Gold

Ages: 12 & up
Coaches: Christopher Anderson

Foreword: The Gold group is reserved for a special breed of swimmers that are willing to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to a demanding swim and academic schedule in order to reach their highest potential in competitive swimming.

Goals: The goal of the Gold group is to prepare athletes for entry into a collegiate Division I, II, or III level swimming program. Once swimmers have reached the Gold group they will be molded into high caliber athletes possessing athletic, scholastic and leadership traits. There are high expectations and significant sacrifices that swimmers and their families must be willing to make in order to reap the rewards of swimming in the Gold group. Therefore, it takes a special commitment on the part of the athlete and his/her parents to make a decision to pursue swimming at this high a level.

Entrance Requirements: Swimmers have Junior Olympic qualifying times and have intentions to qualify for the Speedo Champions Series a.k.a "Sectionals," then national level meets i.e. Junior Nationals, US Open, and Senior Nationals. Entry into the group is subject to the discretion of the head coach. Link to qualifying times.

Athlete/Family Expectations:

• Consistent attendance at practice- Athletes seldom miss a practice whether morning, afternoon or gym session. During periods of injury or minor illness such as an ear infection, an athlete can maintain aerobic conditioning by doing the personalized dry-land program created by the coach that works around the condition.
  
  
• Performance Expectations- Despite the best training program and an athlete making all the right choices, fluctuations in performance are bound to occur. Over time, the consistency displayed at practice coupled with good decision making out of the water will yield results. Being able to understand this is paramount.
  
  
• Meet Attendance - At championship level meets swimmers are expected to participate in individual and relay events for the entire duration of the meet (may mean multiple sessions per day for the entire weekend).
  
  
• Traveling to away meets- Be prepared to travel throughout the season. While the booster club may offset some of the charges incurred, the remaining cost must be covered by the swimmers’ family. It is wise to set aside money throughout the year to cover these expenses when they arise.

• Communication – It is essential that swimmers and their parents maintain an open line of communication with the coach. Open and honest communication is the only way to build a trusting relationship between the coach, parent and swimmer. All parties must be able to express their concerns and at the same time be open to the perspective and ideas of others. Coaches are more than willing to set aside time to engage in dialogue when meetings are arranged at the appropriate time and place. Anticipating a problem and discussing it thoroughly in advance is the best way to avoid misunderstanding.

Athlete Qualities/Traits/Skills:

• Leadership: Gold group members are role models for the rest of the team. They are often admired and looked up to by younger swimmers. Therefore, their actions and words are constantly used as examples of a “Gold swimmer.” Ways of displaying leadership include: encouraging teammates at practice and swim meets; volunteering in team sponsored activities; promoting positive decision making of peers; and displaying professionalism at all times. Childish behavior at practice, meets or team sponsored events does not meet gold group standards.
  
  
• Prioritizing school and swimming: The overall goal of the Comets team is to build well-rounded student athletes that are prepared for the rigor of college. That means swimmers must have high marks in school throughout their participation. Athletes which are struggling or not passing their classes cannot be a part of the Gold group. Social development for student athletes is essential, however, swimmers must be able to prioritize and show good judgment when making social plans.
  
  
• Being independent and proactive: a successful transition to becoming a professional athlete requires the athlete to take responsibility for their swimming career. This means swimmers are expected to make positive decisions regarding issues that affect their swimming while away from the pool. Choices regarding diet, sleeping habits and even outside hobbies can play a role in day-to-day and meet performance. Anything that impacts an athletes’ physical and mental well-being should be scrutinized. Essentially, swimmers are to develop an understanding of what will adversely affect their swimming and choose against it without outside intervention. Examples include: engaging in a stretching program at home, doing additional self-conditioning during free time, and adhering to a diet of healthy foods. Another prime example is deciding to give 100% effort at a practice when the primary coach is absent.
  
  
• Display a positive attitude - To this end, mistakes made at practice and meets are inevitable. However, learning from mistakes and being able to take constructive criticism is optional. It takes a mature athlete to understand how to deal with success and failure and make each experience a positive one. Remaining cool under stress and having a positive attitude to work through difficulties are hallmarks of a leader.
  
  
• Have a personal drive and be self motivated - Parents should be supportive at all times but should not be the primary motivating source. It is an intrinsic desire on the part of the swimmer that ultimately leads to long-term success.
  
  
• Lastly, possessing these traits is excellent for the individual, but the true test of a leader is being able to transmit these qualities to others.

Competition: Swimmers will participate in level 'A' meets, the Junior Olympic Championship, Speedo Champions Series a.k.a "Sectionals," and national level meets for which swimmers have the qualifying time.

Required Practice Equipment: kickboard, pull-buoy, fins, paddles (see coach for sizing), snorkel, stretch cords, goggles, water bottle, drag suit, tennis ball, ankle band and running shoes.

Required Meet Equipment: team suit, Comets yellow & blue t-shirts, yellow team cap (if cap is desired) and goggles that are appropriate for use when diving from competition blocks. Other meet specific t-shirt, cap, and warm-ups may also be required.