OMNI SWIMMING

TEAM STRUCTURE

OMNI is broken down into four training groups: Senior, Junior, Age Group and Mini-OMNI. The group a swimmer trains with is based on commitment, ability, age and experience. This ensures that each child will practice with swimmers of like ability. Although at times we "push" swimmers to perform to their maximum, we will not ask a swimmer to do something he/she cannot physically do. Coaches reserve the authority to demote or promote a swimmer that does or does not meet the specific criteria. Along with the OMNI Attendance Policy, a swimmer must attain the following goals.

Mini-OMNI - Swimmers usually under the age of 9 whom are new to OMNI and the sport swimming. Swimmers must be able to complete 25 yards (one length of the pool) freestyle without assistance. Although these swimmers are novices, they must have some swimming experience with Red Cross, YMCA, summer club or private lessons. Mini-OMNI swimmers will learn the "basics" of swimming, drills, turns, dives and all four competitive swimming strokes. Fun while learning is the top priority with the Mini-OMNI group. Meets are offered but not mandatory.

Age Group - Swimmers with little competitive swimming experience but have been exposed to all four competitive swimming strokes, stroke drills, starts, turns and competition. Age Groupers will focus on proper mechanics; technique and swimming "sets" will be introduced. Age Groupers will be expected to practice three to four days per week for approximately one and a half hours. Practice will be offered Monday-Friday. Age Groupers swim in USS meets and are generally between the ages of 9 - 13.

Juniors - Swimmers swim with, but not necessarily the same workouts as the Senior squad. Emphasis is on stroke technique, conditioning and attaining the necessary criteria to become a senior swimmer. Swimmers will be expected to train no less than two hours per day and attend practice 5-6 days per week with optional morning workouts. Juniors swim in USA Swimming meets and are generally between the ages of 13 - 15.

Seniors – A Senior swimmer must exhibit the dedication and desire to train and make the commitment to the sport of swimming. Regardless of age or ability, a swimmer must demonstrate that he/she is socially, mentally, physically and psychologically mature enough to handle the demands of a Senior program. Swimmers may be expected to train before school and are expected to do double sessions, or three-hour workouts, during school breaks and in the summer season, as seen fit. Senior swimmers are expected to train no less than two hours per day and attend 6 - 8 practices per week. To become a senior, a swimmer may be required to have achieved the CT Senior Open time standards in at least one event. The coaching staff reserves the right to consider any swimmer over the age of 15 a senior swimmer, even though the above criteria has not been meet.