SWIM TEAM GROUPING INFORMATION

JUNIOR RACERS
Pre-Requisite:All swimmers must have the ability to swim twenty-five yards (25yds), one length of the pool, without touching the bottom or sides to qualify for the team. The Junior Racers are perfect for those who want to learn competitive swimming, but are not quite at the point where they can swim long distances. Swimmers in this group will spend at least 75% of their time learning stroke and technique. Through the use of exciting and innovative drills, these swimmers will learn the basic stroke mechanics, vocabulary, and meet preparations. They will only move forth once they have the fundamental skills down. Swimmers are not required to participate in any meets - but it's encouraged!

Jr. Racers: Section A
Section A of Junior Racers is designed for beginner swimmers and those who have never swam on a team before. Emphasis is placed on swimming technically correct and learning the correct movements. Swimmers will move to Section B when they can swim freestyle with proper breathing, backstroke, and have the ability to swim 100-yards comfortably.

Jr. Racers: Section B
Section B of Junior Racers is designed for those who have more proficiency in freestyle and backstroke but may still need help with breaststroke and butterfly.  In addition to continuing to learn about the remaining strokes, a greater emphasis is placed on lap swimming and learning proper workout skills.  Swimmers in B Group will be swimming up to 2000 yds per workout  Swimmers will move out of Section B when they have met proficiency in all four competitive strokes (swimming them legal according to USA Swimming rules), and have the ability to swim endurance sets comfortably.

SENIOR RACERS Ages 8-13                                                                                                                                      
Our new Senior Racers program will be aimed at bridging the gap between Junior Racers and our Junior Varsity Program.  Senior Racers must be completed with required skill sets and points from Junior Racers but not so physically/mentally ready for the workload of our Junior Varsity program.  Senior Racers will spend approximately 50% of their time on technique and 50% of strength/endurance training.  Time will also be spent educating athletes about proper work ethic, training, nutrition, and philosophy.    An introduction to fitness concept and use of the Maine West Fitness Center will be introduced during Senior Racers. 

VARSITY PROGRMS Minimum Age 9
Our Varsity program consists of two levels – Junior Varsity and Varsity.  As is the implication of high school athletes, our Varsity program will consist of high level athletes serious about their training and their competition.  Junior Varsity will prepare the athletes for Varsity training.  Admission to our Varsity program is by coach approval and can be revoked if swimmers fail to maintain proper training.  This is for the safety of the athlete as our Varsity programs rely on a progressive and regimented training cycle.  Attendance expectations are introduced at this level. Absences must be approved by the coach of your level.

Junior Varsity - Age Group/Senior Swimmers
Our Junior Varsity program is the final step in competitive swim training of our age group program.  Junior Varsity swimmers concentrate their efforts on mastering technique while adding in stroke and endurance training. Training time will be spent 50% on technique and 50% on speed, strength, and endurance. JV Swimmers will swim 4000-6000 yards/meters per practice. Junior Varsity Swimmers will also utilize the Maine West Fitness Center for dryland training on select days.  Attendance at least 3 days a week is required to maintain Junior Varsity status.

Please note: Many of our current Junior Varsity athletes may be reassigned to the Senior Racers program.  Please realize that this is NOT to be taken as a demotion.  We are responding to the needs of our program. 

Varsity - Elite/High School Age
Our Varsity swimmers will consist of swimmers with a mature attitude who are serious about their training. They focus the majority of their time on power, energy, and stroke. They will spend 80% of their time in strength and endurance training with much less time devoted to technique. Varsity swimmers will swim 5000-8000 yards/meters per practice. It is expected that Varsity swimmers are proficient in all four competitive strokes. Varsity Swimmers will also utilize the Maine West Fitness Center for dry land training. Attendance is mandatory to all practice sessions.  Varsity Swimmers are expected to participate in 50% of the meets offered. All Varsity Athletes are EXPECTED to participate in any Championship Meets they qualify for.