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Howard Suamico Storm Breakers
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The coaching staff is continually assessing the swimmers to see which group will benefit them most.  This is not a black and white process, each child is an individual.  We look at different perspectives on their swimming.

8 and under (8U):
Swimmers must be 8 years old or younger for the entire season plus be able to swim a 25 free with side breathing and a 25 backstroke.  The coaches will teach all four strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly), starts and turns.  Swimmers are expected to be on time for practices and swim meets.

Novice (NV):
Swimmers must be able to swim a 50 free with side breathing, 50 backstroke and 50 breaststroke.  The coaches will teach all four strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly), bilateral breathing, how to use the clock, starts and turns.  Swimmers are expected to be on time for practices and swim meets. Swimmers will be expected to compete in at least one away meet per season.

Bronze (BR):

1. Swimmers must swim a legal 200 IM at a swim meet at least once a season.
2. Swimmers must swim 5 X 100 free @ 2:00 consistently at practice.
3. Swimmers must swim in at least 2 away meets.
4. Swimmers are expected to be on time to practices and swim meets.
5. Swimmers must demonstrate a positive attitude.
6. Swimmers must have coaches' recommendations.

** We will fine-tune skills learned in Novice plus teach relay starts and interval training.

Silver (SL):

1. Swimmers must swim a 500 free at a swim meet at least once a season.
2. Swimmers must swim 10 X 100 free @ 1:40 consistently at practice.
3. Swimmers must swim 10 X 100 IM @ 1:55 consistently at practice.
4. Swimmers are expected to be at 80% or more of the practices and swim meets.
5. Swimmers are expected to be on time to practices and swim meets.
6. Swimmers must demonstrate a positive attitude and team spirit.
7. Swimmers must have coaches' recommendations.

** We will fine-tune skills learned in Bronze plus work on goal setting.

High School (HS swimmers swim Gold):

1. Swimmers must meet the first 3 requirements of Silver.
2. Swimmers must swim for a High School team.
3. Swimmers must go to at least 75% of the practices.
4. Swimmers must swim in at least 1 away meet.
5. Swimmers must be a positive role model.
   

Gold (GD):

1. Swimmers must swim a legal 400 IM and a distance event at least once a season.
2. Swimmers must swim 15 X 100 free @ 1:25 consistently at practice.
3. Swimmers must swim 10 X 100 @ 1:40 fly or 1:35 back or 1:40 breast.
4. Swimmers must have been in the silver group for at least one year.
5. Swimmers are expected to be at 90% or more of practices.
6. Swimmers are expected to be at 90% or more of swim meets
7. Swimmers must show that they have a commitment and desire to improve their swimming.
8. They must be a positive role model at all times for all swimmers.  They need to be the leaders of HSSB.
9. Swimmers must have parent and coach recommendation.

Please check the calendar frequently for any practice changes.