Swim Group Structure and Outlines

Our year-round program is made up of competitive swimmers of all levels of ability from novice 5 year olds, to Jr. Olympic qualifiers, to developing National qualifiers. In order to train these athletes, our swim program has been developed to challenge each swimmer's talents and capabilities. The coaching staff recognizes the importance of children learning the correct swimming skills in an enjoyable atmosphere and we strive to make swimming fun and challenging. Our program is currently divided into the following groups based on the swimmer's age and ability and experience.

Groups for New Members or Lesson Transfers

 

Bronze Alpha

This is the entry level to our program for novice swimmers under the age of 12.  A free, two-practice trial is necessary before determining admittance of new swimmers.  Entry requirements are that children must be at least 5 years old and be able to swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards) freestyle while side breathing as well as two lengths of the pool (50 yards) swimming backstroke.  Swimmers must also at least have knowledge and prior instruction of breaststroke and dolphin/butterfly kicking.  A certification showing completion of Level 5 of our swim lessons will also suffice.  All swimmers must have the desire and willingness to learn all four competitive strokes and to compete in at least one swim meet per month.  Emphasis at this level is placed on teaching the four strokes through drills and games that make swimming fun.  The focus of this group is to refine and continue to develop the swimmer’s skills.  Practices are one hour in length and are available 5 days a week. Swimmers should aim to attend a minimum of 3 of the offered practice sessions per week.  Swim meets are typically calendared once a month throughout the year.  Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy and training fins. Team Gear

 

Varsity

This is the entry level to our program for swimmers 13 years and older.  Entry requirements are that swimmers must be able to swim four lengths of the pool (100 yards) freestyle while side breathing and four lengths of the pool (100 yards) swimming backstroke.  Swimmers must also at least have knowledge and prior instruction of breaststroke and dolphin/butterfly kicking.  All swimmers must have the desire and willingness to learn all four competitive strokes and to compete in at least one swim meet per month.  Emphasis at this level is placed on teaching the four strokes through various drills, as well as conditioning the athletes to become better competitive swimmers.  Practices are one and ½ hour in length and are available six days a week.  Swim meets are typically calendared once a month throughout the year. Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy and training fins. Team Gear

 

Groups for Existing Members and Outside Club Transfers:

 

Bronze Omega

Swimmers eligible to be consider for this group are typically are 7 years and older and have competitive swimming experience.  Swimmers should have achieved 8 & Under “Red” times swum in an SCS sanctioned swim meet in three of the five different events (Fly, Back, Breast, Free or IM) of any distance.  Swimmers should have also swum 50’s of all strokes as well as a 100 IM in a sanctioned meet.  As with Bronze Alpha, emphasis at this level is placed on teaching the four strokes through drills and games that make swimming fun.  However, conditioning and endurance training are also introduced at this level.  Practices are one hour in length and are available six days a week.  Swimmers should aim to attend at least three of the offered practice sessions per week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy and training fins. Team Gear

 

Silver Alpha

Swimmers eligible to be considered for this group are typically 12 years old and younger who have achieved 9-10 “Red” times swum in an SCS sanctioned swim meet in three of the five different events (Fly, Back, Breast, Free or IM) of any distance, and achieve times for a non-freestyle 100 in two different strokes and the 200 IM.  Practice periods are one hour in length and offered six days a week. Although the major emphasis of this group is still stroke technique, this group will also work on starts, turns and improving competitive times.  In addition, race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting and an understanding of time standards are introduced. Swimmers in this group will be required to attend three practices a week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, training fins and TYR Catalyst hand paddles (Green for girls, Yellow for boys). Team Gear

 

Silver Omega

Swimmers eligible to be considered for entry into this group are typically 9 years and older who have achieved 11-12 "Red" times standards swum in an SCS sanctioned swim meet in three of the five different events (Fly, Back, Breast, Free or IM) at any distance in their own age group.   Although major focus is still on improving technique, this group will begin to also focus on over-distance and interval training as well as various components of race-specific training, and also goal setting and an understanding of time standards are emphasized. Practice periods are one and a half hours in length and offered six days a week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to attend a minimum of three practices a week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, training fins, TYR Catalyst hand paddles (Green for girls, Yellow for boys) and a Finis Swim Snorkel (NOT the Freestyle snorkel). Team Gear

 

Gold Alpha

Swimmers eligible to be considered for entry into this group are typically 11 years and older who have achieved "Blue" time standards swum in an SCS sanctioned swim in three of the five different events (Fly, Back, Breast, Free or IM) at any distance for their age, and at least one "December Invite" standard in any event at any distance for their age.  Swimmers entering into this group should also have the focus and desire to achieve Junior Olympic time standards and beyond.  Although stroke technique will still be a major focus for this group, this group will also focus on over-distance and interval training as well as various components of race-specific training.    Practice periods are two hours in length and offered six days a week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to attend four practices a week.  Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, training fins, TYR Catalyst hand paddles (Yellow for girls, Red for boys) and a Finis Swim Snorkel (NOT the Freestyle snorkel). Team Gear

 

Gold Omega

Our most advanced group, these swimmers are 13 years or older and must have a very serious attitude, dedication and work ethic aimed at achieving peak swimming performance. Trust in team, coach and self is a must.  The swimmer should have times swum in an SCS sanctioned swim meet that equal or better summer or winter ‘Invite’ times for their age in two different strokes (Fly, Back, Breast, Free or IM) of any distance, as well as blue times in two other strokes.  The swimmer must also agree to attend a minimum of 4 days of swim practice per week with the INTENT to come to every single practice.  Their goals should include qualifying for the Junior Olympics, CIF, Junior Nationals, Nationals and beyond.  This group practices 5 days a week in the evenings as well as 3 morning practices a week.  Proper stroke technique, concepts of race strategy, goal setting, proper nutrition and resistance training are all utilized at this level. Swimmers in this group will be required to have the following gear: Team Cap, ORCA team suit, practice suit, Goggles, Mesh Gear Bag, Kick Board, Pull Buoy, training fins, TYR Catalyst hand paddles (Yellow for girls, Red or Blue for boys) and a Finis Swim Snorkel (NOT the Freestyle snorkel). Team Gear