Group Descriptions - Competitive Programming

Medical Deferred (5 - 18 years old)

Futures (5 - 10 years old)

The FUTURES program is our grassroots introduction to competitive swimming for younger swimmers between the ages of 5 to 10. For swimmers to be able to join the program they must be able to swim a full length of the pool (25 meters) on their own and be comfortable in deep water. In this program we focus on teaching the four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke & freestyle) as well as starts and turns. Swimmers in the program have the opportunity to attend development “Devo” swim meets within the Huronia Region as well as certain invitationals if the swimmer has met specific standards. Each swimmer is unique and will progress through the program at their own rate. The main objective of this group is to teach the important fundamentals of competitive swimming while having fun! 3 weekly practices are included and attendance is encouraged, but are not mandatory. Training runs from  to the mid September until the end of June.

Novice (8 - 10 years old)

NOVICE is intended for younger swimmers who are committed, want to be competitive and have a solid understanding of all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke & freestyle) as well as starts and turns. Swimmers will continue to develop their swimming skills. They will also be introduced to proper training techniques for aerobic and anaerobic work as well as basic dry land and flexibility training. This group is a transition from our FUTURES program into our competitive programs. Swimmers must be invited to join the NOVICE Group. Competing at swim meets is strongly encouraged as well as regular practice attendance. Training runs from September to the end of June.

Age Group II (10 - 13 years old)

AGE GROUP II is intended for swimmers 10 - 13 years old who wish to further their technical swim skills, stay fit and have fun! This group is ideal for swimmers who are working towards joining the more competitive groups or swimmers who have entered the sport over the age of 10; This group also includes swimmers who have busy schedules filled with other activities and swimmers who love to swim, want to stay fit, but are not necessarily eager to compete. This group focuses on teaching and enhancing all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke & freestyle) as well as starts and turns. Swimmers will have monthly opportunities to attend swim meets, but it is not mandatory. Swimmers must be able to complete 100 meters unassisted and must be comfortable in deep water. Training runs from mid September until the end of June.

Age Group 2 is offered 4 practice options per week and are able to choose up to 3. 

Age Group (8 - 12 years old)

AGE GROUP is intended for swimmers moving out of NOVICE and furthering their skills with more practice time and skill challenge. AGE GROUP swimmers are committed, want to be more competitive and have a solid understanding of all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke & freestyle) as well as starts and turns. Swimmers will continue to develop their swimming skills. They will continue proper training techniques for aerobic and anaerobic work as well as basic dry land and flexibility training. This group is a transition from our NOVICE program into more competitive training. Swimmers must be invited to join AGE GROUP. Competing at swim meets is strongly encouraged as well as regular practice attendance. Training runs from September to the end of June.

Junior II (11 - 13 years old)

JUNIOR II is intended for swimmers 11 - 13 years old who have competitive swimming experience and wish to further their technical swim skills, stay fit and have fun! This group is ideal for swimmers who are working towards joining the more competitive groups. This group focuses on teaching and enhancing all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke & freestyle) as well as starts and turns. Swimmers will have monthly opportunities to attend swim meets, but it is not mandatory. Swimmers must have at least 1 season of competitive swim training to be in Junior II. Training runs from mid-September until the end of June.

Junior II is offered 4 practices per week and swimmers are encouraged to attend all 4. 

Junior (9 - 15 years old)

The JUNIOR group is intended for swimmers who are committed and are competitive. This group teaches skill development through enhanced training. This group focuses on the needs of Regional qualifiers to Provincial level qualifiers and aids in their pursuit of excellence. Swim meet attendance is required. Traveling within Ontario, Canada and the USA may occur. The JUNIOR GROUP is a transition group from AGE GROUP into a higher level training program. Swimmers must be invited to join the JUNIOR group. Swimmers are required to have regular practice attendance. Training runs from September to the end of June. Qualified swimmers will continue into July.

Senior II (13 - 18 years old)

The SENIOR II group is designed for high-school aged swimmers who have an understanding of all 4 competitive strokes, starts and turn, but may be newer to the sport of swimming. They are pursuing improvement in swimming as well as other sports and activities. Swimmers in this group may swim up to 4 of the SENIOR II practices of their choice. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to attend swim meets, but it is not mandatory. This group is intended for those who wish to continue their swim fitness training and those who join the sport of swimming after the age of 13. Training runs from September to the end of June.

Senior II is offered several practice options per week and is able to attend up to 4. 

Senior (12 - 18 years old)

The SENIOR group is designed for swimmers who have demonstrated their ability and commitment to train and compete at a high level. The focus of this group is to achieve excellence and to constantly push the boundaries of the swimmers. The SENIOR group is intended for athletes who choose to be multi-sport but are expected to also prioritize attending swim practice and meets. Swimmers in the SENIOR group will be striving for Regional and Provincial time standards. Swim meet attendance is required. Traveling within Ontario, Canada and the USA may occur. The SENIOR group is a transition from the JUNIOR or SENIOR II groups and swimmers must be invited to join the SENIOR GROUP. Swimmers are required to have regular practice attendance. Training runs from September to the end of July.

Senior Performance (13 - 18 years old)

The SENIOR PERFORMANCE group is designed for swimmers who have demonstrated their ability and commitment to train and compete at a high level and have chosen to make swimming their main sport. The focus of this group is to achieve excellence and to consistently improve the skills, power and endurance of the athletes. Swimmers in the SENIOR PERFORMANCE group will be striving for Provincial and National time standards. Swim meet attendance is required and traveling within Ontario, Canada and the USA for competitions may occur. Swimmers must be invited to join the SENIOR PERFORMANCE GROUP and members are required to maintain above 90%  practice attendance. Training runs from September to the end of July.