Vision & Mission

Vision & Mission

HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Vision To inspire and build character through the pursuit of excellence in competitive swimming from the beginner to the senior elite athletes entering college with the most advanced training and technique in a safe and healthy environment HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Mission Statement

To provide a fun, motivating and innovative program assisting swimmers of all ages and abilities, by means of honest training and preparation, to achieve swimming performance beyond the boundaries of their innate physical and mental talents while developing life skills

HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB is a competitive swimming team offering year-round instruction and competition. The main mission of the team is to conduct training in the sport of swimming and to create an atmosphere in which each athlete may reach his/her highest potential. The training programs are designed by professional coaches interested in helping develop successful people as well as successful swimmers. The HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Masters is a competitive masters swim team offering year-round instruction and competition. The mission is to provide a variety of training regimens to meet the needs of the fitness swimmer to the national competitor. HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics and HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Masters compete in local, regional, and national competition and are sanctioned by Swimming Federation of India

Purpose of HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics

HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics is a competitive swimming team offering year-round instruction and competition. The main purpose of the team is to conduct training of swimmers and to create an atmosphere in which each athlete may reach his/her potential and achieve the highest level possible in the sport. The training program is designed by professional coaches interested in helping develop successful people as well as successful swimmers.

Philosophy of HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics

While winning can be important, the striving, planning and learning that leads to the overall competitive experience is of greater importance. Championships, trophies, medals, and records do not begin to compare with the valuable lessons and personal growth that will take place as a result of participation by both swimmers and their parents. These lessons can be applied to situations that occur throughout life.

Throughout the program the swimmers are taught, with varying emphasis, the importance of striving to instill a positive self-image, goal-setting skills, basic time-management skills, determination, commitment, dedication, and team support. We like our young athletes to learn and mature at their own rate in a positive environment. The long-term interest of each swimmer is kept in mind at all times.

Membership

Membership in HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics is open to all swimmers and families regardless of race, religion or nationality. You do not have to be a resident of the City. Youth team membership consists of 6 to 18 year olds and swim under the governing body of Swimming Federation of India. HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Masters consists of adults age 19 and over and are members of HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Masters.

10&Under Group Division - Beginners

Beginners - WHITE - BLUE – GREEN

Overview:

Primarily students 5 to 10 yrs. & older, that can swim without assistance. These Groups are designed to give stroke instruction to swimmers who DOESN'T know all 4 strokes correct. The swimmers will join this group just because they love swimming and want to learn more. HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB offers to novice-level swimmers a chance to enhance their swimming skills beyond swim lessons. This is a great opportunity for swimmers who want to improve their technique, conditioning, and competitive skills, but are not yet ready for our full competitive swim team. This program is designed to train and prepare swimmers for the competitive swim team.

Swimmers in the Developmental levels are

working towards a greater knowledge of the 4 basic competitive strokes (FL, BA, BR, FR), and are developing a solid foundation for the program. Entries into this level are required to pass out of the Swim School program, or complete a level assessment with a HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB coach. Swimmers age up to the respective Developmental group. If an athlete achieves the required qualifying time in all 4 competitive strokes prior to aging up, then he/she will move to the appropriate Training Group.

Focus:

The focus is FUN

We implement an LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development ) Learn, learn and have fun.

WHITE - 8 & Under;

AGE: 6 to 8

Overview:

This group is designed for the 8 and under swimmer who has not had previous competitive swimming experience.

Focus:

The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water. The basics of the different strokes will be taught using best swim practices geared toward the learner's age, ability, and confidence. Coaches will utilize games, kickboards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development

BLUE - 10 & Under

AGE: 7 to 10

Overview:

This group is designed for the 10 and under swimmer who has more experience. The recommended age for this group is 7 -10 years. The unique thing about this group is that we combine teaching stroke techniques with being on a competitive swim team. At every practice, there will be coaches on the deck only.

Focus:

The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water coaches will focus on developing the fundamentals of backstroke, and Breastroke kick introducing the swimmers to butterfly kick as well, and teaching the swimmers how to practice on a swim team. Coaches will utilize games, kick boards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development.

Pre Competitive Division - GREEN Group

GREEN - 10 & Under

AGE: 7 to 10

Overview:

This group is designed for the 10 and under swimmer who has little more experience. The recommended age for this group is 7-10 years. The unique thing about this group is that we combine the teaching stroke techniques with being on a competitive swim team. At every practice, there will be coaches on the deck only.

Focus:

The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water coaches will focus on developing the fundamentals of backstroke, and Breastroke kick introducing the swimmers to butterfly kick as well, and teaching the swimmers how to practice on a swim team. Coaches will utilize games, kick boards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development

COPPER - 11 & Under

AGE: 9 to 11

Overview:

This group is designed for swimmers who have the fundamentals of all four strokes. The recommended age for this group is 9-10 years. The unique thing about this group is that we combine the teaching stroke techniques with being on a competitive swim team by introducing intervals. At every practice, there will be coaches on the deck only.

Focus:

The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water coaches will focus on developing further the fundamentals of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly while introducing sets and understanding intervals. Coaches will utilize games, kick boards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development.

Competition Division - Age 10 & Under

10&Under Group Division - Advanced

Advanced - BRONZE - SILVER – GOLD

Overview:

Focus:

The focus still FUN and Correct

We implement an LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development ) Learn, learn and have fun.

Minimum Requirement:

3 to 5 practices a week (out of 6 practices offered weekly) only this year

Entrance Requirement:

A tryout with Head Coach is required for entrance into this group.

Age Group Division - Training Group

Bronze (BR1) - 10 & Under;

AGE: 6 to 10

Overview:

This group is designed for the 10 and under swimmer who has not had previous competitive swimming experience.

Focus:

The focus is to present the sport in a fun and nurturing environment that will allow the swimmer to grow in confidence in the water. The basics of the different strokes will be taught using best swim practices geared toward the learner's age, ability, and confidence. Coaches will utilize games, kick boards, and other swim strategies to encourage skill development.

Age Group Division - Training Group

Silver (SV1) - 10 & Under

AGE: 8 to 10

Overview:

This group is designed for swimmers between the ages of 8 and 10 who have a working knowledge of the four competitive strokes.

Focus:

The focus is on the development of proper technique, basic swimming competencies, and early competition. Practices will emphasize the skills needed in all four of the competitive strokes; including starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in swim meets where they will gain experience and confidence in the competitive swim environment.

Age Group Division - Training Group

Gold (GD1) - 9 & 10

AGE: 9 & 10

Overview:

This group is designed for swimmers between the ages of 9 and 10 who have accomplished all of the earlier developmental goals.

Focus:

Practice will emphasize perfecting all four strokes and build on the solid mechanics of kicking, starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers will become familiar with the rules of year-round competitive swimming and be encouraged to set goals. Participation in meets is required.

​Age Group Division-JR1

JUNIORS 1 - 11 & 13

AGE: 11 & 13

Overview:

These swimmers are encouraged to make a commitment to the sport of swimming and to limit outside activities that would interfere with their training. Swimmers are guided through a periodization training system. Athletes in this group are skilled and experienced age group swimmers, ages 11 & up. Practices are more rigorous at this level and will emphasize building endurance and improving aerobic conditioning both in the pool and through resistance dryland training is offered every day to develop core strength, coordination, perception, reaction, flexibility, injury prevention. Stroke technique and race rehearsal prepare athletes for local, state, and regional competition.

Goals:

Swimmers will begin establishing goals toward achievement of State and Zone or higher time standards.. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies, Maintaining a strong training work ethic and establish training goals. Instilling advanced stroke technique and racing skills. Developing time management and building a strong character. Having Fun!

Focus:

The focus will be on mastery of strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Developing time management and building a strong character. Having Fun!

Attendance:

5 days a week minimum (Saturdays required)

Age Group Division-JR2

JUNIORS 2 - 11 & 14

AGE: 11 & 14

Overview:

These swimmers are encouraged to make a commitment to the sport of swimming and to limit outside activities that would interfere with their training. Swimmers are guided through a periodization training system. Athletes in this group are skilled and experienced age group swimmers, ages 11 & up. Practices are more rigorous at this level and will emphasize building endurance and improving aerobic conditioning both in the pool and through resistance dryland training is offered every day to develop core strength, coordination, perception, reaction, flexibility, injury prevention. Stroke technique and race rehearsal prepare athletes for local, state, and regional competition.

Goals:

Swimmers will begin establishing goals toward achievement of State and Zone or higher time standards.. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Maintaining a strong training work ethic and establish training goals. Instilling advanced stroke technique and racing skills. Developing time management and building a strong character. Having Fun!

Focus:

The focus will be on mastery of strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies. Developing time management and building a strong character. Having Fun!

Attendance:

5 days a week minimum (Saturdays required)

Pre Seniors Group Division

Pre Senior (PS) - 13 & 14

AGE: 13 & 14

Overview:

Year-round commitment to swimming is expected. This group is designed for swimmers ages 13 & 14 who are preparing to move into the senior level of training and competition. Practices increase in intensity and duration. Stroke refinement is still a priority; in addition, this group is dedicated to interval-based swim training, development of a strong aerobic base and speed work. Dryland also increases and becomes more specific. Meet participation is mandatory as is attendance at the highest level meet for which a swimmer qualifies.

Goals:

Swimmers will establish goals towards achieving times, Zone, State and Jr National Times

Focus:

Aerobic Capacity Training, 200 pace base, develop 400IM, 500 Free, and Mile

Attendance:

6 days a week minimum (Saturdays required)

Seniors Group Division

Seniors (SR) - 13 & UP

AGE: 13 & Up

Overview:

This group comprises those swimmers who are completely dedicated to the sport of swimming. They do not participate in any other sport or outside activity except for swimming. Those swimmers who opt to participate in another activity must move down to the Pre Seniors or Varsity group until they are able and willing to commit to only swimming again. These swimmers are ages 13 and above to be in this group. Practices are offered six times a week for 2 - 3 hours per practice plus mornings. Dry land is offered every day for 1 hour per session in addition to the water time. The Senior Team is designed to prepare athletes for competition in Senior State, Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals, Trials and other selected meets. Selection to this group is by invitation only and is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, talent, work ethic, a desire to train and compete at this level, attendance, and a commitment to personal and team excellence. Swimmers who meet the prerequisites and choose to enter this group will be presented with a challenging training program geared towards future success. All high school Juniors and Seniors will be encouraged to continue swimming in college. Swimmers are guided through a periodization training system. The year is split into 3 seasons, which is then broken down into 4-week training cycles.

Focus:

Stroke refinement is still a priority; in addition, this group is dedicated to interval-based swim training, development of a strong aerobic base and speed work, 200 pace, training 400IM, 500 Free, and Mile, sprint

Goals:

To become an elite swimmer. Achieve national cuts or higher time standards. Maintaining an optimal training work ethic and establish high training goals. Maintaining advanced stroke technique and racing skills. Optimizing time management and building a strong character. Developing leadership skills. Having Fun!

Attendance:

6 days a week minimum

GROUP MOVE UP

Factors that weigh into group placement and group move-up decisions:

1) Level of commitment to practice attendance and competition expectations 2) Training group effort and behavior 3) Psychological maturity level 4) Physiological needs 5) Competitive maturity 6) Independence and self-reliance 7) Age 8) Leadership abilities 9) Coach-ability 9) Time Standard

Swimmers may be asked to move into different lanes during practice. This does not affect the swimmer’s group placement.

GROUP MOVE-UP

The overall goal in creating progressive training groups is to develop skill proficient athletes that are able to advance their training and competitive swimming career through consistent practice and competition events. The integration process builds upon a prerequisite skill set that must be in place before advancement is pursued.

The following guidelines are in place for the best interest of the athlete, the athlete’s family and the integrity of the various training groups on HARMONY AQUATIC CLUB Performance Aquatics. They are also in place to allow the Coaching Staff the ability to maintain group integrity and allow a thoughtful athlete driven advancement curve that ensure long term athlete development.

The Coaching Staff is responsible for all group move-up decisions.

1. Group move ups are dependant on coach decision and evaluation of the athletes' development. For pre-competitive groups White, Blue and Green, they will be evaluated monthly. Copper will be evaluated every 3 months (Jan - March, April - June, July - Sept, Oct-Dec). Competitive groups Bronze through Nationals will be evaluated approximately every 6 months (March - Aug / Sept - Feb).

2. The athlete may make a complete move integrating themselves into the new group if they are skill and commitment ready.

3. The athlete may make a gradual move partially participating in the new group as well as the previous group for an adjustment period to be determined by the all the coaches and only the coaches.

4. The athlete and their family will not make any group changes unless they are aware of the group requirements and have committed to adhering to those expectations.

5. If there are any questions among any of the individuals (athlete, family or group coaches) the Head Coach may become involved as a final voice on the merit of a group move.