Our swim team is a year-round, competitive, non-profit USA Swimming program in St. Cloud, FL serving children of all ages. Our program is a structured and often times high-intensity workout. This is not a recreational swim program. In order for swimmers to become members of this team, they need to attend try outs to be assessed by our Head Coach who will place them in the appropriate practice group. To move up into the next group, swimmers must demonstrate the necessary abilities, physically and mentally, and display a commitment to participating in the full workout. Moving up too quickly will have a negative impact for the athlete’s development and all group placement is decided by the coaching staff. The coaching staff will use the following as guidelines in regards to group placement:

Beginner Group (this group practices for 1 hour):

• To join this group, swimmer must have the ability to complete freestyle, with side breathing, the full length of the pool and back (50 yards) without stopping. They must also be able to proficiently float on their back to complete a full 25 yards backstroke. 
• Swimmers must listen to their coach at all times and be respectful to their coach and other swimmers.
• Coach will not be in the water so the swimmer needs to be able to demonstrate that they can follow directions to attempt the technique being taught and practice safe swimming at all times. 
• This group is designed to transition swimmers from a very basic level of understanding (after swim lessons) to proficiency with all four strokes. Swimmers will learn how to perform drills and dive off the starting blocks. This practice group will swim approx 1000 yards per day.
• The goal is for all beginners to be ready for competition within the first 3 months of participation in this group. Once they are ready for competition (Coach will communicate with the parents), swimmers in this group are expected to attend 1 meet per quarter.
• We encourage regular attendance at practice but expect a commitment of 2 days a week (minimum) for this group. 

Intermediate Group (this group practices for 1.5 hours):

• Swimmers must be able to swim all four strokes proficiently before joining this group. 
• Swimmers in this group show proficiency in block starts and flip turns. Swimmers in this group can swim longer sets (200 and 500 yards) without stopping. 
• Swimmers will swim increased yardage (3000+ yards) and swim sets with intervals that will require them to monitor the pace clock and be self-guided to stay on interval. 
• Swimmers need to be on time, prepared for workouts, with required equipment at the side of the pool.
• Swimmers are expected to treat Coach and all other swimmers with respect and give their best effort each day.
• Swimmers in this group are expected to attend practice 3 days a week and attend 1 swim meet per quarter. 
• Any absences* where you will miss more than one practice need to be communicated with Coach TJ. 

Advanced Group (this group practices for 2 hours):

• Swimmers must be competitive in all four strokes, distance events, and the IMs. 
• Swimmers must be 13 years old to be in this group, exceptions subject to Coach approval. 
• Swimmers must have an A time in one stroke, with progress towards A times in all strokes. They are achieving or approaching Age Group Championship Times (FLAGS & Sr. Champs).
• Swimmers in this group show correct technique in block starts, drills, transitions, and turns. 
• Swimmers will swim increased yardage (3500+ yards) and swim sets with intervals that will require them to monitor the clock and be self-guided to stay on interval. 
• Swimmers need to be on time, prepared for workouts, with required equipment at the side of the pool.
• Swimmers are expected to treat Coach and all other swimmers with respect and give their best effort each day. Lack of commitment and effort at practice can be cause for removal from this group.
• Swimmers in this group are expected to attend practice at least 75% of the time (3 days a week) and attend 2 swim meets per quarter, signing up for maximum number of events. If you choose to participate in other sports, you need to ensure you can maintain expected attendance in swimming.
• Any absences* where you will miss more than one practice need to be communicated to Coach TJ. Extended absences (a week or more) need to be approved by Coach TJ. 

*Absences from school due to illness will be excused from swim.