Organization

Participation in these training squads is a privilege, not a right. It is dependent on a high standard of behaviour and application, and is entirely at the head coach's discretion. Please also note that ages given below are indicative only. Actual progression will depend on the individual swimmer's physique, ability and application, and is at the discretion of the head coach. Swimmers coming through the learn to swim programme will have completed the Level 7 goals before joining the squad system and registering with the  Ashburton Swim Team

GOLD SQUAD

This is the third level in the competitive programme with each session lasting two hours.Swimmers are encouraged to attend at least 6-7 sessions per week. There are 9 sessions per week available, plus 3 Gym.
Swimmers should be at the pool to perform dry land 20 minutes before session.


SILVER SQUAD

This  is the second  level  in the competitive Programme  with each session lasting 1.5-2 hours. Swimmers are encouraged  to attend a minimum of 4-5 times per week.  6 sessions per week available, plus 2 gym.(Swimmers should be at the pool to perform dryland training for  20 minutes before session starts. 

BRONZE SQUAD

This is the first of the competitive squads with each session lasting 1 hour.Swimmers are encouraged to attend a minimum of 3-4 sessions per week. 5 sessions per week available. 


DEVELOPMENT  SQUAD

Swimmers  are  encouraged to attend 4 sessions per week and  a minimum of 2 to 3 sessions per week 


OVERALL

Various Swim camps are held during the year both local and nationally. Qualified swimmers are chosen  to attend these camps depending on their abilities. Camps can be held over a period of 4-9 days, usually during the holidays so as not to affect school hours.  All squad members are squaded into squads at the discretion of the coaches depending on development and times.

Swimming is an Olympic sport and offers opportunities from club night right through to the Olympics. There are several ways of competing against swimmers from all over the region, South Island, New Zealand and the world. Swimming New Zealand runs seven (7) national meets: Junior Nationals (10-12 year olds), National Age Groups (13-18 year olds), Open Nationals (anyone – this meet is to find the fastest New Zealanders in every event), Open Water Nationals (lake or sea swims), Spring Championships (age group short course championships), Summer Championships (open short course championships) and Division II competition (a national meet for those swimmers who haven’t qualified for National Age Groups).

Swimming New Zealand also runs a programme XLR8, a national programme which allows swimmers to compare themselves against the rest of the country over four (4) events