PNSC Performance Pathway

Junior Performance

Squad Objectives:
  • To compete at Regional level & above with very good commitment to the programme. Swimmers will be targeting the Regional Championships and potentially English Summer Nationals. 
  • Swimmers should aim to reach the highest levels based on their ability and commitment levels.
Coach: Lee Baldwin
Land Training Coach: Tom Company
Pool Hours Available: 14 hours
Land Training Hours Available: 2 hours
Target Ages  (Based at the 31st December each year)  Male 12 years to 14 years 
Female 12 years to 13 years (11 years & 14 years considered)
Squad Entry Criteria Attendance:
  • Consistently attending 75-100% of training sessions in previous squad 
  • Consistently attending 75-100% of target competitions in previous squad 
  • 100% commitment to team events (National Arena League, County/Regional/National relays) 
 Performance:
  • Athletes must have qualified and competed in a minimum of 4 Hampshire County Championship events or equivalent in the previous season (Olympic Event) 
  • All athletes must have times recorded on British rankings (or International equivalent) for all events 
  • Proven ability and commitment to following a competitive training program (swimmers, with parental support) 
 Attitude:
  • Has demonstrated a good level of dedication to the sport and attendance in previous squads 
  • A desire to listen, learn & act upon coach feedback  
  • A high level of self-motivation to improve 
  • A positive mind set with growing ability to take personal responsibility for performances, attitude and attendance 
  • A team player – polite, supportive, caring and empathetic 
Consideration:
  • Lead Coach and Director of swimming’s discretion. Swimmers assessed to have near term potential and or having longer term potential may be admitted or retained within a squad on a probationary period for 3 months. 
  • The swimmer must be able to show commitment and demonstrable progress towards the overall squad criteria
Squad Training & Competition Criteria  Attendance:
  • Athletes must attend a minimum of 6 pool sessions, to include 2 early mornings and a minimum of 1 land training session per week 
Performance:
  • Must display an attitude to improve in all strokes and events 
  • To target finals and achieve medals at County, Regional and/or English National competitions (long course and short course) 
Attitude:
  • To develop greater individual responsibility for swimming commitment and performance  
  • To develop and improve knowledge around nutrition/hydration and its application during training and competition 
  • To understand the importance of time management, healthy lifestyles & competition protocols 
  • All athletes must display an attitude, commitment and lifestyle which indicates that competitive swimming is of a priority to them outside of academics 
  • Athletes will be expected to take holidays at appropriate times in the year so not to disrupt training into key meets 
  • Adherence to the PNSC Code of Conduct at all times 
Holidays/Trips:
  • Swimmers/parents are advised to plan family holidays or any residential school trips, excursions or camps during the annual shutdown period in August immediately following the National Championships. Please avoid planning holidays at Christmas unless you have access to a swimming pool and are able to train fully during this period as the county championships will be taking place in January and February. The county championships are important for gaining National Short Course qualifying times; time off over Christmas will affect swimmers’ ability to perform at the county championships. Please avoid planning holidays or school trips from March to July, as it is crucial for swimmers to be fit enough to gain qualification for British and home nation nationals during the competition window and prepare fully for national and international meets in the Summer. Swimmers who take holidays or attend school trips in July (4 days/over) will not be considered for national relay selection because this will affect their ability to prepare fully for the summer national championships and is unfair on the remaining team members. Failure to comply with the above may affect their future position in the squad
Squad Exit Criteria:
  • Unable to attain the relevant attendance, performance and attitude standards as set in the squad criteria
  • Consistently late to sessions without prior agreement
  • Training at other clubs or seeking additional coaching/technical sessions outside of the Lead Coaches planning or without their consent
Pathway:
  • Not meeting criteria – a move into either Intermediate Competitive or Club Squad
  • Exceeds performance levels – possibility for a move into Senior Performance