Athlete Placement in the BAC Age Group Program

There are many factors that the coaching staff will consider when placing an athlete in a training group. It is one of the most important choices a coach has to make. Therefore the coaches will try to get to know each swimmer under him/her in order to determine which group is best for the long term development of the athlete.

If the answer to the following questions is “yes”, an athlete may be ready for advancement to the next training group. The final decision in training group changes will be determined by the coaching staff. Many factors are considered in group placement. Ability and speed are not the most important. The swimmer must be physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the demands of the next level. The priority of the BAC training program is to provide the right level of training for each swimmer

1. Has the swimmer demonstrated a commitment to the BAC training program?
2. Does the swimmer have a positive attitude and the maturity to handle the increased expectation of the next group?
3. Can the swimmer attend the number of practices required?
4. Can the swimmer train successfully at the base intervals typically used at the next training level?
5. Does the swimmer have sufficient stroke techniques, and knowledge of drills required in the next practice group?
6. Is the swimmer of a similar age and at the experience level of the next training group (will they “fit” in with the peer group?)