Success is Long-term

Long-term Athlete Development related to the journey through Long-term Athlete Development

Introduction the asa Technical Swimming Committee has produced this document to help parents and club helpers understand the principles behind training and competition for young swimmers. Although swimming, as a dynamic sport, will continue to change and develop, this will not alter the basic principles behind the long-term development of young swimmers.

Sections

Long-term Athlete The Competition Programme Points Systems

Development - Growth l County Championships l What is the points system? & Development l Regional, Senior, Youth and Age l Comparative Performance Points Group Championships Systems l FUNdamentals - Childhood l l (Basic movement literacy) National Age Group, Youth British Comparative Performance Championships Tables (GB points) l SwimSkills - Late Childhood l (Building technique) National Championships l British Age Group Correction factors l Training To Train - Adolescence l Information Technology Assisting (Building the engine) Open Meet Licensing Competition l Training To Compete - Early Adulthood l Levels of Open Meets (Optimising the engine) Talent Development l Championships & Inter Team Events l Training To Win - Adulthood (Maximising the engine) l Qualifying Times and Upper Limit Times & World Class Programme l Licensing l Training Camps Appropriate Competition l Acceptance Criteria for Entries l Monitoring British Age Group Categories l Which Competitions? l Planning (BAGCATS)

How often should a l Table of National Regional and Swimmer compete? County events l Improving Standards and Increasing Challenges l Long Course / Short Course Pools? l Varying Opponents (Age Qualifying Date) l National Ranking Lists

1 For more information about swimming visit www.britishswimming.org The Journey Through Swimming

“Success is a journey not Age Group swimming is about providing In order to develop basic movement a destination. The doing is the appropriate opportunities for young literacy successfully, there should people with particular reference to be participation in a wide range of often more important than their growth and development. All activities. the outcome.” human beings go through the same developmental stages from childhood As the size of the heart increases Arthur Ashe - US Champion 1968, to adulthood, though these stages can in relation to the rest of the body, Australian Champion 1970, endurance should be developed using Wimbledon Champion 1975 be at different times and each stage can vary in length. There is also a gender FUN and games. In addition, children difference in that girls tend to develop should be introduced to the simple rules This is a guide from Club through earlier than boys. and ethics of sports to complement County, Regional and National the beginning of their understanding competition to possible selection One of the central messages from the into the need for rules and structure. for international representation. LTAD swimming framework (see the These activities should be part of well- It endeavours to explain, not just back page of The Swimmer Pathway) structured programmes with proper what can be expected at each level, is that competition should be regarded progressions that are monitored but why. Some swimmers will journey as an integral part of a swimmer’s regularly. all the way, some only part of the training programme. Age Group and way, but all will have the best chance Youth swimming provide opportunities Above all else, children should have of reaching their full potential if for young people to develop their FUN and be active during this stage. they are treated as individuals. potential in preparation for senior swimming. Towards this goal, consideration SwimSkills - Late Childhood It is important that within the should be given to the physiological, (Building technique) competitive programme, individuals can psychological and emotional development During the SwimSkills period, the compete in events appropriate to their of the young swimmer. nervous system is almost fully developed stage of development and talents. and there are rapid improvements There are five stages, which can be used in the coordination of movement skills. These are reflected in the different to describe growth and development. As a result, young people should learn formats for competition at County, These equate to the five stages of the how to train and develop sport specific Regional and National levels, and also LTAD framework for swimming: skills. This is a good time to work on in the levels of licensed meets. This l FUNdamentals - Childhood developing excellent technique in all helps to ensure that the coach can l SwimSkills - Late Childhood four strokes as well as starts, turns and select levels of competition appropriate l Training to Train - Adolescence finishing skills. A multi stroke approach for their swimmers. l Training to Compete - Early Adulthood to training and competition will not only l Training to Win - Adulthood reduce the likelihood of injury but also ensure interest levels will remain high FUNdamentals - Childhood with the result that swimming should Long-term Athlete (Basic movement literacy) continue to be fun. Development - The FUNdamentals stage should be structured and fun because a child’s Studies have also shown that swimmers Growth & attention span is short and there is a who do not specialise early may have a Development strong need for positive re-enforcement. slower initial increase in performance; Growth is rapid due to the development however, they ultimately reach a higher of large muscle groups, and therefore level of achievement and are more likely Long-term Athlete Development (LTAD) the emphasis should be on developing to have a longer life in the sport. This is is about achieving the correct training, basic movement literacy and in contrast to early specialisation, which competition and recovery throughout fundamental movement skills. may produce an initial rapid increase a young athlete’s career, particularly in in performance, but a lower level of relation to the important growth and The skills to be developed are: achievement and early retirement. development years of young people. l ABCs (Agility, Balance, It provides a framework within which l Coordination, Speed) It is often a good idea to participate in all sports should plan their training and l RJT (Running, Jumping, Throwing) complementary sports i.e. those sports, which use similar energy systems and competition programmes. Swimming l KGBs (Kinesthetics, Gliding, movement patterns. has recognised this framework since l Buoyancy, Striking with the body) undertaking a review of age group l CPKs (Catching, Passing, Kicking, swimming at the end of the 1990’s. l Striking with an implement)

2 Long-term Athlete Development

Training should include the use of The cardiovascular system, determines Similar to the previous stage, if ‘own body weight’ exercises; medicine the efficiency of the heart and lungs. insufficient time is devoted to this stage ball and Swiss ball exercises as well These organs are developed through or it is missed, the young swimmer is as developing suppleness. Swimmers building up work on longer distances. unlikely to reach their full potential. should also learn the basic technical Swimming is an endurance sport - and tactical skills, (known as the most events last 45 seconds or more Training to Compete - Early ancillary capacities) which include: and none are similar to the 100m Adulthood (Optimising the engine) track event, which lasts a few seconds. During the training to compete stage l Warm up and cool down Training and competition for young there should be a continued emphasis l Stretching swimmers should therefore have an on physical conditioning with the focus l Hydration and nutrition endurance base. Even at senior level on maintaining high volume workloads it is common practice for swimmers in but with increasing intensity. The l Recovery the sprint events (50 and 100m) to train number of competitions should be l Relaxation and focusing and compete in the distance above similar to the end of the previous (200m). It is recognised that a swimmer stage but the emphasis should be on Although the focus is on training, may compete successfully at a distance developing individual strengths and competition should be used to test and “down” (shorter) but that it is very working on weaknesses. This should refine skills. The recommended training difficult to compete successfully in an be achieved through practising to competition ratio is 75% to 25%. event, which is a distance “up” (longer). technical and tactical skills based This should be planned over one around specific strokes at all distances, annual cycle. This should be the stage of greater or specific distances across a range of individualisation of fitness and strokes. As a result, the year should be If a young swimmer misses this stage technical training. The focus should still divided into either two or three cycles of development then he/she is unlikely be on training rather than competition of training and competition and the to reach their full potential. One of the and the training should be predominantly ancillary capacities should be refined main reasons athletes plateau during the of high volume, low intensity work- more specific to the individual’s needs. later stages of their careers is because loads. It is important to emphasise high of an over emphasis on competition volume, low intensity training cannot Although the muscular system develops instead of taking full advantage of be achieved in a limited time period throughout childhood and adolescence, training during this very important stage. and therefore the time commitment to significant strength gains tend not to training is likely to increase significantly. respond to training until after puberty. Training to Train - As the volume of training increases, Therefore, training should also focus Adolescence (Building the engine) there is likely to be a reduction in the on developing strength gains through For many years the way that the body number of competitions undertaken. the use of weights, but only when the produces energy has been known. For However, there should now be specific correct lifting techniques have been adults, in short events e.g. less than 45 targets for each competition, with a learned. This should be coupled with seconds in duration, energy it is derived view to learning basic tactics and mental continued work on core body strength predominantly anaerobically. For longer preparation. There should be either one and maintaining suppleness. events e.g. greater than 1 minute 30 or two training cycles during the year. seconds energy requirements are derived Training to Win - Adulthood predominantly aerobically. For events During this stage, training should (Maximising the engine) between 45 seconds and 1 minute 30 continue to develop suppleness and This is the final stage of athletic seconds energy is provided through include the use of ‘own body weight’ preparation. The emphasis should be both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. exercises such as medicine ball and Swiss on specialisation and performance However, prior to puberty, the greatest ball exercises. Towards the end of this enhancement. All of the swimmer’s proportion of a young person’s energy stage however, preparations should be physical, technical, tactical, mental and is derived aerobically. Anaerobic made for the development of strength, ancillary capacities should now be fully metabolism, as a proportion of overall which for girls occurs at the end of this established with the focus shifting to energy output, is small. After puberty, stage and for boys at the beginning producing the best possible performance. aerobic capacity increases significantly of the next stage. This should include Swimmers should be trained to peak for and an increased proportion of the learning correct weight lifting specific competitions and major events, overall energy requirements are met techniques without any resistance; therefore, all aspects of training should from anaerobic metabolism. Therefore, the knowledge base of how to warm be individualised for specific events. energy derived aerobically is very up and warm down; how and when There should be two, three or more important in swimming. to stretch; how to optimise nutrition training cycles, depending on the events and hydration; mental preparation; being trained for. During this stage, During the Training to Train stage, regeneration; how and when to taper training should continue to develop there should be an emphasis on and peak; pre-competition, competition strength, develop core body strength aerobic, or endurance, conditioning. and post competition routines. and maintain suppleness.

3 Appropriate Competition

Every swimmer must have l Competition at all levels Most clubs will be training swimmers the opportunity to swim in It is important that the qualification who are County, Regional and National opportunities for swimmers at National, qualifiers and need to be able to target appropriate, quality competition Regional, County and Club competitions competitions at all these levels at the to enable them to achieve reflect the principles of the Long-term same time in their training cycle. So, for their true potential. Athlete Development Model. example, it helps a coach to make their training sessions appropriate for all their Mission Statement In addition there must be competitive swimmers i.e. to have competitions for opportunities for those swimmers who County level swimmers at the same time Which Competitions? compete at County Championships, as Regional Championships. It is important for meet organisers, but do not go further to Regional and club officials, coaches and parents to National events. It is estimated that there appreciate that not all swimmers who are some 20-25,000 swimmers in this compete at County level will reach category. Regional or National levels. l Competition that complements What is appropriate competition for Top Right: Englands Gold Medal training cycles winners in the mens 4 x 100m freestyle a few talented individuals at National It is acknowledged that, as swimming (L-R) Dean Millwain, Alex Scotcher, level is not necessarily appropriate training is based around cyclic intervals, and Ross Davenport for the hundreds of swimmers who it is important for competitions to be Bottom Right: Great Britains 4 x 100m Medley compete at County level. relay team (L-R) , , planned throughout the year to and Elizabeth Simmonds complement their training cycles. celebrate winning with their gold medals Equally it may not be beneficial for a swimmer competing with distinction at National level, to include County or even Regional Championships in their planned programme.

In order for swimmers to compete in “appropriate competition”, it is important that there are provisions for all swimmers in a planned and accessible programme of open competition.

Open competitions are provided by a number of different organisations or combinations of organisations: l British Swimming l the asa l the asa Affiliated Regions l the asa Affiliated Counties l Groups of Affiliated Counties l Clubs l Groups of Clubs l Local associations

The strategy for the approval of open meets is not left to market forces, but is part of a calendar planning exercise for all levels. The aim is to provide the following:

4 Long-term Athlete Development

How Often Should A Swimmer Compete?

“British Age Group swimmers Long Course/Short Course Pools? Varying Opponents (Age compete too often and train Whilst the vast majority of pools in the Qualifying Date) UK are short course (25m), most of the There was a view that competing too little.” major championships are swum in in Britain was too predictable and Bill Sweetenham, GB National Performance long course (50m) pools therefore it is swimmers needed more challenges. Director (January 2001) important for swimmers to learn to The system of organising competitions compete in 50m pools. in the country based on age as of 31st As a general rule, swimmers should December in the year of competition, not compete more than 12 times For the British Long Course meant swimmers generally competed in a year in events which require Championships, qualifying times must against the same group of swimmers all them to alter or modify their training have been achieved in a long course year, each year. By altering competition programme and all events that include pool. to link the age for events with the date a taper or rest from training should of the meet or series of meets, this have clear performance targets set by However, with the restriction created gives a different mix of swimmers at by the lack of 50m facilities in this the coach for the individual swimmer. events as they change age during the country, this cannot apply to all year, and as meets are held on different competitions. Therefore, in all the asa Many swimmers will “train through” dates from year to year. National events there are two sets of some competitions or use them as qualifying times - 50m times and 25m part of their training programme. A For competitions which involve a series times. Swimmers entering an event with swimmer may complete a full training of meets, such as County Championships, a long course (50m) qualifying time the age qualifying date is the age on programme and represent their club will be seeded in the event according the last day of the series of meets e.g. in an event on a Saturday evening, to their entry time in the usual way. if the series lasts from February to April or may use a day competing in as Swimmers entering with a qualifying with the date of the last meet being 3rd many events as possible at County time achieved in a short course (25m) April, all ages are calculated as of 3rd or Regional level to swim as part of pool will have their entries accepted April for that competition. their training programme. and these entries will be seeded in the slowest heats. However, as there is a Organising competitions with age on The important issue is that this should significant difference in competing in the day, also gives the opportunity be part of the competitive programme long course and short course pools for at some time during the year for a planned and evaluated by the coach the 800m and 1500m freestyle, in these swimmer to be the oldest swimmer in and swimmer. events only times achieved in a 50m an age group, with all the advantages pool are accepted. that this brings. Improving Standards and Increasing Challenges This system still allows swimmers to National Ranking Lists In order to ensure swimmers can qualify for most National events in 25m All times from County, Regional and meet the challenges facing them when pools, but gives an advantage of being National competitions together with they compete at their highest level, seeded to those swimmers with long those from Licensed Open Meets are some of the policies which have been course qualifying times. As all swimmers included in a national database from introduced at GB level for senior and at National level should have had the which ranking lists are produced. junior international swimming have opportunity to swim in their Regional These can be viewed on the British been adapted and adopted into Championships, which are in 50m Swimming website. the foundations laid in Age Group pools, they will have the opportunity to swimming. Two major issues were achieve a Long Course Qualifying Time. seen to be: Below National level, times from l How to encourage better different pool lengths can be converted l performances in long course using equivalent performance tables l (50m) pools which can be accessed online from l How to perform well away from the British Swimming website l the home environment against (www.britishswimming.org) or l unknown opposition purchased in book form from the asa Awards Centre - details also available from the same website.

5 The Competition Programme

The conclusions which can be drawn the programme, the suggested order from the evidence of the growth and of preference of inclusion is as follows: development of young people, clearly 200m Individual Medley, 200m form indicate that swimmers in the 9 -13/14 strokes (, and age groups should be encouraged: Butterfly), 200/400m Freestyle and 400m Individual Medley, 100m all l To compete in a range of events strokes. l To compete in a range of distances Entry to County Championships (and to l Not to compete in 100m events Regional and National Championships) l too soon is by achieving qualifying times, which are published each year (see Long The County, Regional and National Course and Short Course pools). programmes are therefore designed to reward swimmers in this age group For the younger swimmers these who are successful over a combination will take the format of British Age of events - determined by the age of Group Category (BAGCAT) events to Above: Xavier Mohammed wins Gold in the Men’s 17/18 Yrs 400m IM Final at the ASA Youth the swimmer and over 50m, 100m encourage swimmers to compete over Championships 2007 - Ponds Forge, , and 200m distance freestyle and the a wide range of events, determined England individual medley. This is done with a by heat declared winners (no finals). level. The relay events are included in points system (see section on Points These events are (mostly) swum in 25m the four-day programmes to introduce Systems) and awards are made to those pools and include 50m events to give the concept that swimmers must be swimmers with the most points over an swimmers the opportunity to use all able to produce good times in individual agreed range of events rather than to the same skills of starting, turning and events and then reproduce these times the individual winner of single events. finishing as in a 2 length swim in a in team events, which may be in the The event categories and in some cases 50m pool, together with distance same session. the events included within a category events requiring more endurance. recognise the different rates of The Age Group Championships maturation between girls and boys The youngest age groups will not follow the BAGCAT format, but to (see British Age Group categories - swim 100m events as part of the discourage the “bash & dash” approach BAGCATS). County BAGCAT programme, as most swimmers at this level do not have the of one-length events, do not include 50m swims. As Regional competitions In the next group, Youth, it is important physiological development required to swim this event correctly. The distance are in long course pools, the 50m events swimmers learn to develop other skills is included in the Regional and National have no turns and do not offer the same central to competing successfully. At this programme but only for those swimmers opportunity to develop skills as the 50m age they should begin to specialise and with Regional or National qualifying events in 25m pools. However, there learn the skills required for competing times on the corresponding 200m event. are 100m events for all ages. These are in heats, semi-finals and finals. included for the younger swimmers at Regional Senior, Youth and Age this level to provide an opportunity for The starting ages for County, Regional Group Championships the small number of early developers and National events are progressive These are generally all swum in 50m who have the talent and physiological and the change from Age to Youth pools and therefore offer the main development to begin to experience Championships is different for boys opportunity for swimmers to achieve competing at this event. and girls to recognise the difference a Long Course National Qualifying in maturation rates. The Youth Time. The programme, similar to the Entry at Regional (and National) level Championships for Girls begin at National programme, is divided into for the 100m events, for the 10 year old 14 years and for Boys at 15 years. two Championships, Youth and Age. boys and girls and the 11 years boys age The Youth Championships take place group, is only open to those youngsters County Championships at the beginning of May and the Age who have achieved the corresponding These events take place in the Spring. Championships in June. 200m qualifying time. This recognises The Age and Youth Championships the majority of swimmers in these ages generally combine with senior events The Youth Championships introduces will not benefit from competing over in the programme. The Youth events dual age bands as a progression from 100m, but those who have the ability will include heats and where time Age Group swimming in single age achieve a Regional or National qualifying allows, finals. If finals are included in bands, to open swimming at senior time on the 200m will be able to swim

6 Long-term Athlete Development

down a distance and experience The Age Group Championships ). Also, they competing in the shorter event. follow the format of British Age Group act as trials for the major international Category (BAGCAT) events with the youth and junior events (European There are only 4 categories at Regional BAGCAT points being taken from the Junior Championships and European level and so it is feasible to include some heat swims. At this level, all events have Youth Olympic Days) at which British finals in the programme. If finals are finals (except 800/1500m free) and are Teams compete. The British Long Course to be in the programme, the suggested used for the selection of swimmers for Championships normally take place 15 order of preference for inclusion is as World Class Programmes. This addresses weeks prior to the major international follows: 200m Individual Medley, 200m the skill of swimming fast heats and event. They may be followed by three form strokes, 200/400m Freestyle and then even faster finals. competitions at 10 weeks, 7 weeks 400m Individual Medley, the 100m all and 4 weeks out from the major strokes. It is practical to include finals in the international event. These Stage meets BAGCAT programme at National level may coincide with the English, Scottish National Age Group, Youth because, with harder qualifying times and Welsh Long Course Championships Championships than for County and Regional events, an organised by the respective home The National Age Group Championships individual swimmer will qualify in fewer country swimming associations. (girls 11-13 years and boys 11-14 years) events in each category. This allows and the National Youth Championships them, within the 4-day programme, (girls 14-17 years and boys 15-18 years) to cope with the inclusion of finals, are usually held at the end of July/ and relay events. beginning of August. National Championships The last opportunity to achieve qualifying the asa and British Swimming times for National entry will be the date promotes the British Long Course of the last day of the Regional Age Championships. These act as trials for Group Championships usually held in the major international events (Olympic mid June (see Long Course/Short Games, World Championships, Course Pools). European Championships,

Bottom Left: Winner Liam Tancock at the ASA National Championships (50m) 2007 - Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England

Bottom Right: the ASA President Robert Margetts presents Gallica with the Top Club Award at the ASA Age Group Championships 2007

7 Open Meet Licensing

Levels of Open Meets This principle is the same for any inter- l Developing common standards There are four tiers of structured team events that are granted a Licence l Promoting best practice competition. Open Meets are licensed e.g. Inter-Counties galas or League Final. according to the purpose of their The Regional Licensing Panel is competition as Level 1, 2, 3 or 4. responsible for: Qualifying Times and Upper l Level 1 is aimed at National qualifiers Limit Times l Influencing the content of meets and swimmers close to National These are times set by meet organisers l within their Region qualification looking for opportunities for each event in the programme in to achieve National qualifying times. order to control the number of entries l Monitoring and influencing the These meets will have qualifying times in a meet. A Qualifying Time is the time l provision of adequate, appropriate for entry, which will be just below that a swimmer must have already l competition for all levels of ability the national times (see section on achieved in order to enter the l Influencing compliance with calendar Qualifying Times and Upper Limit competition. l planning Times). l Making recommendations, regarding However, some meets will also have an l Licensing Applications, to the National l Level 2 is aimed at Regional ULT for each event, which means that l Licensing Panel qualifiers and swimmers close to swimmers who have previously achieved Regional qualification. They have times faster than the ULT are not eligible l Monitoring the process (quality qualifying times and upper limit times. for this event. The effect of having l control) Access to the asa ranking information Qualifying Times and ULTs for a meet is can be used to enable meet organisers to target swimmers in a particular time The issue of a Licence means that to verify entry times submitted by range. swimmers, coaches and parents can swimmers fall within the stated range. assume that the meet is a “quality Qualifying Times are set for National, competition” which complies with a l Level 3 is for Club swimmers who Regional and most County competitions standard set of requirements. seek County qualifying times. They and these also provide a standard which have qualifying times and upper limit coaches can use to indicate the level l The Level definition will identify the times set at an appropriate level. of their swimmers. For example, within l purpose of competition, for example, These meets will provide a programme a club, swimmers may be selected for l a swimmer seeking Regional throughout the year to support the particular training groups if they have l qualifying times will be looking for requirements of swimmers below County, Regional or National qualifying l a Level 2 meet Regional level. times. l The competition will include an l appropriate schedule of events, l Level 4 is for Club swimmers and The requirement of having achieved l those beginning to enter individual consistent with level definition, for a Qualifying Time in order to enter for l open competition. example a Level 2 meet will not an event relies significantly on the l include in an age group, events integrity of coaches, swimmers and l National qualifying times will be that are not in the Regional parents to submit correct, truthful l accepted from meets licensed at Levels Championships for those swimmers 1 and 2. Regional qualifying times will information. This is a clear expectation l The venue is appropriate, with be accepted from meets licensed at within the asa Code of Conduct. l particular reference to the pool Level 1, 2 and 3. However, with more times being submitted into the National Ranking l length (25m or 50m) system it is also possible for times to l Championships & There will be appropriate warm up Inter Team Events be checked for accuracy. l arrangements available and all Championships at Local, County, l Health and Safety Procedures will Regional and National level (as defined Licensing l be in place The National Licensing Panel, is in the asa Laws) are expected to l The meet will comply with a maximum responsible for: conform to the technical requirements l total length of programmed of licensing as appropriate to the level l Ensuring compliance with the l competition per day (7.5 hours) of competition e.g. officials, results, l “Mission Statement” l The Officials will be of an appropriate electronic timing etc. However, l standard of qualification these competitions are open to all l Issuing the Licenses qualifiers i.e. there are no upper limit l Applying of any sanctions for times (ULT). l non-compliance

8 Long-term Athlete Development

l An electronic timing system will be l Entries only open to swimmers from Monitoring l used l a restricted area e.g. County, group Meet organisers are expected to send l of Counties, Regional the computerised results to the asa l There will be a computerised results within 5 days, to enable the data to l service to enable the data to go into l First acceptances to swimmers from be used for athlete tracking purposes. l the national ranking system l a particular area e.g. County, then In addition, in order to help ensure the l the remaining places filled from meet has continuing high standards; Acceptance Criteria for Entries l outside the area there is a Quality Control questionnaire. There will also be a requirement for This is completed by, an official a clear statement to be included in l First come - first served. This ensures observer, if one has been appointed the meet information regarding the l that an individual swimmer is and also a random selection of the acceptance criteria for entries. Even l accepted in all the events for which clubs taking part in the meet. with qualifying and upper limit times, l they have the qualifying time, even some meets will be over-subscribed i.e. l though they may be slower in some Planning there would be too many swimmers l events than those who are rejected. In order to provide the appropriate for the pool time available. All meets l This is a useful procedure with the opportunities for swimmers to qualify should, therefore, inform entrants l younger (BAGCAT) swimmers who and to ensure there are competitions what criteria will be used to control the l are being encouraged to compete at the right time in the training cycle, number of swimmers accepted. This l over a range of events. This method a national calendar has been developed. could include one or more of l must not be used for controlling the This determines which periods during the following: l number of accepted entries in a Level the year should be competition free l One meet where acceptance must as well as periods when competitions l Top (x) number taken in an event, l be based on standard. are needed. l based on the submitted entry l times. This is a standard procedure Regional panels will monitor the l for regulating the number of competition opportunities in their area l swimmers in an event, even if and are responsible for filling any gaps l some of the other options below in provision. l are adopted

Below: Herne Bay in Lane One at the start of the Girls 4x200m Freestyle Final at the ASA Age Group Championships 2007

9 Points Systems

What is the points system? Requirements were for: In order to relate the performance of In order to support the multi-event two different events within a single year approach to age group competition l A mechanism for comparing age group a simple age correction factor for the younger competitors, it was l performances across the range has been determined between events necessary to introduce a point scoring l of events within each gender and age group. system into British Swimming. These points are used to identify talented l A method that reflected the different These factors are based totally on swimmers for the first level of the l achievement levels as a consequence observations of British Swimming World Class Programmes and to track l of age-related physical development performance levels. For each age their progress. group the reference times used are l A method related to world standards the average of the ten all time top The system comprises two elements: British performances in each event. l A method that recognised the The factors are then determined by l achievement levels at the younger l British Comparative Performance establishing the ratio between the l ages in British Swimming l Tables number of points for the highest scoring event and each of the other British Comparative Performance tables l British Age Group Correction Factors events in each single year age group. (GB points) were developed in order to provide the sport with total ownership Comparative Performance Information Technology Assisting of the stability and availability of quality Points Systems Competition comparative performance tables. Comparative Performance Points It is important that the asa records This arose as a consequence of the Tables have been used in the UK the maximum number of validated shortcomings in the FINA system. since the 1970's in order to compare times in their ranking system, from swimming times across the standard the widest range of age and ability FINA tables are published in both Long range of strokes and distances. British as possible. The development of the and Short Course versions and are based Swimming has used LEN (the European various standards and qualifying times the average of the eight World All Time Governing Body) and more recently, are obtained through analysis of the Best swims. The major problem with the FINA (the World Governing Body) data held on swimmer performances. FINA tables is that their publication date tables. Both of these are based on Qualifying Times for Regional and and availability are not within our control world performances and reflect the National events currently use the data and the relationships between times and parity between events at the top level from the National Ranking system. points can change significantly between of the sport. These tables have been The GB points system is updated every annual revisions. used for scoring major open team two years with reference to world data. competitions and are accepted by the However, the correction factors used British Comparative Performance swimming community as provision in conjunction with GB points to provide Tables (GB points) of a fair comparison across the range Age Corrected Points for the British These have exactly the same upper end of events. Unfortunately, when these Age Group Category (BAGCAT) starting point as that used for the FINA tables are applied to Age Group awards system, are particularly tables i.e. 1,000 points corresponds to swimming, especially at the younger dependent on annual analysis of the the average of the world all-time top ages, the value of the comparisons times swum by 9-14 year old swimmers. eight performances. The essential across events becomes less valid. This It is important therefore to record the difference being the lower end of the is a direct consequence of the different maximum number of validated times tables extends to defined slower times, rates of growth and development in the ranking system, from the widest in order to cater for the youngest age between individuals. range of age and ability as possible. groups and ability levels. In light of these findings it was clear the asa IT system allow access to the British Age Group Correction Factors that a mechanism was required to data in order that meet managers Everyone recognises that some events establish a fair comparison across can verify information and use the are relatively more difficult for the the genders, events and ages, and to information to help plan their meets younger swimmers. This observation satisfy the needs of multi-recognition and qualifying times. awards. is proven by statistical analysis of the relative achievement levels of British Age Group swimmers since 1995.

10 Long-term Athlete Development

England Talent Development & World Class Programmes

The England Talent Development Apprentices receive additional support AASE provides clear pathways and Programme provides a series of clinics and guidance within their swimming exit routes for elite swimmers either and camps for athletes. These events pathway and education. to professional swimming career, are programmed for the months of university, employment or a mix. September, January & April of each The Apprenticeship framework: season with selections based on the The World Class Programme is divided performances at the asa National l NVQ Level 3 Achieving Excellence into 3 categories as follows: the first Championships & Age and Youth l in Sports Performance (specific to is World Class Podium and is the part Championships. l swimming) of the British Swimming programme that is allocated 34 places by UK Sport The age group for selection at Level 1 is l Technical Certificate: A choice or (including Open Water swimmers). 12/13 years, Level 2 being 14/15 years l mix of A-Levels, BTEC Awards, This is subdivided into three further and Level 3 available to swimmers 13 l GCSE’s, Coaching Qualifications or categories: A, B and C. The entry levels years + (all ages as at date of the asa l any other professional qualification on to a category A and B are governed Championships). In each Region there l undertaken at school/college or by UK Sport and are in line with all will be 24 places available at Level 1 with l appropriate body other World Class funded sports. British a further 20 places to be selected at Swimming makes recommendations to Level 2. These selections are made with l Key Skills Level 2 in Application of UK Sport on the C category entry level. approximately half the places selected l Number & Communication (please l by the England Talent Development note those who have achieved Grade l Category A is for medallists at l team and the remaining places by each C above in GCSE English and/or l the World Long Course Swimming l Region's “Coaches Forum”. A further 48 Maths will be exempt, otherwise l Championships and Olympic Games places are available for selection on the l Apprentice’s will complete key skills Level 3 programme, at National level. l at their school/college) l Category B is for finalists at the l World Long Course Swimming Level 1 & 2 clinics and camps are Regional Talent & Development Coaches l Championships and Olympic Games scheduled for the same weekends work with apprentices to guide and in every Region, delivering advanced assist them through the NVQ Level 3. l Category C is for swimmers who swimming skills sessions, athlete The NVQ isn’t academic and is based on l have recorded a top 16 world ranked education units, core stability landwork everything elite athletes undertake along l time (two swimmers per nation) at sessions, athlete screening and their talent pathway to a world-class l specified meets. Swimmers meeting monitoring programme and a parents’ level. l the criteria will be considered for programme. l inclusion on the podium programme The NVQ allows swimmers to achieve The Level 3 programme is focussed on a nationally recognised qualification The second category is World Class athletes aged 13 years and above, who awarded by Edexcel for the work they Development. Athletes in this category are achieving competition performances are already putting into swimming. The will be identified and targeted as consistent with those of potential NVQ helps to educate swimmers more talented young swimmers who are international swimmers. It provides three about what they are doing in the pool thought to be 6 to 7 years from Olympic opportunities per season of camps, and encourages them to further their Podium, a philosophy applied across all screening etc, for groups identified on swimming career. of UK Sport’s World Class Programmes. specific stroke disciplines. Included in this programme is an overseas camp, aimed AASE swimmers also attend an overseas There is also a World Class Talent level, at assisting development toward the camp as part of their programme. which encompasses athletes who have World Class pathway. This is paid for by the asa as part of been identified as young swimmers who this scheme. Camps will take place are considered to have the potential to the asa also provides an opportunity annually focussed on a date to be “fast-tracked” onto the World Class for swimmers aged 16-19 years of complement the competition calendar. Development Pathway. These athletes age, to participate in the Advanced Those swimmers who are World Class will be offered opportunities to have Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence Programme athletes will not have to their talent confirmed and approximately (AASE). This is an English programme attend additional camps, as they will be 20 unnamed athletes will be involved at designed to meet the needs of elite assessed on the World Class Programme any point in time. swimmers aged 16 who wish to camps. This will contribute towards continue their sporting career and achieving the NVQ Level 3. gain qualifications. This is a two-year programme.

11 Training Camps Remember: Throughout the Country there are “Success is a journey not a opportunities for swimmers to be selected for training camps at different destination. The doing is often levels. Programmes based on County more important than the Sports Partnerships (collections of outcome” local authorities) will provide training camp opportunities for some County the asa competition and training camp level swimmers. In addition, there are opportunities are designed to provide a training camps at the asa Regional level pathway for ALL swimmers to access the linked to the World Class Programme. level that is appropriate to them. The long-term development of a swimmer More detailed information regarding provides success along the way at selection and training camps for different levels and in many different the World Class squads and other aspects - enjoy your journey. information is available from the asa and is on the British Swimming website www.britishswimming.org

Top Right: 10th Fina World Championships 2003, Barcelona. Great Britain’s Swimmers have thier first training session in the pool, ahead of the World Championships in Barcelona.

Below: The 28th LEN European Swimming Championships 2006 - Budapest, Hungary. Great Britain’s Medal Winners - Back Row, L - R: Todd Cooper, David Carry, Liam Tancock, Matthew Clay, James Gibson, Andrew Hunter, Ross Davenport, Kristopher Gilchrist, Simon Burnett. Front Row, L - R: Caitlin McClatchey, , Kate Haywood, , Joanne Jackson, Francesca Halsall, Rebecca Cooke. Absent - and .

12 Long-term Athlete Development

British Age Group Category County Awards (BAGCATS) 25m pool

Boys Girls

9 years Sprint - best 50m Sprint - best 50m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - 200 free Distance - 200 free IM - best 100 / 200 IM IM - best 100 / 200 IM

10 years Sprint - best 50m Sprint - best 50m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 free Distance - best 200 / 400 free IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM

11 years Sprint - best 50m Sprint - best 50m Form - best 200m form stroke 100s - best 100m Distance - best 200 / 400 free Form - best 200m form stroke IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM

12 years Sprint - best 50m Sprint - best 50m 100s - best 100m 100s - best 100m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM

13 years Sprint - best 50m Sprint - best 50m 100s - best 100m 100s - best 100m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM

14 years Sprint - best 50m 100s - best 100m Note: Girls 14 years and over and boys 15 years Form - best 200m form stroke and over will start to specialize in individual Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free events which will have individual awards. IM - best 100 / 200 / 400 IM

13 British Age Group Category Regional & National Awards (BAGCATS) 50m pool

Boys Girls

Regional

10 years 100s - best 100m* 100s - best 100m* Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 free Distance - best 200 / 400 free IM - best 200 / 400 IM IM - best 200 / 400 IM

Regional & National

11 years 100s - best 100m* 100s - best 100m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 free Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 200 / 400 IM IM - best 200 / 400 IM

Regional & National

12 years 100s - best 100m 100s - best 100m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 200 / 400 IM IM - best 200 / 400 IM

Regional & National

13 years 100s - best 100m 100s - best 100m Form - best 200m form stroke Form - best 200m form stroke Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free IM - best 200 / 400 IM IM - best 200 / 400 IM

Regional & National

14 years 100s - best 100m Note: Girls 14 years and over and Boys 15 years Form - best 200m form stroke and over will start to specialize in individual events Distance - best 200 / 400 / 800 / 1500 free and will swim in the Youth Championships. IM - best 200 / 400 IM

100m These events do not have a qualifying time. Entry will only be open to those swimmers with a events qualifying time on the corresponding 200m event. i.e. a swimmer qualifying for the 200m backstroke marked * will be eligible to enter the 100m backstroke.

14 the asa Harold Fern House Derby Square Loughborough LE11 5AL Tel: 01509 618700 Fax: 01509 618701 www.britishswimming.org