Tonbridge Swimming Club - Competitive Squads

Tonbridge SC club structure is based on the Swim England Optimal Athlete Development Framework in tandem with the Athlete Development Support Pathway (an upgraded version of Long-term Athlete Development).  The aim of the structure is to provide swimmers with the appropriate level of training for their age and ability.

The Head Coach reserves the right to assess new swimmers prior to joining the Club and, based on their age and ability, such swimmers will be assigned an appropriate squad.  Progression through the squads will be assessed by the squad coach and by performance, with the final decision being with the Head Coach.  Swimmers are expected to take part in the annual Club Championships and time trials as this helps with monitoring progression through the squads.

As a member of TSC, swimmers are expected to attend all the necessary training sessions.  Swimmers who do not attend training on a regular basis will result in slow progression, risk their place in the squad, and prevent a swimmer from reaching their full potential.  If attendance criteria are not met, swimmers may be moved to a different squad that reflects their attendance.

Junior County Development Squad

Age 7-9 years                       (4 hours – 6 hours a week)

Swimmers in this squad are expected to attend a minimum of four sessions/4 hours training per week. Swimmers will continue to focus and build on developing good technique on all four strokes, starts and turns, as well as building on their fitness and stamina to improve their aerobic capacity.

County+ Squad

Age 9-11 years                     (6 – 9 hours a week)

Swimmers in this squad are expected to attend a minimum of 6 hours training per week and should be aiming to achieve at least 1 County time. This squad is for those who are committed to regularly training and enjoy competing.  There is a requirement to attend a minimum 6 hours training per week.  Swimmers in this squad are advised to perform at least 1 hour of land training activity in their own time (under adult supervision) per week.

Regional +Squad

Age 11+ years                      (8 -14 hours a week - entry at head coach’s discretion)

Swimmers in this squad should be aiming to achieve at least 1 Regional qualifying time in an Olympic event.  There are 7 pool training sessions per week and a requirement to attend a minimum of 8 hours training a week. Swimmers in this squad are required to perform 2 hours of land training activity in their own time (under adult supervision) per week

Regional ++ Squad

Age 13+ years                      (10-14  hours a week - entry at head coach’s discretion)

Entry to this squad requires at least 2 Automatic Regional qualifying times in an Olympic event.  There are 7 pool sessions per week and a requirement to attend a minimum of 10 hours training a week.  Swimmers in this squad are required to perform 3 hours of land training activity in their own time (under adult supervision) per week

National Squad

Age 12 + years                     (11-14 hours a week - entry at head coach’s discretion)

This is our top squad for competitive swimming and entry to this squad requires at least 1 National ranking time in an Olympic event or be aspiring to.  There is a requirement to attend a minimum of 10 hours training a week.  Swimmers in this squad are required to perform 3 hours of land training activity in their own time (under adult supervision) per week

Swimmers in both the Regional and National Squads will be constantly assessed and will be expected to:

  • display the appropriate work ethic
  • meet the competitive criteria
  • meet the required commitment to practice at the required intensity
  • take personal responsibility to perform land activity each week in their own time
  • meet the attendance criteria for meets per month (once competitions return)
  • demonstrate the professional attitude required to become a top swimmer.

Swimming at this level becomes a “lifestyle” choice. Invitation into and continued membership of NAR+ Squads should be seen as a privilege and not an automatic right.  As a result of the Club’s ongoing success and the ever-increasing demand for places and pool space within our NAR+ Squad, the criteria for selection and continued access to this squad continues to be refined.  Whilst Government and Swim England guidelines are in operation the club reserves the right to change training times and criteria for attendance and entry to squads arbitrarily without restraint or reservation.

Masters and Junior Masters

(Junior Masters Age 16-18 years, Masters Age 18 + years)

Everyone within the age groups shown above are welcome to join, whether to improve your fitness, compete or wanting to swim for leisure. It is not compulsory for Junior Masters and Masters to compete and there is no pressure on the number of sessions to attend per week.  Our Junior Masters and Masters range from fitness swimming, triathletes to those competing at county, regional and national masters championships.

 Attendance Criteria – All Squads

Minimum attendance criteria are what they say they are and, as such, expectations will have to be managed at a performance level.  Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many sessions close to full attendance as possible to gain optimal advantage from the training program.  Swimmers in all our  squads are also encouraged to be self-disciplined enough to perform land training activity at home on line during the week over and above the organised land activity provided by the club.  Whilst social distancing is in operation, the club reserves the right to change criteria and organised activity to reflect the circumstances imposed by the government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Squads