The following is a brief overview of the training groups within CS-North. These guidelines are general descriptions only, as the make-up of each group will change on a yearly basis. The coaching staff will make all final decisions regarding group placements. Placement decisions are made in the best interest of the individual swimmer and his/her long-term development. Please note: although there are no structured attendance policies for any groups, ALL athletes are encouraged to attend ALL offered practices to ensure continued improvement and advancement within our program.
| Program | Age Requirements | Meet Requirements | Weekly Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro | Generally 6-12 | Home Meets Encouraged | 3 Practices; 1 Hour Sessions |
| Age Group | Generally 8-12 | Home Meets Required | 4 Practices; 1 Hour Sessions |
| Junior | Generally 11-14 | Home Meets Required; Away Meets Encouraged | 5 Practices; 1-2 Hour Sessions |
| Senior | Generally 14-18 | Home, New England End-of-Season (Highest Level) - Expected; Away - Encouraged | 6 Practices (Offered - Not Required); 2 Hour Sessions |
| Elite | Generally 14 & Older | Home, NE Senior Championships, All National-level - Required | 6-9 Practices; 2-2.5 Hour Sessions |
INTRO
Intended for younger swimmers with some skill and experience who wish to compete. Must demonstrate the ability to swim all four strokes legally. Focus is on stroke fundamentals and development of starts and turns. Swimmers will gain the skills and confidence to prepare for competition in a fun and friendly environment. Meets are offered and encouraged.
AGE GROUP
For swimmers whose skill and experience levels are advanced beyond the Intro level, including some competitive experience. Focus is on continued stroke development and improvement of starts and turns. Athletes will be introduced to interval training and race strategies. Swimmers will begin to develop an endurance base in addition to extensive technique work. They will also enhance their skills and confidence to prepare for competition in local and regional meets.
JUNIOR
Designed to transition the competitive swimmer from Age Group to Senior level swimming. Extensive stroke technique and fundamentals of competitive swimming will be stressed. Training sessions will focus on a progressive system of endurance development and preparation for more advanced levels of competition. Some on-deck dryland sessions are offered in addition to the in-water training.
SENIOR
Ideal for competitive high school swimmers with extensive competitive swimming experience who seek to achieve New England Swimming Senior Championship qualifying times as well as athletes that wish to remain in shape for high school swimming. This program stresses the establishment of proper stroke technique and solid fundamentals as a base on which we build a program of intense and diverse endurance training focused on preparing swimmers for advanced levels of competition, up to and including New England Swimming Age Group Championships. Some on-deck dryland sessions are offered in addition to in-water training. While the group allows flexibility to participate in other sports and activities, Senior swimmers’ goals and actions should reflect USA Swimming’s core objectives: to build, promote, and achieve competitive success.
ELITE
Reserved for swimmers who have extensive experience in competitive swimming and have demonstrated the ability and willingness to make a serious commitment to achieving their full potential. This program stresses the establishment of proper stroke technique and solid fundamentals as a base on which we build a program of intense and diverse endurance training focused on preparing swimmers for advanced levels of competition including NE Swimming Senior Championships and above; as well as competing collegiately after their high school years. Elite practices are offered eight times per week as well as including dryland sessions in addition to the in-water training. Athletes in this group will be held to a higher standard of attendance and commitment and are expected to be positive, hard-working representatives of The Commonwealth Current and USA Swimming. The goals and actions of Elite swimmers should reflect the core objectives of USA Swimming: to build, promote, and achieve competitive success.
NATIONAL TEAM**
Members of the Elite Group who qualify for USA Swimming (USAS) Futures Championships and above will be named to the CS-North National Team. National Team members will receive Specialty Speedo team outfitting, custom specialty caps, Tech suit support, as well as travel assistance for national events. Athletes in this group will be held to the highest standard of attendance and commitment and are expected to be positive, hard-working representatives of The Commonwealth Current and USA Swimming. The goals and actions of the National Team swimmers should reflect the core objectives of USA Swimming: to build, promote, and achieve competitive success.
**ATHLETES MUST HAVE A FUTURES CUT OR ABOVE TO BE NAMED TO THE NATIONAL TEAM
