Head Coach – Guy Fawkes
Criteria
Squad members are dedicated to developing their skills and advancing to the national squad through hard work and commitment. They will be selected by the Head Coach based on attitude, discipline, long term potential and gala performance. Swimmers will normally be aged between 11 -18 years and be a minimum of Regional Championship standard.
Swimmers will be training full time with Head Coach.
Squad Expectations:
- Will have total commitment to training.
- Will have all required kit and training aids.
- Will be on time for all sessions – Be ready on poolside, with all equipment, 15 minutes before the start of session for dynamic warm up exercises.
- Will communicate with their squad coach via Spond at least 30 minutes prior to a session if unable to attend.
- Will be required to do all four strokes in competition.
- Must demonstrate technical proficiency in stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and finishes.
- Must be able to perform a 200 individual medley under ASA laws and swim 800m continuously using competition turns.
- Will compete in a minimum of 8 swimming competitions per annum, including Regional and County competitions and willing, when invited, to participate in team events. All Billingham ASC home galas plus the end of season away gala are mandatory.
- Will be independent with a strong understanding of self and the sport.
- Will take ownership and responsibility of their journey.
- Will be able to distinguish short- and long-term gain; will not chase instant gratification at the risk of compromising long term development and success.
- Will be a great team-mate. Committed to fostering a culture of encouragement, they will remain positive and engaged while understanding the greater value of succeeding together. They must be prepared to support others in their journeys and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
- Must be coachable—open to feedback and eager to explore new ideas in the pursuit of excellence. They should demonstrate a growth mindset, embrace continuous improvement and actively seek opportunities to learn and develop.
- Should take on a mentorship role with younger swimmers in the club—providing guidance, encouragement, and serving as a positive role model both in and out of the pool.
Squad Objectives:
- Regional level success.
- To develop foundational strength and improve physical stability.
- To introduce swimmers to energy systems and cyclical training.
- To educate swimmers on time management, healthy lifestyles and gala protocols.
- To develop the disciplined technical and psychological skills necessary to train and perform at this level.
- To cultivate discipline and strengthen commitment in swimmers.
Competitions:
- Regional Championships
- County and District Championships
- High Standard Open Meets
Below are the required training times for this squad and will be by invitation of the Head Coach only.
| Monday | Billingham Forum | 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm |
| Tuesday | Billingham Forum | 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Thursday | Billingham Forum | 6.30 am – 7.30 am / 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Friday | Billingham Forum | 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Saturday | Billingham Forum | 6.30 am – 9.00 am / 9.00am – 10.00 am (Land) |
If necessary, a review process will take place at 3, 6 and 12 months. Reviews will take place with the coach, swimmer and parent/guardian. Membership to this squad is dependent on compliance to the respective criteria sheet. If all criteria are not met or it is deemed that the required effort is not evident, then the swimmer will be asked to forfeit their place in the squad.