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TWISTERS swim team is…
History
The Club was established in the fall of 1996 as a year-round program for children. It started with a try-out for 29 novice swimmers (graduates of learn to swim classes), which everybody passed!!! The Team has grown to become a well-established year-round program with over 150 swimmers.
TEAM PHILOSOPHY: Our philosophy is encompassed in one word: RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBILITY is what best defines a noble human being, and it is what gives us real freedom. Only when we are able to face the outcome of our acts are we truly free. Responsibility allows an individual to find their true strength of character, to overcome setbacks, and value successes. We encourage our swimmers to embrace challenges and be prepared for the outcomes, not only in competition, but in every aspect of their lives.
We give a challenge, then support, correct and encourage; then we challenge again.
Structure
In order to become a member any child 5 to 18 must show certain swimming ability and be willing to participate in the training sessions and the competitions scheduled by the club. The team is structured with six groups: A, B, C, D, and E, with E being the elite level.
This group includes novice swimmers who will learn the basics for all strokes: dives, turns, body position and balance in the water. We provide four 1 1/2 hour sessions per week, 1500 to 2000 yards each. The swimmers in this group will start to compete at the coaches’ recommendation.
AGE: 8 and under
Tryout: Swim 50 yards nonstop free + 25 yards any other stroke
This group is comprised of our talented and dedicated 9–10 year olds. We split this group into C1 for swimmers who have achieved and participate at Metropolitan Junior Olympics Championship, and C2 for entry level. Swimmers in these groups continue to perfect their technique and are training for competition. They have the ability to swim proficiently all competitive strokes, as well as all starts and turns. The group is provided with five training sessions per week, 1 and 1/2 hours each, swimming between 2500 and 3500 yards per session. This group recruits from “D” group or from tryouts.
AGE: 9–10
Participation: Minimum of 4 meets per yards season and 2 meets per meters season
Tryout: At least one “B” cut in any event
The “B” group consists of our 11–12 swimmers who enjoy the benefits of competitive swimming. We split this group in B1 for swimmers who have achieved and participate at Metropolitan Junior Olympics Championship, and B2. They train to prepare for High School level of competition or to achieve the “E” group requirements. Swimmers in this group have the ability to perform all competitive strokes, starts and turns at a high technical level. The group is provided with five two hour training sessions logging between 3500 to 5000 yards per session. This group recruits from “C” group and tryouts.
AGE: 11–12
Participation: Minimum of 4 meets per yards season and 2 meets per meters season
Tryout: At least a “BB” cut in any event
The “A” group consists of swimmers 13 and older who train for High School competition or to achieve the “E” group requirements. The group is provided with five 2 hour sessions weekly swimming 3500 to 5000 yards per session. This group recruits from “B” and tryouts.
AGE: 13 and older
“E” stands for Elite. This group of accomplished swimmers and their families are dedicated to the sport of competitive swimming. The effort and dedication is aimed to high achievement at regional and national levels. This group is provided with 6 training sessions per week during the school year and 9 sessions during summer vacation. Each session lasts for 2 and 1/2 hours and covers between 5000 and 10000 yards or meters.
REQUIREMENTS:
A. FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANTS ONLY:
- Essay: Along with the application, the swimmer must provide a written essay/cover letter (2 pages minimum) explaining why he/she should be admitted into the “Elite” group. Include what swimming means to you, why you want to swim at the elite level, your future swimming goals, and how you plan to accomplish them. Include your experience and what would be your contribution to the club/group if admitted.
B. FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
- Performance: First-time applicants must have a minimum of 5500 single year power points at any time during the previous SCY season and 2 swims at the current JO; or 5000 during the LCM season and at least 2 swims at the current JO. Current group members must reach a total of minimum 6000 power points during the summer season and a minimum of 450 points in any of the following events: 400/800/1500 free, 400 IM or 200 fly; or achieve at least 2 sectional cuts during the season; and 6500 power points during the winter season and a minimum of 500 points in any of the following events: 500/1000/1650 free, 400 IM or 200 fly; or achieve at least 2 sectional cuts during the season. This requirement encourages swimmers to race in a wider range of events and maintain a higher level of endurance and intensity.
- Specific knowledge: The applicant must know his/her best times and appropriate championship cuts for the season.
- Goals: The applicant must provide written goals for the season he/she applies.
- Age: The applicant must be at least 13 years old.
C. FOR CURRENT “E” GROUP SWIMMERS:
- Competition: The applicant must have attended all championship meets for which they qualified and at least 5 meets SCY or 3 meets LCM during the previous season.
- Awareness and dedication: The applicant must give all attention to the coach’s observations and always correct execution accordingly. They must put full effort in training, swim fast when asked, and always arrive prepared. Sloppy technique, stopping during workouts, or poor behavior will result in exclusion from training. After 3 such exclusions, swimmer and parents must reassess with the coach before resuming training. A further exclusion will result in permanent dismissal from the “Elite” group.
AGE: 13 and older
PARTICIPATION: Minimum of 5 meets per yards season and 3 meets per meters season
TRYOUT RANK: At least 5000 power points first time; 6500 for SCY and 6000 for LCM to reapply.
MAINTAIN RANK: At least 6000 power points for LCM (450 points in 400 IM, 400/800/1500 free, 200 fly); 6500 for SCY (500 points in 400 IM, 500/1000/1650 free, 200 fly)