Below is a guideline of our current group structure and requirements to move up and be prepared for each group. Swimmers are evaluated throughout the season and will be moved when the coaching staff believes they are ready, Group promotions happen twice a year - once after short course championships (April 1) and once after long course championships (August 1).

Our goal is to place every swimmer into the training environment where they will develop most successfully.

While age and performance provide general guidelines, placement is determined based on the coaching staff's evaluation of each athlete's physical development, technical skills, maturity, attendance, work ethic, and readiness for the demands of the next group.

The coaching staff has full discretion regarding group placements and promotions. Athletes may be moved up a group outside of the listed promotion dates if the coaches believe they are ready, and it benefits the swimmer and the group. Athletes may be moved up without meeting all of the listed group requirements.

Platinum - Compete with Purpose

Platinum is our highest training group, where athletes pursue championship-level performance through intentional training, disciplined preparation, and leadership both in and out of the pool.

Platinum group typical athletes:

• Ages 14-18 (younger athletes may be placed based on readiness)
• Athletes who compete for their high school team
• Athletes who are approaching Arizona Swimming and AIA State championship qualifying standards
• Athletes who consistently demonstrate dedication, coachability, and excellent work ethic at practice and meets.

Platinum Expectations:

• Attend at least five practices per week (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• Attend at least one swim meet per month, when available
• Compete at all championship meets for which they qualify
• Understand sports nutrition and proper fueling habits
• Demonstrate leadership, accountability, sportsmanship, and a commitment to continuous improvement

Platinum Group Goals:

• Qualify for Arizona Swimming Championship meets and beyond
• Qualify for AIA High School State Championships
• Develop leadership skills
• Prepare athletes for collegiate opportunities
• Create a standard of excellence in and out of the pool

Gold - Train to Compete

Gold is our second-highest training group, designed for athletes ready to take the next step towards competitive training.

Athletes in the Gold group will develop consistency, accountability, and competitive performance habits.

Gold group typical athletes:

• Ages 11-15 (younger athletes may be placed based on readiness)
• Athletes who are approaching Arizona Swimming Regional qualifying standards
• Athletes who are beginning to show ownership, accountability, and exceptional practice habits

Gold Expectations:

• Attend at least four practices per week (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• Attend at least one swim meet per month, when available
• Compete in championship meets for which they qualify
• Growing ownership of training
• Strive to qualify for Arizona Swimming State Championships

To move out of Gold and into Platinum:

• Demonstrate an understanding of goal-setting and practice habits
• Excellent performances on monthly test sets
• Strong attendance
• Technical proficiency
• Coach recommendation

Silver - Learn to Train

Silver is our highest training group, designed for athletes pursuing State success or higher while preparing for collegiate-level training expectations.

Athletes in the Silver group will build technique, endurance, and racing skills while introducing structured practices

Silver group typical athletes:

• Ages 9-12 (younger athletes may be placed based on readiness)
• High-performing 8-9 athletes
• Athletes who are
• Athletes who consistently demonstrate dedication, coachability, and excellent work ethic at practice and meets.

Silver Expectations:

• Attend at least three practices per week (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• Attend at least one swim meet every two months, when available
• Strive to qualify for AZ Swimming Regional Championship
• Positive attitudes, a willingness to learn, and coachable mindset

To move out of Silver and into Gold:

• Show strong coachability by consistently applying feedback
• Demonstrate legal and efficient technique in all four strokes
• Follow practice instructions independently
• Demonstrate improving aerobic endurance and readiness for increased training demands
• Come prepared for practice
• Participate regularly in swim meets

Copper - Learn to Practice

Copper is our introductory training group, designed for athletes first beginning swim team and younger swimmers.

Athletes in the Copper group will learn all four strokes, starts, turns, and how swim meets work

Copper group typical athletes:

• Ages 7-10 (younger athletes may be placed based on readiness)
• Athletes new to the sport of swimming
• Athletes who have "graduated" from the Pups Program

Copper Expectations:

• Attend at least two practices per week (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• Attend at least one swim meet per season
• Show an eagerness to learn and improve every day

To move out of Copper and into Silver:

• Demonstrate legal technique in all four competitive strokes
• Demonstrate proficient starts, turns, and underwater streamlines
• Complete a legal 100 IM
• Demonstrate an ability to follow practice instructions independently
• Maintain a positive attitude and a coachable mindset
• Maintain strong attendance

Pups - Learn to Swim

Pups is our pre-competitive developmental program designed to prepare swimmers new to the sport for success on our team through fun, engaging instruction.

Swimmers will build confidence in the water while developing the fundamental skills needed to transition into the Copper group.

Pups group typical athletes:

• Ages 5-8 (older beginners are welcome)
• Athletes new to the sport of swimming
• Athletes who have "graduated" from level 3 of J-Rays learn to swim.

Pups Expectations:

• Attend at least two practices per week (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
• Come ready to learn with a positive attitude
• Listen to coaches and practice good habits
• Have fun while building confidence in the water

To move out of Pups and into Copper:

• Swim one length of the pool using freestyle with good rhythm and side breathing
• Swim one length of the pool using backstroke with good rhythm and body position
• Demonstrate streamlined push-offs and glides
• Follow coach instructions independently
• Coach Recommendation