Tryouts are required. Swimmer’s team level placement is not guaranteed to match last year.
Bronze
Requirements: The swimmer must be able to swim at least one of the competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle) for the entire length of the 25-yard pool without touching the bottom or grabbing the side or lane lines. The swimmer may not rely on someone else to get them across the pool. Additionally, swimmers should be able to float on their back and tread water. Swimmer should be interested in improving base skills and in advancement to higher-level teams. Dryland participation is optional for swimmers 8 and older.
Focus: Bronze practice will consist of learning how to correctly swim each competitive stroke. If constant progress is made in the strokes, turns and dives will be introduced. If appropriate proficiency is shown in all strokes, the swimmer may graduate to the Silver training group. The swimmer’s ability to compete at swim meets will be at the coach’s discretion, however, meet attendance is encouraged so the swimmer can become familiar with them and cheer for their teammates.
Parent provided equipment brought to every practice: water bottle & goggles – goggles must not cover the nose
Equipment provided by LVA:
kickboard, buoy, and swim cap
Silver
Requirements: The swimmer must be able to swim at least 25 yards of each competitive stroke (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, & Freestyle). They execute proper techniques for each stroke. The swimmer must be willing to compete during practice races, time trials, and meets. Dryland participation is optional.
Focus: This group will continue the refinement of stroke technique, teaching starts, flip and open turns, and diving. This group will also introduce challenging swim sets. Swimmers’ stamina will be improved throughout the season via appropriate swim sets. Once appropriate proficiency and endurance are shown, they may graduate to the Gold training group. If a lapse in technique is consistently displayed, the swimmer will be transferred to the Bronze group in order to relearn the correct technique. Dryland stretching and strengthening exercises will be part of practice.
Parent provided equipment brought to every practice: fins, water bottle & goggles – goggles cover eyes only
Equipment provided by LVA:
kickboard, buoy, and swim cap
Gold
Requirements: The swimmer can swim more than 25 yards of each stroke (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, & Freestyle) and can maintain proper technique throughout longer distances. Swimmer must have a strong competitive drive and be willing to work hard at all times. The swimmer must be willing to compete during practice races, time trials, and meets. Dryland participation is required for Gold.
Focus: This group will concentrate on improving speed, turns, dives, and more challenging swim sets. If a lapse in technique is consistently displayed, the swimmer will be strongly encouraged to take private lessons to relearn the correct technique. Dryland stretching and strengthening exercises will be part of practice.