Bronze Age Group

Target Age: 8 & Under

Minimum Guidelines: Swimmers must be able to complete 25 yards of backstroke and freestyle.

Group Objectives:. To introduce basic stroke fundamentals emphasizing freestyle and backstroke (long axis strokes); to use stroke drills; and to introduce novice competitions.

Group Philosophy: Create a positive learning environment with a focus on developing comfort and balance in the water and learning breathing skills.

Silver Age Group

Target Age: 10 & Under

Minimum Guidelines: Swimmers must be able to complete 100 yards of each stroke and 100 IM

Group Objectives: To refine competitive stroke fundamentals emphasizing stroke drills, starts and turns; to introduce interval training using the pace clock and breath control techniques; to introduce development of core strength and flexibility through dryland training; to introduce race preparation and strategy along with refined goal setting; (working toward AA times).

Group Philosophy: Create an increased commitment and focus from the swimmer both in and out of the water relating to the quality and quantity of workouts, meets, and life skills.

Gold Age Group

Target Age: 14 & Under

Minimum Guidelines: Swimmers must have AA times in 2 events (strokes) and be able to hold 10 x 100 on 1:30.

Group Objectives: To refine competitive stroke and race fundamentals; to use stroke drills; to introduce endurance training and middle distance events; to introduce pace training; to introduce training aids; to continue dryland training; to refine race preparation and strategy; to refine goal setting; and to encourage age group competition (work toward JO times).

Group Philosophy: Create a supportive environment focusing on competitive swimming.

Fun and Fitness

The goal of this group is to provide young opportunity to swim fitness or cross- training. Structured work outs geared to meet the goals of the individual are provided.

Senior Group

The Senior Group is designed to be a transitional group from Gold Age Group to National Group. There is no attendance requirement assigned to this group, however, the training group will be implemented in a way that every individual will have the opportunity to succeed to the best of his/her potential. We will encourage swimmers to prepare for the National Group, but will also accommodate those with goals other than swimming as their top priority. Since we are an ability based program, there still may be criteria in order to swim in the senior group.

National Group

The National Group is the pinnacle of training group within the Decatur Swim Club structure. It is designed to be a “center of excellence”. The National Group will provide a challenging atmosphere and swimmers will be encouraged to reach their full potential. Every effort will be made to give these athletes the attention, education, and tools they need to succeed. The dedication, commitment, and work necessary to succeed in this group will be immense and require the support of their parents.

Attendance required is 90% for any given month. Dry land workouts are a very important component of our program and count as part of the workout in regards to attendance. To be eligible for move up into National Group, swimmer must exhibit a history of fulfilling all National Group criteria, including attendance requirement for at least one month prior to move up. Swimmer must take a holistic approach to life and act in a manner conducive to creating good health consistent with that of a national level swimmer. Always act in a positive manner with teammates and help foster the “winning culture” necessary to be elite level athletes. Be goal oriented and understand the race strategies necessary to reach those goals. Maintain good grades in school.

Masters

The goal of this group is to provide swimmers over the age of 18 an opportunity to continue swimming either competitively, for fitness or triathlon training. Structured work outs geared to meet the goals of the individual are provided.