2022-2023 DRD Group Descriptions

Roster group descriptions are never set in stone. Roster alignments are dynamic and always changing, as well as flexible. Roster assignment is always an important topic with any team, and coaches here at DRD take the decision process seriously. We ask that parents and swimmers trust the professional judgment of the coaching staff when it comes to roster group placement and to remember that within any roster group the swimmer will go through 3 phases:

  • Orientation and adaptation
  • Growth and Maturity
  • Mastery and Leadership

Move ups will typically occur at the end of a month; sometimes there are exceptions and all decisions are made by the coaching staff. It is extremely important to remember that we are all on the same team; the coaches would never hold a swimmer back. Our goal is for swimmers to show mastery and leadership at each level and to move forward at a time that best serves the individual long-term. 

Note: These descriptions represent an attempt by the DRD staff to publicly identify and define each of our training groups. It’s possible that not all members of a given roster group will have met the stated requirements. Sometimes there will be flexibility at the entry level and graduation between groups.

Coaches ask that you please remember that kids are not rushed through the program; rather coaches take great care in making the decision to move-up an individual. Coaches want to see mastery and leadership at each level before advancement.



 

BLUE: Our beginning group where swimmers are starting the development of competitive swimming skills. Emphasis for the Blue group is on introducing the fundamental skills, movements and terminology of the four competitive strokes. Blues must be able to swim one length of the pool without stopping.

Practice: Blue practice is offered 5 nights a week for 1 hour (60 minutes). Blue are allowed to attend up to three practices a week of your choice.

Meets: Attendance at meets is strongly encouraged. We identify a couple meets every season for our Blue swimmers to attend in addition to our team hosted meets. We want meets to be a positive and fun experience for your swimmer!

Basic Philosophy: Positive experience for competitive swimming. By offering practice 5 nights a week, there is flexibility to allow the other activities. Swimmers can attend practice up to 3 times a week.

Entry Requirements: Must be able to complete a 25 yard (one length) of freestyle or backstroke

Equipment: We have equipment available at our pools for our groups to use. It is important that our swimmers are dressed appropriately for success in swimming. We do recommend team suits, but these should ONLY be worn during meets. We want them to last and wearing team suits for practice will wear the suits quicker.

  • Girls - One piece racing suit (full coverage suits are allowed, but please be aware of health department restrictions for swim attire - certain fabrics are better for competitive swimming)
  • Boys - Jammers or briefs (swim trunks are too baggy and prevent swimmers from being able to execute turns and other finesse moves appropriately)
  • Goggles - Finding goggles that fit appropriately may take trial and error. They should fit the eye sockets comfortably to make a seal. If you have questions ask parents in the stands, most of our swimmers through trial and error find a brand and style they love.
  • Swim Cap - Swimmers are recommended to wear a swim cap when they are racing at a meet. During practice, we encourage swimmers to wear caps to get used to the feel. Caps are especially important if the swimmer has longer hair so it is not distracting them while swimming.

 

GREEN: Our Green group swimmers have progressed beyond the basics of the Blue group. Emphasis for the Green group is on refining the fundamental skills, movements and terminology of the four competitive strokes so that swimmers are competing in all four strokes legally. Greens will be able to compete in freestyle and backstroke, while working on the technical aspects of breaststroke and butterfly.

Practice: Green practice is offered 5 nights a week for 1 hour (60 minutes). Green are allowed to attend up to three practices a week of your choice.

Meets: Green are expected to compete at our team hosted meets as well as other meets throughout the season. One of the best ways your swimmer will see growth is through competing at meets. Coaches select meets that will provide the most growth for our swimmers.

Basic Philosophy: Swimmers are continuing to grow in their confidence as swimmers. Practice is still offered 5 nights a week, allowing flexibility with other activities. Swimmers can attend practice up to 3 times a week.

Entry Requirements: Coach approval based on stamina, stroke refinement in backstroke and freestyle and maturity.

Equipment: We have equipment available at our pools for our groups to use. It is important that our swimmers are dressed appropriately for success in swimming. We do recommend team suits, but these should ONLY be worn during meets. We want them to last and wearing team suits for practice will wear the suits quicker.

  • Girls - One piece racing suit (full coverage suits are allowed, but please be aware of health department restrictions for swim attire - certain fabrics are better for competitive swimming)
  • Boys - Jammers or briefs (swim trunks are too baggy and prevent swimmers from being able to execute turns and other finesse moves appropriately)
  • Goggles - Finding goggles that fit appropriately may take trial and error. They should fit the eye sockets comfortably to make a seal. If you have questions ask parents in the stands, most of our swimmers through trial and error find a band and style they love.
  • Swim Cap - Swimmers are recommended to wear a swim cap when they are racing at a meet. During practice, we encourage swimmers to wear caps to get used to the feel. Caps are especially important if the swimmer has longer hair so it is not distracting them while swimming.

 

BRONZE: Bronze exceed the fundamental stage of competitive swimming and COMPETE in all 4 strokes legally. This group continues to work on improving technique and attends swim meets regularly. Bronze can attend up to 4 practices a week, while maintaining a minimum of 3.

Practice: Bronze practice is offered 5 nights a week for 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes). Bronze are allowed to attend up to four practices a week of your choice. Ideally, Bronze swimmers will attend a minium of 3 practices a week.

Meets: Bronze are expected to compete at our team hosted meets as well as other meets throughout the season. We try to attend two meets a month. Swimmers are encouraged to have an open line of communication with their coaches about meet attendance. One of the best ways your swimmer will see growth is through competing at meets. Coaches select meets that will provide the most growth for our swimmers.

Basic Philosophy: Swimmers can compete legally in all 4 strokes, but are still working on refining technique. Practice is still offered 5 nights a week, allowing flexibility with other activities. Swimmers can attend practice up to 4 times a week.

Entry Requirements: Coach approval based on stamina, maturity, dedication to swimming and competency in the 4 strokes.

Equipment: At this level of swimming, our swimmers will start acquiring their own equipment. Our pools do have equipment to share, but some swimmers will find that they prefer certain brands or styles as they become more competitive swimmers.

 

SILVER: Silver are ready to make the leap into year round competitive swimming, but may have other commitments. The Silver swimmer shows a willingness and maturity to train at a highly competitive level and commits to at least 3 times a week. Attendance of 4 times a week must be demonstrated to move into Platinum. 

Practice: Silver practice is offered 5 nights a week 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes). Silver are allowed to attend up to four practices a week of your choice. Ideally, Silver swimmers will attend a minium of 3 practices a week.

Meets: Silver are expected to compete at our team hosted meets as well as other meets throughout the season. We try to attend two meets a month. Swimmers are encouraged to have an open line of communication with their coaches about meet attendance. One of the best ways your swimmer will see growth is through competing at meets. Coaches select meets that will provide the most growth for our swimmers.

Basic Philosophy: Swimmers are working on racing technique. This group is geared towards swimmers who are ready to take their swimming to the next level, but have other activities as well. Practice is offered 5 nights a week and swimmers can attend up to 4. Swimmers who want to move to Platinum need to have coach approval based on maturity, 100% practice attendance and the dedication to make swimming their year-round priority.

Entry Requirements: Coach approval based on stamina, maturity, dedication to swimming and competency in the 4 strokes.

Equipment: At this level of swimming, our swimmers will start acquiring their own equipment. Our pools do have equipment to share, but some swimmers will find that they prefer certain brands or styles as they become more competitive swimmers.

 

PLATINUM: A swimmer in the Platinum group shows maturity and dedication towards swimming. The Platinum swimmer takes ownership of their swimming, is responsible for communication with their coach regarding swimming and commits to fully attend every practice offered. Admission and continued membership in this group is dependent upon coach approval.

Practice: Platinum practice is offered 5 nights a week 2 hours (120 minutes). Platinum are REQUIRED to attend all practices offered.

Meets: Platinum are expected to compete at every available meet as directed by their coach. Swimmers are expected to communicate directly with their coach about meets, race selection and their expectations for racing.

Basic Philosophy: Swimmers are committed to swimming as a year-round activity. Swimmers are responsible and taking ownership for their swimming by communicating directly with their coach. Practice is offered 5 nights a week and swimmers are expected to attend every practice.

Entry Requirements: Coach approval based on ability level, dedication, maturity and practice attendance. Admission and continued membership in this group is dependent upon coach approval.

Equipment: The platinum swimmer is expected to have the appropriate equiment to enhance their training. This list is ever evolving.

  • Suits - Suits dedicated for practice and suits dedicated for racing
  • Goggles
  • Kickboard
  • Pull Buoy
  • Fins
  • Paddes
  • Snorkel