Participating in unorganised swimming (eg. Home environment or beach) and/or organised activities (eg. Junior Dolphins) through schools and clubs to develop foundational stroke mechanics.
ATHLETE PROFILE
Young and developing athletes can grow at different rates with chronological age. To add, they can enter and progress through maturation at different chronological time points. The speed and magnitude of physical and cognitive maturation can differ markedly, and such development can affect swimming performance to a greater or lesser extent.
Young and maturing swimmers could potentially reside in the matched FTEM categories, and so understanding the stage and influence of growth and maturation on performance relative to the developmental stage will be important.
- Typically associated with 6-11years
- High – lowering gains in height/weight over time
- High potential for skill coordination, agility and physical literacy in swimming.
- High capability & interest to play, watch & imitate, create, invent, explore, repeat & role-play.
Participation in deliberate play activities promoting problem-solving, exploration of body movement & creativity
Training emphasis:
- Enjoyment
- Technique
- Simple Speed
Training purpose:
- Transition from LTS
- Skill Development
Pool:
- Simple training & games
- Introduction to technique across all strokes
- Introduction to racing skills and sculling drills
- Simple speed
- 15m (6 secs)
- Starts/turns/relays
Land:
- Group/Team activities
- Overall physical literacy
- Flexibility
- Movement coordination
10 – 16 Weeks per season
Participation in play activities including swimming related activities/skills with peers or family. To find out more, visit: sportaus.gov.au
- Basic swimming skills and techniques.
- Are competent in each of the strokes.
Optimal refinement of Fundamental Movement Skills and exposure to basic swimming technique (fly kick in all four strokes) in a fun environment.
Learning through games, swimming and personal development activities. Building confidence in the water in a fun, safe, social and non-competitive environment.
Mastering fundamental movement skills such as locomotor skills and body/stability skills.
- Ability to socially engage, communicate & exchange with others.
- Ability to be aware of personal emotions & those of others during & associated with participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT
Evidence-based and holistic coaching delivered by club & school-based coaches.
Coaching:
- Focus on skill development in modified environments and through deliberate play (unstructured activities)
Facilities:
- Access to a range of learn to swim specific facilities
- 1 or more LTS pools
- Standardised LTS equipment
Management:
- Learn to Swim program that fosters transition into club programs
- Meets LTS quality assurances
- Administrative support to manage swimmer intakes
Personnel:
- School Curricula and National and State-based organisations (sport and Health focused Nutrition for Performance)
Education:
- Education on healthy eating based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. Major focus on Food literacy.
Support:
- Mass-market resources.
Purpose:
- Introduction to competitive swimming
Emphasis:
- Enjoyment of competing
SYSTEM LEADERSHIP
National:
- General Manager Participations and Sport Development
State:
- Club Development Managers/Officers
Regional:
- Regional Development Managers/Officers
Olympic pathway programs:
- Junior Dolphins
- Club Programs
- Sporting Schools & School Sport.
Paralympic pathway programs:
- Junior Dolphins
- Club Programs
- Sporting Schools & School Sport
- Disability Sport
National bodies:
- Australian Sports Commission
- State Sporting Associations
- Australian Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association
- Parents
- Clubs
- National Sporting Organisations
- National Sporting Organisations for People with Disabilities
Other policies:
- Athlete/Club/Parent Education
Paralympic classification:
- Athlete/Club/Parent Education
The Safe Sport Framework (SSF) confirms the shared responsibility we all have for keeping each other safe in swimming – children and adults alike. For more information on the SSF, visit: Swimming Australia: Keeping our Sport Safe
Personnel and accountability:
- Club & School coaches
Programs:
- Swim Australia Teacher of Competitive Swimming or equivalent
Focus:
- Deliver basic swimming squad sessions that develop the swimming technique of novice swimmers
- Club development coaches
- School coaches
Coaching personnel:
- Club Coaches
- Learn to Swim Teaches
Coach education:
- Swim Australia Teacher of Competitive Swimming
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Distribution of educational resources for Basic Movement Foundation refinement targeting parents, teachers & instructors.
Potential collaborative partners:
- Australian Sports Commission
- University Network
- National School Network
- National Club network
Potential themes emanating:
- Participation strategies:
- Fundamental Movement Skills and Age-modified formats
- Club member retention
- Transition of athletes into HP pathway
- Relative Age Effects in swimming – corrective adjustment procedures as a strategy to remove the influence of maturation in competition
