Below is a list of the different practice groups and a definition of the criteria used in determining placement. It is at the coach's discretion which group your swimmer will be placed into and when he or she is ready for advancement.

Practices: (2) per week

Ability: Swim continuously above water for 25 meters. Has the ability to float on front and on back, can kick with a kickboard, has a very basic knowledge of the four competitive strokes.

This level seeks to engage the younger, beginning swimmer in the sport of competitive swimming. Stroke mechanics, including proper body position and streamlining and skill development including starts off the block are the major focus. Swimmers also learn proper lane etiquette. Competing in local swim meets is encouraged but not required.

Ability Criteria for moving from Bronze to Silver:

10x50 (scm) @1:20
200 (scm) kick faster than 6:40
100 free (yds) in a swim meet faster than 1:50
100 IM in a swim meet legally

Ability: Has knowledge and ability to swim all four competitive strokes and the individual medley. Can legally perform open, flip, and IM turns.

This level pursues further development of the four competitive strokes. Swimmers are introduced to the pace clock and begin development of their aerobic base. The goal of this level is to compete in all strokes and the IM at competitive swim meets. Regular attendance is encouraged in this group

Ability Criteria for moving from Silver to Gold I:

8x100 (scm) @2:15
200 free (yds) in a swim meet faster than 3:15
200 IM in a swim meet legally
500 free (yds) in a swim meet
Practices: (4) four per week

Ability: Has knowledge and experience of the four competitive strokes and the individual medley. Swimmers in this group also have the ability, willingness, and self-motivation to work and train independently.

Gold I is appropriate for the young swimmer that is ready to devote more time and energy to the sport of competitive swimming. In this group the swimmer practices in a structured atmosphere that focuses on building and solidifying an aerobic base of fitness that will serve to maximize the swimmer’s experience in the upper level of the swim club. Swimmers use meets to test their seasonal development and are encouraged to participate in pre-practice stretching sessions to enhance practice and meet performance. Regular and consistent attendance is expected as this group is focused on a seasonal training plan as Gold I places an emphasis on qualifying for the Maine State Championship held in March. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to consider traveling to meets outside of the immediate area.

Ability Criteria for moving from Gold I to Gold II:

6x200 free (scm) @3:50
500 kick (scm) faster than 12:30
500 free (yds) faster than 7:15
200 IM (yds) faster than 3:30

Practices: (5) per week

Ability: Has perfected the basics of each of the four competitive strokes. Can utilize, read, and manage a pace clock without excessive guidance and assistance. Has maturity and self-discipline to accomplish a moderately demanding work load.

This program is appropriate for the swimmer who is committed to competitive swimming for the minimum of the short course season (September - April). In this group the swimmer practices in a highly structured atmosphere. A seasonal plan is implemented that includes stroke work, strength building, aerobic conditioning, and race strategy. Swimmers use meets to test their seasonal development and are encouraged to participate in pre-practice stretching sessions to enhance practice and meet performance. Regular and consistent attendance is expected as this group is focused on a seasonal training plan. Swimmers in this group are encouraged to consider traveling to meets outside of the immediate area.

Ability Criteria for moving from Gold II to Pre-Senior:

8x200 free (scm) @ 3:20
800 kick (scm) faster than 18:40
500 free (yds) faster than 6:20
400 IM (yds) faster than 5:40
1,650 free in a swim meet

Ability: Designed for the self sufficient, disciplined, and highly motivated swimmer that seeks to enhance their level of competitive ability through maximizing their practice schedule.

This program is designed for the dedicated swimmer that swims full-time for the better portion of the year, including the entire short-course season (September- April). This group continues to develop aerobic capacity, strength, and race strategy within an intensified seasonal plan. Dry land sessions are implemented to strengthen muscle groups and maximize practice and meet performance through flexibility and body weight resistance training. Both local and regional meets are built into the seasonal plan to test and track the athletes overall progress and development. The goal of this group is to begin preparation to qualify for and attend meets outside the immediate area such as USA Sectionals. This group also prepares the swimmer to begin conceptualizing swimming beyond the local high school and club level. Regular and consistent attendance is highly encouraged within this group. Practices: (3) per week prior to HS swim season

Ability: Has knowledge of the (4) competitive strokes. Has basic competition knowledge and working knowledge of pace clock.

This program is appropriate for the high school age swimmer that participates in high school swimming. Swimmers will work to refine stroke mechanics while also building strength and stamina in preparation for the competitive high school season.