In 2004, USA Swimming began a motivational program for age group swimmers called the IMX Series. This program is designed to help them reach the next level in their career by encouraging swimmers of all ages to compete in multiple events, rather than specializing in one stroke too early.
The series consists of two levels: IM READY and IMX.
Embracing this goal, GCAT has developed its own variation of the IMX series:
GCAT “IM Great”
“IM Great” is designed to encourage and promote greater participation from GCAT swimmers in all four strokes, the individual medley, and the middle distance freestyle events.
WHY?
The GCAT philosophy focuses on preparing swimmers for long-term success; our practice group structure and training philosophy are designed with this goal in mind. It is our belief that preparing for success in the “IM Great” events is important for each swimmer’s long-term development because it will:
- Provide swimmers the opportunity to practice all four strokes and events
- Build each swimmers’ aerobic capacity
- Build self-confidence and “toughness”
As a swimmer grows and matures, his or her “best” stroke or event typically changes, which is why it is important for every age group swimmer to prepare for the individual medley. If the swimmer was exposed to all strokes and events from a young age, then he or she will be better prepared to compete successfully in whichever event ultimately becomes their “best.”
Two major energy systems are involved while swimming every event: the aerobic and anaerobic systems. In preparing for middle distance freestyle and IM, swimmers build their aerobic base. The aerobically stronger swimmers have a greater capacity to develop a strong anaerobic base, which is ultimately important for ALL events, including the 50 and 100s.
The GCAT coaching staff strongly believes that training for these events will build tremendous confidence and toughness in our swimmers. In athletics, nothing provides greater confidence than knowing you’ve done everything necessary to achieve your goals.
HOW DO SWIMMERS PARTICIPATE?
To participate in the “IM Great” program, swimmers must compete in a designated combination of five or six events. Based on the ‘power points’ for each of those swims, every USA Swimming registered athlete will earn a combined score (based on the cumulative point total of the 5-6 events) called the IMX Ready or the IMX score.
"GCAT's IM Good"
IM READY
To get an IM Ready score, swimmers must legally swim all events listed for their age group at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score.
(see USA Swimming website for individual scores*)
10 & Under:100 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
11-12: 200 free, 50 back, 50 breast, 50 fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
13-18: 200 free, 100 back, 100 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM
IMX
To get an IMX score, swimmers must legally swim all events listed for their age group at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score. (see USA Swimming website for individual scores*)
10 & Under:200 free, 100 back, 100 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM
11-12:400 free (LC) or 500 free (SC), 100 back, 100 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM
13-18:400 free (LC) or 500 free (SC), 200 back, 200 breast, 200 fly, 200 IM, 400 IM
More information regarding USA Swimming’s IMX Series and individual scores
Swim GCAT IM GREAT RECOGNITION
Having received an initial IM Ready or IMX score, swimmers will be recognized for reaching various tiers within the series:
Cougar Cubs and Wildcats
All swimmers who receive an “IM Ready” score will receive a special IM Good & Ready Bag Tag.
Swimmers may also print a certificate from the USA Swimming website.
Puma, Jaguar, and Senior Divisions
There are three levels of recognition once swimmers in the above groups achieve an “IMX” score.
Once a swimmer has an “IMX” score they may print a certificate from the USA Swimming website. Then swimmers should set goals to improve that score. Prizes will be rewarded as follows for reaching the various scores:
10 – Younger Score 11 – Older Score Award
1500 1750 Bag Tag
2500 2500 IM Great Cap
3500 3500 IM Great T-Shirt
4500 4500 IM Great Towel
Swimmers will receive the awards listed above one time per year per age group with the exception of the towel. The towel will be awarded once. If they loose or ruin the award listed above they may buy a replacement as long as stock is available.
