ACTON SWIMMING CLUB - SELECTION RULES

SWIM ACADEMY groups coincide with the following ASA National Swim Awards:

• NOVICE 1 - levels 1 and 2
• NOVICE 2 - levels 3 and 4
• NOVICE 3 - levels 5 and 6
• NOVICE 4 - levels 7 and 8
• JUNIORS 1 - level 9
• JUNIORS 2 - level 10
• JUNIORS 3 - level 11 and also work toward the Competitive Start Award.
• JUNIORS 4 - level 12 and also work toward the Competitive Start Award.

There is no time limit as to how long it takes to move from group to group. Each group has its own teacher and he/she knows the best when the child is ready to move. The move is of an individual child not the whole group so no child is held back and each child can progress at his/her own speed.

There are formal tests/trials during the last week of the term but continuing assessment of each child's progress takes place throughout the term so if the child misses the trials or makes the grade half way through the term, he/she will be moved then upon recommendation of the teacher and after reaching the required standard.

INTERMEDIATE group

The main criteria for this group are:

• a swimmer aged 11 - 16 that swims for fitness
• a competitive swimmer that has not achieved squad standards
• a competitive swimmer that has achieved squad standards but cannot commit to the level of the training required.

Generally swimmers in this group have achieved level 12 of ASA National Swim Awards and also the Competitive Start Award.
We encourage swimmers from juniors 3, juniors 4 and intermediate groups to take part in competitions although there is no obligation to attend competitions for swimmers from these groups.

JUNIOR SQUAD

The main criteria for this group are:

• a competitive swimmer aged 8-11 aiming for Middlesex Championships, Southern Counties or Nationals.
• a competitive swimmer with the ability to sustain the regime of the training undertaken in the group. This means being able to swim initially at least 3 times a week, moving up to 5 times by the end of the first year. Distance covered in an average training session is 2.5- 3km, and at least half of it completed in 'tight' times.
• a member of the squad is expected to be available for club galas.
• a member of the squad is expected to be available for Middlesex developments meets (spring and autumn).

SQUAD

The Criteria are as for the junior squad except that the age group is for 12 and above.
The above criteria is a guideline and the final selection for junior squad and squad will be at the coach's discretion.