Phase 5: Premier Squad

What is the Premier Squad

Aims and Objectives

The aims of this squad are to:

• increase the number of national level youth/ senior swimmers
• develop an enthusiastic and highly skilled group of athletes

Training Fees

• 19 hours per week for £55/month by standing order (otherwise £65)
• Equivalent to: 73p per hour

Criteria

The Dartes premier squad is for swimmers recognised by the head coach as having the high levels of commitment, dedication, and ambition required at the top of the sport. In addition, those demonstrating the potential to progress to this level may also be admitted or retained in the group on a probationary period of between 6-12 months.

In all cases, specific performance targets will be set by the Head Coach relating to competition and training. Each premier squad swimmer must demonstrate this level of commitment and show that they are capable of progressing towards those goals and the standard premier squad criteria laid out below:

• Swimmers must compete only in Competitions agreed by the Head Coach.
• All swimmers must maintain an average of more than 7 Water Based training sessions per week over each training cycle. In order to achieve this, swimmers should aim to perform 8 sessions per week.
• Swimmers must attend 2 out of 3 land training sessions.
• All swimmers must keep an up to date log book to be made available for review by the Head Coach when required.
• All swimmers must compete in all County, District and National Championships in which they qualify unless instructed otherwise by the Head Coach.
• Swimmers must have excellent all round technical abilities and skills and show enthusiasm to develop them further as directed by the Head Coach.
• Saturday morning water / land training sessions are compulsory unless otherwise instructed by the head coach. Friday Night sessions prior to meets should also be attended unless otherwise instructed by the Head Coach.
• During GCSE/A-level exams, swimmers must complete at least half the amount of normal weekly training.
• Swimmers must have a positive attitude towards competing, training and must always be punctual.
• All swimmers/parents must sign and return the Swimmer Agreement Form to the Head Coach.

Having all of the above does not entitle anyone to automatic selection. All squad movement is at the discretion of the Head Coach.

Additional information

For further details please contact the Head Coach Andrew Wallace.