Welcome to the 2024/2025 Swim Season!
We are pleased to provide a new outline of the training groups for the 2024-2025 swim season with the Centurions. This guide has been created to give families a quick look at our training group outlines.
As you read through the program outlines, you will find details on training hours, general criteria and expectations within a training group. Our program is focused on providing a gradual introduction to Competitive Swimming, that helps swimmers of all abilities enjoy the sport of competitive swimming, while offering the opportunity for athletes dedicated to swimming as their primary sport to reach their potential in the pool. There’s a place for everyone within our program.
Training Schedules are set to the swimmers ability and commitment level. There will be practices that training groups overlap at particular practice times,(intentionally). Swimmers are not able to simply “select” their training schedule. Training groups are determined by various criteria to encourage appropriate athlete development. (Ex: A 9 year old AA swimmer will not train the same hours as a 13 year old AA swimmer)
The Senior A and Senior B training groups require swimmers to work up into the training hours of the group. Swimmers who make standards, do not automatically move into new training groups without the appropriate time progression. Coaches will work with families to determine the progressive plan for their swimmer on a case to case basis.
Any movement within groups will be discussed with swimmers and their families at the discretion of the head coach.
NOVICE & DISCOVERY
3 Practices a week
Age range: 13 & Under
Pool Time: 3x week (3 hours)
Club Equipment Provided
The Centurions Novice & Discovery Groups are our intro to competitive swimming program. Structured toward our brand new beginner to intermediate beginner swimmers they will continue to experience the FUN and enjoyment competitive swimming offers while also being introduced to more about the sport of swimming. This practice group is structured to increase swimmer competency across all four competitive strokes. Swimmers build confidence and knowledge of swimming, while having fun with friends within the team environment.
Focus Strengthen Skills, Fundamentals.
Swim Meets: This group has the option to attend Nova Tech swim meets.
JUNIOR DEV
Age Range: 10+
Pool Time: 4hrs/ 3 days
Required Equipment: Fins, Flutter Board, Pull Buoy
Junior Development is designed for swimmers aged 10-14 who are at the entry provincial level (AA) or top end of the Provincial Nova Tech program.. This program focuses on all four strokes, and racing rules; building technique and swim endurance to progress in their swimming journey.
Junior Development Criteria
Swimmers in this squad are typically new age group swimmers (AA) or experienced Nova Tech swimmers(NT) working towards achieving their AA standards.
Swimmer Profile:
➢ Clear understanding of the four competitive strokes, starts and turns
➢ Legally can swim all four competitive strokes.
➢ Who participate in multiple sports outside swimming.
➢ Listen and effectively swim in a practice setting with teammates
➢ Are competing at the NT or AA Level
JUNIOR
Age Range: 10+
Pool Hours: 5.5 Hrs(4 Practices)/Week
Dryland: 30 minutes Pre Practice 1/week
Required Equipment: Fins, Snorkel, Flutter Board, Pull Buoy
Monthly Athlete Development Sessions- Optional
Junior training squad is designed for swimmers who are at the beginning of their competitive swimming journey at the Nova Scotia Age Group provincial level of swimming. Swimmers have at minimum have achieved their NS AA time standards or above.
Junior Criteria
The following criteria will be considered:
➢ Age group leveled swimmer (AAA or AA)
➢ Clear understanding of the four competitive strokes, starts and turns.
➢ Clear understanding of training and work ethic while at practice.
➢ Are working towards qualifying for AAA time standards
➢ Who participate in multiple sports outside swimming.
Additional Considerations
➢ Adheres to club values positivity, respect, excellence
➢ Clearly demonstrates a strong level of work ethic/effort (practice performance/coachability).
➢ Commitment to the training program/competition schedule.
The Head Coach will always assess if the swimmer is ready for this level of commitment and ensure that the athlete can meet the training requirements of the group.
SENIOR B
Age Range: 12+
Pool Time: 9hrs/Week
Dryland: 1 session/ week TBD
Monthly Athlete Development Sessions- Required
Required Equipment: Fins, Snorkel, Flutter Board, Paddles, Pull Buoy
Senior B is designed for swimmers who are at the provincial level (AAA & AA) with aspirations of gaining more out of their swimming journey. Goals are forming and swimmers are looking to start spending more time as a competitive swimmer.
The following criteria will be considered:
Senior B Criteria
Swimmers in this squad are Nova Scotia Age Group level swimmers (have achieved AAA & AA Time Standards)
➢ Swimmers who have chosen swimming as one of their main sports/activities
➢ Swimmers that do other sports or activities outside of swimming who are competing at the AA/AAA level
➢ Who are working towards more AAA qualifying times or East Coast Qualifying Times
➢ Who are working towards qualifying for a AAA qualifying time.
➢ Who are not able to commit to Senior A training group due to other commitments
Additional Considerations
➢ Adheres to club values of positivity, respect, excellence
➢ Accepts the role of a leader and ambassador of the Truro Centurions Swim Club
➢ High level of work ethic/effort (practice performance/coachability).
➢ High level of commitment to the training program/competition schedule.
*Please note that achieving a time standard time does not guarantee a spot in the Senior B squad. The Head Coach will always assess if the swimmer is ready for this level of commitment and ensure that the athlete can meet the training requirements of the group and if the swimmer upholds a high level of work ethic and commitment before determining their squad placement.
SENIOR A
Age Range - Age 13+
Pool Time - 14-hrs/Week
Dryland Time - 2-3 session/week Schedule TBC
Monthly Athlete Development Sessions- Required
Required Equipment: Fins, Snorkel, Flutter Board, Paddles, Pull Buoy
Swimmers in this group compete at the highest provincial level competition in multiple events and meet the training standards of the group. Athletes in this group have chosen swimming as their primary sport. Athletes in this group have set goals and aspirations of gaining more qualifying swims or qualifying for higher level competitions. (Beyond the Provincial Level)
Senior A Criteria
The following criteria will be considered:
SENIOR A
Swimmers will be invited to join the Senior A training squad at the discretion of the Head Coach. Swimmers must be able to demonstrate key indicators that will help swimmers be successful at this level of swimming. Key indicators include, but are not limited to:
➢ Athletes who have chosen swimming as their main sport/activity.
➢ Minimum East Coast Standard Qualified or has trained at AAA level for a minimum of one season.
➢ Who is working towards adding more qualifying times
➢ Who are working towards swimming at University post High School Graduation
Additional Considerations
➢ Must be within the recommended age range.
➢ Adheres to club values of positivity, respect, excellence
➢ Accepts the role of a leader and ambassador of the Truro Centurions Swim Club
➢ High level of work ethic/effort (practice performance/coachability).
➢ High level of commitment to the training program/competition schedule.
*Please note that achieving a time standard time does not guarantee a spot in Senior A squad. The Head Coach will always assess if the swimmer upholds a high level of work ethic and commitment before determining their squad placement.