Group Placements:
- Group Placement are based on a combination of age, skill, speed and endurance. Exceptions to the requirements below must be approved by the BDA staff.
- Swimmers must complete an evaluation for group placement before enrolling.
- If evaluations are not being held then parents should confirm swimmer's abilities and group requirements before enrolling.
- If your swimmer is not able to meet the group requirements on the first day, we will switch the swimmer to the appropriate group if space is available.
- If there is no room, then enrollments for future practices/sessions will be cancelled and no refund will be given.
Group Requirements:
Grey Group
Emphasis on refining freestyle and backstroke, learning basics of breaststroke and butterfly, and building endurance
Ages 5-8
45-60 minute practice (depends on location)
Requirements:
- Complete 25 yards freestyle (1 length) with knowledge of rotary breathing (turning head to side to breathe)
- Complete 25 yards backstroke (1 length)
- Be able to listen and follow directions
- Have endurance to complete a 60-min practice consisting of multiple 25-yard lengths
Swimmers not ready for Grey Group are encouraged to take Swim Lessons
Sample Evaluation Set:
- 25 Freestyle Kick
- 25 Freestyle
- 25 Backstroke Kick
- 25 Backstroke
- 30 seconds rest between each 25
White Group
Emphasis on stroke technique, improving all 4 strokes and starting speed work
Ages 8-12
60 minute practice
Requirements:
- Complete a legal 50 yard freestyle (2 lengths) with rotary breathing (turning head to side to breathe)
- Complete a legal 50 yard backstroke (2 lengths)
- If joining September - December
- Demonstrate basic breaststroke for 25 yards (1 length)
- Demonstrate basic dolphin kick
- If joining January - May
- Complete a legal 25 yard breaststroke (1 length)
- Perform a legal butterfly kick for 25 yards
- Have the stamina and attention span to swim and focus for a full practice
- Have endurance to complete a set of 4 x 50 yards freestyle with 30 seconds rest in between while maintaining form
Sample Evaluation Set:
- 50 Freestyle Kick
- 50 Freestyle
- 50 Backstroke Kick
- 50 Backstroke
- 30 seconds rest between each 50
Blue Group
Emphasis on stroke technique, endurance and training
Ages 12-18
60-90 minute practice (depends on location)
Requirements:
- Complete legal 50 yards of all four strokes
- Complete a 200 yard freestyle
- Have the stamina and attention span to swim and focus for a full practice
Sample Evaluation Set:
- 100 Freestyle
- 50 Butterfly
- 50 Backstroke
- 50 Breaststroke
- 30 seconds rest between each 50/100