Clarification of Away Meet for Pre Competitive swimmers.

Head Coach

Dear Parents;

I had some feedback about the calendar for the Pre-Competitive level and also for the swimmers that are not at Competitive-level yet.

The question is: Why are our kids not invited to the away meets? Is it a club rule or Swim Sask rule? Why is it different than last year?

Yes, there is a new time standard and a new competition outline available on the Swim Sask website; Our team is also improving the competition plan that follows the Swimming Canada Long Term Development Athletes (Link).

We are a professional organization, our main focus is long-term development, and we will do what is best for the kids, from the learn to swim program to the top, no matter what level the kids will reach in their swimming career.

Now, why no away meet for the swimmers under the “Future Stars Times”?

Swimming Canada Long term development athlete recommends:

Girls under 8 and boys under 9 (Fundamentals Stage)

  • Formal competition is not necessary.
  • Participation in introduction club-based competitive events with introductions of rules, ethics and fair plan.

Girls 8-11 and boys 9-12 (Learn to Train Stage)

  • Modified competition and introduction to competitive structures and events.
  • Competitive rewards focused on broad skill development and aerobic development.

The "Future Stars Times" is the line between the Pre-Competitive and the Competitive program.

Below the “Future Stars Times”, the main focus is Enjoying, challenging and progressive experience; This stage is called: Learn to train and Multi-Sport Skill Development. Kids will learn many skills in training (physical, technical, tactical, mental and lifestyle)

The kids in that level, don’t need away meets during the season, we offer multiple opportunities in a town like the Black & Green Meets and Local Meets to reach their goals. They will also have Moose Jaw Meet at the end of June.

Another feedback that I had: “That looks like we put more of an emphasis on “elite” performance rather than on personal improvement”

Our competition plan is based on skills and abilities, each level has its competition level. 

If your kids didn’t get the “Future Stars Times” local meet and Black & Green will be the racing opportunities for them. It is the same rule for A provincial, they cannot attend the ManSask championships, and the AA cannot attend National meets. 

If your kids want to do away meets, support them to reach the “Future Stars Times”.

Please let me know if you have more questions or want to meet, my office door is always open.

Thank you

Your Head Coach