Green Mountain Aquatics uses a “progressive” age group program designed to develop the child physically, mentally and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer’s physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love of the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program. All GMA swimmers are trained in a distance-based I.M. program where aerobic endurance and excellent stroke technique in all four competitive strokes is valued.

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

At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmers. The long-term goal of total excellence is always in mind. Remember, all children are unique.  They will progress at their own rates.  The coaching staff recognizes this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer’s physical, mental, and emotional levels of development.

State Group     Skill Requirements:  The GMA State Group is open to all swimmers eight and under who can complete 50 yards of non-stop freestyle with side breathing, 50 yards of non-stop backstroke. Swimmers must also have a familiarity with butterfly kick and breaststroke kick, and a working knowledge of flip-turns and racing dives. Meets: All State Group team members are required to attend the GMA Winter Knights Invitational Meet in January and at least one other GMA-run meet. State Group team members may sign-up for any of the GMA-run meets and meet fees will be assessed for all meets in which swimmers compete. Team Activities: All State Group team members are required to attend at least three team activities during the season, one of which must be a whole team practice.  

Regional Groups       Skill Requirements:  The GMA Regional Group is open to all swimmers twelve and under who can complete 100 yards of non-stop freestyle with bilateral breathing and flip turns, 100 yards of non-stop backstroke with flip turns, 200 yards of non-stop swimming and a legal 100 yard Individual Medley. Additionally, swimmers must be able to complete open turns and flip turns for all strokes as well as racing starts. Swimmers must have a familiarity with wind-up relay starts, short term goal setting and using the pace clock. Finally, swimmers in this group must be great sports and approach every team practice, meet and activity with a positive attitude and great effort.   Meets: All Regional Group team members are required to attend the GMA Winter Knights Invitational Meet in January and at least two other GMA-run meets. Regional Group team members are encouraged to attend at least one out-of-state travel meet. Meet fees will be assessed for all meets in which swimmers compete. Team Activities:   All Regional Group team members are required to attend at least three team activities, one of which must be a whole team practice.