Selection Standards 2012/2013

Selection Standards 2012/2013

Summary of Changes • Changes to Skill Selection dates • All selection remains based on age at the end of year • Times set using excel % and National Qualifying times released in October • Skills & Potential consideration times may change when the British Swimming Graded times are release (Due 2013) • Further clarity on multisport athletes • Introduction of disability points to skills camp • Clarity on competition elements • Changes to North/South Squads • Some times only achievable long course • Additional events added

Performance Squad Changes • Current times are valid until 31st December 2012 as previously stated. • All performance & links swimmers must have made times by 1st September 2013 to retain their place. • New Performance Times for 2013 season to be drafted following release of National Qualifying Times in October, consulted in November and released by December 2012. • New performance swimmers can only achieve times between January 2013 and August 2013 • Annual review of selection policy to be reviewed in October. • Qualifying swimmers maybe invited earlier in exceptional circumstances if of the required training standard and at the discretion of the coach • Multisport athletes or those that are pursuing multisport activity will only be offered morning sessions with the performance squad (provided that they are at an appropriate level to the training group). This will be on the personal (not general) advisement of the Performance Director of that sport. In addition, there must be recognisable contribution towards the success of the swimming programme and a benefit to the training group. Evening sessions will only be available if there is space available. This will not be at the expense of a full swimmer. Head coach has final decision. • Depending on the maximum current squad numbers, the multisport athlete may be invited provided they are at an appropriate standard. Multisport athlete will not take the place of a swimmer in the performance group. • It is vital Performance Squad swimmers represent Pembrokeshire at a national level. Therefore it is mandatory that all ‘Performance’ athletes qualify and enter specifically the Welsh Age Group Championships with a full event programme (1 per session where possible). Additionally, swimmers must contribute to the team goals of success at the highest level (ASA Nationals, British Trials) and as such should expect to compete in the competition programme to this aim. Swimmers not meeting this competition element for any reason other than injury or illness will be de-selected. • Swimmers who do not take up all North or South session or morning training will not be considered for Performance swimming.

Potential Squad Changes • Selection will be for squad will be for remainder of season but entry points are the same, i.e. any swimmer qualifying during the season will remain until August provided they maintain training standards. • Multisport athletes will not affect the ranking for selection of swimmers for potential group as they will not be included in the ranking. However, multisport athletes must still be within the top 3 ranking or make guaranteed time to gain access to training. • It is vital that these swimmers represent Pembrokeshire at a regional/county level. Therefore it is mandatory that all ‘Potential’ athletes qualify, enter and swim the West Wales Championships. Swimmers who do not meet this element for any reason other than illness or injury will be de-selected. • Swimmers under the age of 14yrs who do not take up the provision of mid-week morning training will not be invited. • Times will be selected from Level 2 Licensed meets and above.

Skills Squad Changes • It is vital these swimmers represent Pembrokeshire at a sub-regional level. Therefore it is mandatory that all ‘Skills’ athletes qualify and enter the Sub-Regional Championships. Swimmers who do not meet this competition element for any reason other than injury or illness will be de-selected. • Times will be selected from Level 3 meets and above • Winter Squad • selection from times West Wales Champs– Summer Nationals • Draft by 5th September to Club representative VIA EMAIL • Feedback by 12th September from Club representative • Release 13th September CONFIRMATION BY EMAIL • First camp end of September • Summer Squad • selection from times 1st September - West Wales Champs • Draft by 20th February to Club representative VIA EMAIL • Feedback by 27th February from Club representative • Release 4th March CONFIRMATION BY EMAIL • First camp end of April

Performance Squad CT’s • Times based on ASA National LC Times 2013. 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 based on age at end of year. Swimmers can only achieve the times between January 2013 & August 2013. 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 2013. Please see supporting information for further details. * Indicates time can be achieved long course only.

North/South Squad 2012/2013 • Please see supporting selection criteria for more information

Potential Squad 2012/2013 • Please refer to supporting selection criteria for more information

Skills Squad 2012/2013 • All times are long course (50m) and are preferred but a conversion from short course (25m) will be accepted. Swimmers must achieve minimum times for 200m IM for first stage of selection, this does not guarantee a place. Swimmers achieving guaranteed selection times will be included in final selection. and remaining spaces in the 32 person squad will be allocated by top 4 county ranking starting with the oldest age group. Times must be from a licensed meet. Age is based on end of year 31st December. 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 standards. Two entry points per year (1st Sept & West Wales Champs). Those who achieve National or International teams that involve swimming as a part-discipline may be considered on an individual merit. Times valid to 31st December 2013. Please see further supporting information.

Implementation & Review Policy • New Performance Times valid until 31st December 2014 • New County Consideration Times for rest of 2013/2014 training season to be drafted following release of National Qualifying Times in October, consultation in November and released in December. Valid from January 2013- December 2013 • Performance times to be reviewed if necessary in June 2013. • All Performance swimmers must meet 2012/2013 standards by Welsh Summer Nationals 2013. • Skills Winter Squad • selection from times 1st September - West Wales Champs • Draft by 5th September to Club representative VIA EMAIL • Feedback by 12th September from Club representative • Release 13th September CONFIRMATION BY EMAIL • First camp end of September • Skills Summer Squad • selection from times West Wales Champs– Summer Nationals • Draft by 20th February to Club representative VIA EMAIL • Feedback by 27th February from Club representative • Release 4th March CONFIRMATION BY EMAIL • First camp end of April

Performance Squad Squad Aim: ‘To develop swimmers to British 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 Jan 2013. Times valid to 31st December 2013. 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 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 2012/2013 standards by Welsh Summer Nationals 2013. • 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 invite by head coach with times achieved long course from 2012/2013 season space dependant. • 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 seasonal year. • 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

North/South Training Squad Squad Aim: ‘To bridge the gap between development club and the performance squad.’ • Swimmers can access one session per week on Tuesday morning 6-7:30am in Haverfordwest • Times will come into effect immediately and taken since 1st Sept 2012 up to the entry point (Welsh Age Groups or Summer Nationals). Times are age at end of the seasonal year (31st December 2013). Swimmers must achieve two times from one age band. Times subject to change, coach reserves the right to improve qualification standards. • 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 other activities. • All invited swimmers must maintain regular attendance at their designated sessions, take advantage of sessions on offer at their development club and fulfil minimum training hours, standards and core sets relevant to LTAD. • All North/South swimmers must commit to swimming in relays for Welsh Age Groups, Welsh Summer Nationals and British ASA Nationals if selected. • All county swimmers will be expected to enter the Welsh Age Group Championships & British ASA Nationals if qualified. • Link spaces will be by invitation only. Those swimmers who achieved qualification times during the 2010/2011 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. • With 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 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

Potential Squad Squad Aim: ‘To identify and develop swimmers to Performance standard’ • Potential Squad session will take place on Saturday morning in Haverfordwest 7-9am. Times will come into effect immediately taken since 1st Sept 2012 up until the entry point (Welsh Age Groups or Summer Nationals) in 2013. Times are age at end of the seasonal year (31st December 2013). Swimmers must achieve their times from one age band. Times subject to change, coach reserves the right to improve qualification standards. • Swimmers must achieve times for 1 event in their age group at a licensed meet. Top 3 ranked swimmers will be selected. Swimmers with guaranteed selection standards will selected first and remaining swimmers will be allocated using ranking. • Swimmers achieving guaranteed time will be guaranteed selection irrelevant of their county ranking provided that they fulfil all other criteria. • 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, take advantage of sessions on offer at their development club and fulfil minimum training hours, standards and core sets relevant to LTAD. • All potential swimmers must commit to swimming in relays for Welsh Age Groups, Welsh Summer Nationals and British ASA Nationals. • 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. • Performance Swimmers will not included in selection number • Coach reserves the right to invite skills group swimmers. • Swimmers younger than the minimum age (11yrs girls, 12yrs boys) may be offered a place in the potential squad on making the 11 & under or 12 & under guaranteed time. Ranking will not apply in this situation. • Performance swimmers failing to making consideration times may be offered the North/South training time AND Potential training. • Potential swimmers making guaranteed times may be selected for North/South Training squad. • With 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 = 32 swimmers (excluding 16 performance places). If number exceeded, the swimmer with the most Graded Times (AAA, AA, A) times will be included • Selected potential swimmers will remain in the squad for the remainder of the training season. • To re-qualify swimmers must swim the qualifying standard and be training at an acceptable standard before the expiration of their year. • Swimmers must submit a training agreements and codes of conduct within the first training month. • It is the responsibility of Development Club to update times for meets other than Welsh Level meets

Skills Squad Squad Aim: ‘To develop swimmers at the bottom rung of the ladder in preparation for the performance and potential squads.’ • Times based on ASA Graded Times. All times are long course (50m) and are preferred but a conversion from short course (25m) will be accepted. Times taken from 1st September 2012 and swimmers will be “aged up2 to age at the end of the seasonal year (31st December 2013) • Swimmers will be selected from the top 4 ranking within 200 IM in their age group. Achieving the guaranteed selection time will guarantee a place in the skills squad. • Swimmers must achieve the minimum standard for their age group at a licensed meet to be available for selection. • Swimmers achieving guaranteed time will be guaranteed selection irrelevant of their county ranking provided that they fulfil all other criteria. Swimmers with guaranteed selection standards will selected first and remaining places will be allocated using ranking. • Times are age at end of year (31st December). 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 standards in line with Long Term Athlete Development guidance. • The Skills squad will be selected twice per season (1st Sept & West Wales Championships). The Winter Squad will be selected from licensed events up until 31st August 2013. The Summer Squad will be selected from licensed events up to the last day of the West Wales Championships. • Those who achieve National or International teams that involve swimming as a part-discipline may be considered on an individual merit. Times valid to 31st December 2011. • Max number = 32, Min number = 24 swimmers • If maximum number is not reached, the top boy & girl from each 200m Event will be used to fill free spaces. If the maximum numbers are still not reached then swimmers in 2nd ranking will be considered, then 3rd and 4th . Swimmers already selected are not excluded from ranking. All swimmers must still make the minimum IM time. • No1 ranking from a licensed meet will be recognised across age groups and events first, No2 etc • County Potential/North South Swimmers may be invited and included in selection. • It is the responsibility of Development Club to update times for meets other than Welsh Level meets

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 Potential & North/South Squad • All potential parents will be invited to a meeting at the start of the training cycle and will receive information on the LTAD • Deselected swimmers will receive a letter at the release of new squad Skills Squad • All skills parents will be invited and are expected to attend a meeting on the first skills camp. • Deselected swimmers will receive a letter at the release of new squad

Relay Selection • General • All 50m relays will be selected from 100m times converted to long course • All 100m+ relays will be selected from 200m times converted to long course • Only relay teams deemed competitive by the swimming development coach will be entered • B Teams will only be entered in the Age Group section if they are deemed competitive by swimming development coach. • B Teams will not be entered in Youth categories unless they could place on the podium. • It remains the responsibility of Development Club to update times for meets other than Welsh Level meets • In the event that a swimmer withdraws from a relay (or individual event on competition day), the coach reserves the right to dismiss them from future selection. • In the event of a B Team entry, swimmers selected for both A & B Teams must swim in both teams. • All County swimmers are expected to make themselves available for relay selection. Failure to do so will result in De-Selection from county squads. • Coach reserves the right to improve standards, de-selection policy applies. • The Coach reserves the right to consider current form from both training and competition in his selection. • Welsh Age Groups • Events: 4 x 100 medley & freestyle relays, 4 x 200 freestyle relay • The emphasis shall be on the fastest team, capable of winning a medal, qualifying for ASA Nationals or breaking a Pembrokeshire Relay Team record. • Swimmers will be selected from the top county rankings following the West Wales Championships • Training standards may be taken into consideration. • Summer Nationals • Events: 4 x 50 medley & Freestyle Relays • The emphasis shall be on ‘development’. This may mean giving opportunities to younger swimmers or those who may not have swam for a county relay team previously • Swimmers will be selected from the county rankings approximately 8 weeks prior to the event and 2 weeks prior to the closing date.

Selection Standards 2012/2013