.: Squad Structure

Swimmer Selection in Squads
Below is a brief outline of the current squad structure, detailing the primary age and expected ability of the swimmers in each squad.

• The age of the Swimmer
• The technical ability of the Swimmer;
• The Swimmer’s history of training and learning ability;
• The Swimmer’s performance at competitions;
  
• The Swimmer’s ability to make a commitment;

NATIONAL OPEN SQUAD
National Open Squad trains up to 10 pool sessions, 3 gym sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. These swimmers are competing at Open National and International level. National Open squad swimmers are expected to make the highest commitment possible to their swimming. Selected swimmers are primarily aged 18yrs & over and ranked highly at an Australian Championship level.

NATIONAL AGE SQUAD
National Age squad trains 6-8 pool sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. Swimmers are primarily 13 to 16 years and either qualified or close to qualifying for the Australian Age Championships. These swimmers are competing at or striving to be competitive at Australian Age Championship level. Swimmers training in National Age squad are expected to make a full commitment to the training and competition schedule laid out by the coach.

STATE YOUTH SQUAD
State Youth squad trains 5-7 pool sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. Swimmers are primarily 14 years and over with National or Victorian Championship qualifying times in more than one event. Swimmers training in State Youth are competing at or striving to be competitive at a high State and National level.

STATE AGE SQUAD
State Age squad trains 5-6 pool sessions and multiple dry-land session each week. Swimmers are primarily 11 to 14 years with State qualifying times or aiming to qualify for the Victorian Championships in more than one event.

STATE JUNIOR SQUAD
State Junior squad trains 6 pool sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. Swimmers are primarily 11 to 12 years with Victorian Championship qualifying times in 2 events of 100m or longer. State Junior squad swimmers are those that have shown that they have considerable swimming ability as well as the desire to become more involved in the training and competitive aspects of the sport.

JUNIOR SQUAD
Junior squad swimmers train up to 5 sessions and multiple dry-land sessions per week. Swimmers begin attending 2 sessions per week and build up to 5 sessions per week as suggested by their Coach. Swimmers are primarily 9 to 11 years and are introduced to Novice competitions, PB Challenge through to Intraclub competitions and appropriate external meets. Swimmers are heading towards Victorian Championships qualifying times in multiple events of 100m or longer in distance.

HANSON SQUAD
Hanson squad provides a transition between the swimming lessons and training squads. Swimmers are generally aged between 7 and 9 years, and complete a minimum 2 sessions per week. Intraclub and specific junior competitions are available for Hanson Squad swimmers.

ARMSTRONG SQUAD
Three sessions per week are available to Armstrong squad swimmers, with most swimmers completing 2 or 3 sessions per week. This squad is aimed at developing swimmers to a standard so they can compete successfully at various levels, ranging from school and club meets through to district level competitions. Armstrong squad swimmers range in age from 12 upwards.

DOLPHIN SQUAD
Dolphin squad provides a transition between the swimming lessons and training squads. Swimmers are generally aged between 10 and 12 years, and complete a minimum 2 sessions per week. Intraclub and specific junior competitions are available for Dolphin squad swimmers.