Performance Squad

1. Performance Squad Squad Aim: ‘To develop swimmers to National Standard & above, to develop future Welsh squad swimmers, to provide a platform for swimmers to achieve university scholarships.’ • Times will come into effect from 1st September taken since 1st Sept 2010. Times valid to 31st December 2011. Times are age at end of year. Swimmers must achieve times in within single year bands. Times subject to change, coach reserves the right to improve qualification standards. • All Performance squad swimmers should consider themselves on trial and will be subject to a training review after the first training cycle. Swimmers not fulfilling training requirements will not be re-invited. • Swimmers entering the squad must be intent on pursuing swimming (or swimming as a part-discipline) as their chosen sport. This should be given priority over all other activities. • All invited swimmers must maintain regular attendance at their designated sessions, have previously taken advantage of sessions on offer at their development club and fulfil minimum training hours, standards and core sets relevant to LTAD. • All swimmers in the current Performance squad to achieve 2010/2011 standards by Welsh Summer Nationals 2011 and new standards by 31st December 2012. • All performance swimmers must make themselves available and if selected commit to swimming in relays for Welsh Age Groups, Welsh Summer Nationals & British ASA Nationals. • All performance swimmers will be expected to enter the Welsh Age Group Championships & British ASA Nationals. • Link spaces will be by invitation only. Those swimmers who achieved qualification times during the 2010/2012 season may be invited to a performance squad session space providing. These sessions will typically be Tuesdays, Thursdays or morning sessions. Where an athlete is of the required standard and met all criteria but there is no space available, the coach reserves the right to invite the individual to sessions as deemed appropriate. • Swimmers younger than the minimum age (11yrs girls, 12yrs boys) may be offered a place in the Link squad space depending in morning sessions. • Performance swimmers failing to making consideration times may be offered the North/South training time AND Potential training • In the event that the swimmer is unable to swim a qualifying event because of exceptional circumstance (injury/sickness/examination) the discretion of the coach may allow the individual to pursue training in Haverfordwest for the period of 1 training cycle before a time is needed. • Within the above criteria coach’s discretion will be exercised; swimmers may be de-selected. Swimmers must achieve and continue to achieve minimum training hours and standards in line with LTAD guidance. • Max number = 16. If number of spaces to qualifying swimmers is exceeded, the swimmer with the most Graded Times (AAA, AA, A) times will be included • Selected swimmers will remain in the squad for one year from the point at which they enter the squad. • To re-qualify swimmers must swim the qualifying standard and be training at an acceptable standard before the expiration of their year. • It is the responsibility of Development Club to update times for meets other than Welsh Level meets

2. Performance Squad CT’s • Times based on ASA National LC Times 2010. All times are long course (50m) and are preferred but a conversion from short course (25m) will be accepted. Swimmers must achieve times for 2 events in their age group at a licensed meet. Times are age at end of year. Swimmers may achieve times from two age bands in the current season. Times subject to change, coach reserves the right to improve qualification standards. Coaches discretion will be exercised, swimmers must achieve and continue to achieve minimum training hours and core standards. Two entry points per year (1st Sept & Welsh Age Groups). Those who achieve National or International teams that involve swimming as a part-discipline will be considered on an individual merit. Times valid to 31st December 2011. Please see supporting information.

3. Performance Squad CT’s • Times based on ASA National LC Times 2010. All times are long course (50m) and are preferred but a conversion from short course (25m) will be accepted. Swimmers must achieve times for 2 events in their age group at a licensed meet. Times are age at end of year. Swimmers may achieve times from two age bands in the current season. Times subject to change, coach reserves the right to improve qualification standards. Coaches discretion will be exercised, swimmers must achieve and continue to achieve minimum training hours and core standards. Two entry points per year (1st Sept & Welsh Age Groups). Those who achieve National or International teams that involve swimming as a part-discipline will be considered on an individual merit. Times valid to 31st December 2011. Please see supporting information.

4. De-Selection Policy Swimmers may be de-selected for: • Failure to attend key events (supporting the county programme) • Failure to keep to training agreement (commitment) • Failure to progress along Long Term Athlete Development pathway (potential) • Failure to abide by code of conduct (behaviour) • Failure to meet re-selection standards (performance) • Failure to meet minimum training standards as set out by LTAD (ability) Performance Squad • All performance parents will receive a welcome pack on joining the squad containing codes of conduct for parent and swimmer, training agreement, competition calendar, sickness policies. • Initial meeting with parents prior to joining the squad outlining minimum training requirements (commitment), minimum training standards (attitude & ability), potential (expectations). • Training agreements, requirements, standards and potential will be reviewed following the Welsh Age Groups (halfway through training season) • Deselected swimmers will receive a letter at the release of new squad