Basingstoke Bluefins Squad Structure
The following diagram shows how swimmers progress through Basingstoke Bluefins, and provides context within which individual swimmers can understand the level of commitment associated with the different paths and make conscious decisions about their own swimming development.
Swimmers can enter the club at all levels, although, in practice, the majority progress from Learn to Swim programmes operated by Bluefins, or by other operators (such as the Aquadrome, The Sports Centre or private swim schools).
Younger swimmers are encouraged to try different sports, not just swimming. In addition to stroke technique the club focuses on general fitness and flexibility that is useful in any sport. As they progress, swimmers must make a decision about the extent to which they want swimming to be the main focus of their life. This decision may have to be taken from Young Achievers onwards and typically occurs around the early teenage years.
- The Performance Squad is intended for swimmers who aspire to
compete at National level and above. To achieve that level, swimmers must
make sacrifices. It is not really possible to train for two or more sports
at the level required. Early morning training is mandatory for the
Performance Squad. The transition into Performance Squad is a big one. The
Junior Performance Squad is in effect a bridging squad which manages that
transition.
- The Competition Squad is intended for swimmers who aspire to
compete at County level or who swim as part of a multi-sports regime. It
involves a significant commitment to swimming, but leaves time for other
activities.
- The Club Squad is intended for those who wish to swim to keep fit and to train sufficiently to take part in Inter-Club competitions.
It is important for parents to recognise that different children have different needs and not to treat the Competition and Club Squads as in some way second class options. Also, the decision is not irrevocable. As children develop their interests and their physical capability may change, so there are routes to switch tracks at any age.
Disability Swimming
Bluefins makes provision for swimming by those with a physical disability or learning difficulties at all levels. As far as possible, we teach disabled children alongside able-bodied children in our normal lessons programme, often having 1-on-1 attention in the water.
Disabled swimmers are encouraged, where it is appropriate, to swim alongside able-bodied swimmers in our standard training squads, but there is also a specialised squad for disabled swimmers, the Sharks. Disabled swimmers may swim in both the Sharks and a standard training squad.
April 2007