goes into building around the strengths while, at the same time, diligently working on improving swimmers weaknesses. 90 minutes Sessions available: Mon pm, Tue pm, Wed pm, Thu pm We encourage attending at least 3 sessions a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in Club Nights, Club Events and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Long and Short Course Championships as well as other team based away meets that the club may choose to attend. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 10

11 Senior Squad Lane 1 To qualify for Wellington Long Course and Short Course Champs. Qualify for Auckland Age Groups Champs Long Course. Division 2 and National Age Groups qualification could also be achieved in this squad. This is a competitive squad and swimmers are expected to be competing regularly as per the squad competition plan. Be an active competitor, and be willing to attend training sessions as set. The program focus of the TPAC Senior squad is on swimming biomechanics with attention to stroke refinement and racing techniques and conditioning. The backbone of the structure is Individual Medley (IM) training. Swimmers in this group are expected to keep a monthly log book of sessions attended which is to be handed in to the coach at the end of each month. A regular parent / swimmer + coach meeting will be held each term to discuss on going planning and where the athlete is at. Morning: Mon am, Tues am, Wed am, Thurs am, Fri am - Dryland am Skipping and Stretching Evening: Mon pm, Wed pm, Fri pm - Dryland pm New to squad from Orcas: Mon + Wed + Fri pm (3) sessions After first month: Tues + Thurs am Mon + Wed + Fri pm (5) sessions We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in some Club Events and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Long and Short Course Championships as well as other team based away meets that the club may choose to attend. A competition plan for all swimmers is provided with meets that coaches will be attending. Additional meets are encouraged, but not required. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 11

12 Senior Squad Lane 2 To qualify for New Zealand Division 2 Championships, New Zealand Age Group Championships, NZ Short Course Champs Be an active competitor, and be willing to attend training sessions as set. The program focus of the TPAC Senior squad is on swimming biomechanics with attention to stroke refinement, racing techniques and conditioning. The backbone of the structure is Individual Medley (IM) training. Swimmers in this group are expected to keep a monthly log book of sessions attended which is to be handed in to the coach at the end of each month. A regular parent / swimmer + coach meeting will be held each term to discuss on going planning and where the athlete is at. Morning: Mon am, Tues am, Wed am, Thurs am, Fri am - Dryland am Skipping and Stretching Evening: Mon pm, Wed pm, Fri pm - Dryland pm Mon am Wed am Fri am + Mon pm Wed pm Fri pm (6) sessions a week We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in some Club Events and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Long and Short Course Championships as well as other team based away meets that the club may choose to attend. Qualification and attendance at National Meets is an expected outcome from this squad. Additional meets are encouraged; any meets outside of the listed competition plan are to be discussed with the coach. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 12

13 Senior Squad Lane 3 To qualify for New Zealand Age Group Championships, New Zealand Short Course Championships, New Zealand Open Nationals. Must have previously qualified for Div 2, NZ Age Groups, NZ Short Course or NZ Opens. The program focus of the TPAC Senior squad is on swimming biomechanics with attention to stroke refinement and racing techniques and conditioning. The backbone of the structure is Individual Medley (IM) training with some stroke specialisation being an accepted part of the athlete s progress. Swimmers in this group are expected to keep a monthly log book of sessions attended which is to be handed in to the coach at the end of each month. A regular parent / swimmer + coach meeting will be held each term to discuss on going planning and where the athlete is at. Morning: Mon am, Tues am, Wed am, Thurs am, Fri am - Dryland am Skipping and Stretching Evening: Mon pm, Wed pm, Fri pm - Dryland pm Swimmers 16 years and over are to attend 8 sessions a week, Swimmers 14 years 15 are to attend 6 or 7 sessions this can vary dependent on discussions with the coach We expect all swimmers in this squad to participate in some Club Events and Signature Meets in order to qualify for the Wellington Long and Short Course Championships as well as other team based away meets that the club may choose to attend. Qualification and attendance at National Meets is an expected outcome from this squad. Additional meets are encouraged; any meets outside of the listed competition plan are to be discussed with the coach. PCA Swimmer Pathways 22 July 2017 Page 13

AGE GROUP PROGRAM: Group Descriptions:

AGE GROUP PROGRAM: Group Descriptions: Group Descriptions: Highland Park Aquatics Club is devoted to helping each swimmer develop to their full potential. As a result, HPAC offers 6 swim groups that accommodate our varying swimmers as they