FAST uses a "progressive" age group program designed to develop the swimmer physically, mentally and emotionally. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing the degree of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer’s physiological prime.

The emphasis in the early stages of participation is on developing technical skill and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge is introduced.  "Too much too soon" is more often the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in senior swimming than is the reverse situation. 

In addition to emphasizing long-term rather than short-term results, it is also important to establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to abilities, commitment level and goals. This is not always the most convenient approach to take, but it is always the most productive. 

Below are descriptions of the FAST practice groups. The groups represent swimmers ages six and up, and each group has a workout consistent with each member’s ability and conditioning level.

Precompetitive

This group is designed for novice swimmers concentrating on developing proper swimming technique. Swimmers will be introduced to the basic skills associated with competitive swimming. The Precompetitive group is coached by Erin Fowler.

• Workouts: 45 minutes, 4 practices offered per week; see Practice Schedule for specifics.  Attendance expectations are 2 practices per week, with 3 recommended.
• Required equipment:
  • Suit 
  • Goggles
  • Swim cap for swimmers with long hair
• Dues (2009-2010): $50 per month
• Meet support requirement: None

Silver

This group is designed for novice swimmers who are developing swimming technique and the skills needed for competitive swimming. The Silver group is coached by Glee Garlie.

• Workouts: 45 minutes; see Practice Schedule for specifics. Attendance expectation is at least 3 practices a week,  with 4 recommended. 
• Required equipment:
  • Suit (recommend team suit for meets)
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Swim cap for swimmers with long hair
• Swim meets:
  • Northern Colorado Silver Circuit meets recommended and FAST hosted meets in which swimmers qualify for. Other meets within an hour’s drive will be offered.
  • A minimum of 3 meets in each season is expected (3 short course meets Sept-March and 3 long course meets April-July).
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate
  • Meet participation is required.
  • Swimmers wearing swim cap at a meet must wear a FAST cap.
• Dues (2009-2010): $60 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 8 sessions

Gold

This group is designed for advancing age group swimmers that will continue to develop their competitive swimming skills, including starts and turns. The Gold group coach is Glee Garlie.

• Workouts: One hour long offered 5 days a week. Attendance expectation is at least 3 workouts per week, but 4-5 practices are recommended. 
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Suit (recommend team suit for meets)
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Swim cap for anyone with long hair
• Swim meets:
  • Northern Colorado Silver Circuit meets recommended and FAST hosted meets in which swimmers qualify for. Other meets within an hour’s drive will be offered.
  • A minimum of 4 meets in each season is expected (4 short course meets Sept-March and 4 long course meets April-July).
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate
  • Meet participation is required.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is recommended for each meet.
  • FAST cap is required for swimmers wearing caps
• Dues (2009-2010): $70 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 8 sessions

Platinum

This group is designed for more advanced age group swimmers ready to compete at the local and state level. Technique improvement for competition will be the primary emphasis for this group. The Platinum group coach is Denise Anstett.

• Workouts: One hour and 15 minutes offered 5 days a week.  Attendance expectation is at least 3 workouts per week, but 4-5 practices per week are recommended. It is recommended that vacations try to be planned so as not to disrupt training. This is extremely important prior to championship meets.
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Suit (recommend team suit for meets)
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Fins (soft rubber)
  • Pull buoy
  • Hand paddles
  • Swim cap for anyone with long hair
  • Gear for dry-land activities (shoes and clothes for running)
• Swim meets:
  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all FAST attended meets throughout the season.
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate.
  • FAST cap is required  for swimmers wearing caps.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is strongly recommended for each meet.
• Dues (2009-2010): $75 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 11 sessions

White

This group is designed for more advanced age group swimmers ready to compete at the local and state level. Technique improvement for competition will be the primary emphasis for this group. The White group is coached by Katie Haywood.

• Workouts: One hour and 15 minutes (15 minutes dry-land activities) offered 6 days a week. Attendance expectation is at least 4 workouts per week, but 5-6 practices per week are recommended. It is recommended that vacations try to be planned so as not to disrupt training. This is extremely important prior to championship meets.
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Appropriate practice suit (No two-pieces or board shorts)
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Fins (soft rubber)
  • Pull buoy
  • Hand paddles
  • Swim cap for anyone with long hair
  • Gear for dry-land activities (Shoes and clothes for running)
• Swim meets:
  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all FAST attended meets throughout the season.
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate.
  • FAST cap is required for swimmers wearing a cap.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is strongly recommended for each meet.
• Dues (2009-2010): $85 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 11 sessions

Blue

This group is designed for advanced swimmers ready to compete at the regional, state, and Zones levels. Swimmers will learn more advanced race strategies and the focus will be on having swimmers being responsible for their results. The Blue group coach is Evan Welting .

• Workouts: One hour 30 minutes offered 6 times a week. Minimum of 5 practices per week. It is recommended that vacations try to be planned so as not to disrupt training. This is extremely important prior to championship meets.
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Appropriate practice suit
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Fins (soft rubber)
  • Pull buoy
  • Hand paddles
  • Gear for dry-land activities (Shoes and clothes for running)
  • Swim cap for swimmers with long hair
• Swim meets:
  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all FAST attended meets throughout the season.
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate.
  • FAST cap is required for swimmers wearing a cap.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is strongly recommended for each meet.
• Dues (2009-2010): $100 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 11 sessions

Pre-Senior

This group is the last step for Age Group swimmers before moving to the Senior practice group. Swimmers in this group will compete at the state, Zones, and Sectional levels. The Pre-Senior group workouts are shortened versions of the Senior workouts and will be ideal for swimmers that qualify for the Senior standards, but cannot commit to attendance requirements. The Pre-Senior group coach is Bill Spahn.

• Workouts: One hour 45 minutes offered 7-8 times a week depending on season. An 80% attendance is highly recommended. It is recommended that vacations try to be planned so as not to disrupt training. This is extremely important prior to championship meets.
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Appropriate practice suit
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Fins
  • Pull buoy
  • Hand paddles
  • Gear for dry-land activities (Shoes and clothes for running)
  • Swim cap for swimmers with long hair
• Swim meets:
  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all FAST attended meets throughout the season.
  • For swimmers making state or silver state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate.
  • FAST cap is required for swimmers wearing a cap.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is strongly recommended for each meet.
• Dues (2009-2010): $115 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 11 sessions

Senior

These groups are designed for the most advanced swimmers committed to obtaining their full swimming potential. Swimmers must demonstrate ability to compete at national level. Preparing for sectional, national, and international competition will be the main emphasis of this group. The Pre-Senior group workouts are shortened versions of the Senior workouts and will be ideal for swimmers that qualify for the Senior standards, but cannot commit to attendance requirements. The Senior group coach is Bill Spahn.

• Workouts: Two hours offered 6-8 times a week for Senior 1 and 8-10 times a week for Senior 2, depending on season. At least 80% attendance is strongly recommended. It is recommended that vacations try to be planned so as not to disrupt training. This is extremely important prior to championship meets.
• Required equipment:
  • Water bottle for each practice
  • Appropriate practice suit
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Fins
  • Pull buoy
  • Hand paddles
  • Gear for dry-land activities (Shoes and clothes for running)
• Swim meets:
  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all FAST attended meets throughout the season.
  • For swimmers making state or silver/senior state qualifying times, we expect them to swim in the state championships unless there is a very good reason a swimmer cannot participate.
  • FAST cap is required.
  • FAST royal blue team suit is strongly recommended for each meet. 
• Dues (2009-2010): $125 per month
• Meet support requirement: Accrue 1 session per month, maximum 11 sessions