Policy on Practice Group Assignment

When the coaching staff assigns a swimmer to a specified practice group, we consider a number of variables, including but not limited to, age, speed, technical ability, emotional maturity, work ethic, and attitude.  However, the primary consideration for practice group assignment is a swimmer's technical correctness in the practice environment.

 

Black Group (Ages 6-9):  The Black Group is the beginning level of our program.  The swimmers in this group are novice age group swimmers who are new to a year-round competitive swim team.  They are introduced to the fundamental skills of the four competitive strokes and to USA Swim meets.  Black level swimmers are capable of managing a classroom setting, understanding water safety, and able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke. 

It is recommended swimmers attend three practices per week.  It is not required that your child participate in swim meets; however, swim meets are a model of determining progress and development of the skills for each of the competitive strokes.

White Group (Ages 8-10 Developmental and 7 & Under competitive):  The White Group introduces swimmers to the basic training environment.  This group is designed to develop a stronger working knowledge of the four competitive strokes, race starts, flip turns, and clock management.  The White level swimmer must have a recommendation by a coach.

It is recommended swimmers attend three practices per week.  It is not required that your child participate in swim meets; however, swim meets are a model of determining progress and development of the skills for each of the competitive strokes.

Yellow Group (Ages 11 & Over):  The Yellow Group introduces swimmers 11 and older to the basic training environment.  This group is designed to develop a stronger working knowledge of the four competitive strokes, race starts, flip turns, and clock management. Yellow level swimmers are capable of managing a classroom setting, understanding water safety, and able to swim 50 yards of freestyle and backstroke. 

It is recommended swimmers attend three practices per week.  It is not required that your child participate in swim meets; however, swim meets are a model of determining progress and development of the skills for each of the competitive strokes.

Bronze Group (Ages 8-10):  The Bronze Group is a competitive program for swimmers who have been with a competitive year-round program.  At this level, refining technique is the number one priority while endurance training is introduced to the program.  Swimmers will be introduced to goal setting techniques to assist in reaching the highest potential of the athlete.  The Bronze Level swimmer must have a recommendation by a coach.

It is recommended swimmers attend 70% of the available practices.  Competition is an expectation at this level.

Silver Group (Ages 11-14):  The Silver Group is a competitive program for swimmers who have been with a competitive year-round program.  This group works on improving stroke technique, speed and endurance training, and strength training.  Swimmers will use goal setting techniques to assist in reaching the highest potential of the athlete.  Some two-a-day practices may be available during winter and summer breaks.  The Silver level swimmer must have a recommendation by a coach. 

It is recommended swimmers attend 80% of the available practices.  Competition is an expectation at this level.

Gold Group (Ages 14 & Over):  The Gold Group is a competitive program for swimmers who have been with a competitive year-round program.  This group is typically high school student-athletes and they are expected to navigate through some complex training routines both in and out of the water.  Swimmers will use goal setting techniques to assist in reaching the highest potential of the athlete.  Some two-a-day practices may be available during winter and summer breaks.  The Gold level swimmer must have a recommendation by a coach.

 

SWIM GROUP

PRACTICES

DRYLANDS or WETLANDS

Suggested ATTENDANCE / COMMITMENT

BLACK

Introduction to competitive swimming 

Mon-Fri
5-5:45 PM

No Sat

N/A

2-3 times per week.

 

WHITE

Beginning group to competitive swimming

Mon-Fri
5-6 PM

Sat:
9-10 AM

N/A

3 or more times per week.

This is the first group of the team aspect of NEHA.

Must be willing to behave in a team environment 

YELLOW

This group is for the older beginner or for those needing to extra time to fine tune strokes and training

M/Tu/Th/Fri
5-6 PM

Wed

5-6:15 PM

Sat:
9-10 AM

Wed

6:00-6:15 PM

3 or more times per week.

For the older swimmers ready to start competitive swimming

 

BRONZE

Competitive group for swimmers who are ready to start training and competitively competing in meets

M/Tu/Th/Fri
6-7:15 PM

Wed

6:00-7:30 PM

Sat:
9-10:30 AM

Wed

6-6:15 PM

70% of the offered practices

Introduction to drylands/wetlands.

Introduction to goal setting

SILVER

Middle school age swimmers that are committed to train hard and competitively competing in meets

M/W/F 6-7:30

Tu/Th
5:45-7:30 PM

Sat
9-11 AM

Tu/Th
5:45-6:05 PM

80% of the offered practices

Drylands/wetlands

Goal Setting

GOLD

High school age swimmers with the commitment to train hard and competitively competing in meets 

M/W/F
5:45-7:30 PM

Tu/Th

5:45-7:45 PM

Sat
9-11 AM

Tu/Th
5:45-6:05 PM

80% of the offered practices; higher depending on individual goals.

Drylands/wetlands

Goal Setting




The assignment of the swimmer(s) to a group shall be the decision of the coaching staff. Practice group changes will be made at the completion of long course and short course season. On a quarterly basis, an assignment may be modified during the swim year if the coaching staff believes a different group would be more appropriate for the swimmer. This includes any swimmer who cannot maintain their level requirements. ALL SWIMMERS MUST SWIM WITH THEIR DESIGNATED SWIM GROUP AND SCHEDULED TIME.
  

Ready to try out for the team follow the link below to schedule your tryout.

New Swimmer Evaluations

Contact the team at [email protected] to with any questions.