Swimmers in National have developed the ability to train at a greater volume and intensity and have established a consistency in training that reflects a commitment to the National team program. They generally compete in the highest level competition for which they are qualified, with the goal of competing and scoring at the highest levels of the sport. They are expected to attend at least 100% of practices offered each week. The National Training Group is the highest level of training achievement a Sandpiper can attain. A high level of focus to the Statement of Dedication, Attendance Policy, and Competition Schedule, will need to be displayed through the season.
Statement of Dedication
The swimmer will display a genuine level of desire, dedication, and discipline in an effort to fully reach his or her potential in the sport of swimming.
Attendance Policy
Swimmers are expected to make all training sessions and swim meets assigned by the coaching staff. This includes all dry-land and water training, as well as any other team function in which the National Team participates in or supports through attendance.
100% attendance is expected. The minimum attendance requirement to participate with the Sandpiper National Training Group is 90% over any given period of time, to be evaluated in an on-going manner by the Head Coach. Failure to maintain the attendance requirement may result in following: receiving reduced or no travel funds, being
excluded from team travel, and/or possibly being reassigned to an alternate group. Doctor appointments, after school programs, family vacations and all other activities are encouraged to be schedule around practice to insure a high percentage of attendance that will offer the best results at peak performances.
Scheduled Competitions
It is expected that all members of the National Training Group attend
all the designated competitions by the Head Coach. It is important that all scheduled competitions are attended for proper representation of the Team and The National Training Group. All arrangements, including scholastic and personal, should be made well in advance to assure participation. Failure to attend competitions may result in receiving no travel funds or reduced travel funds on future meets, excluded from future team travel, and/or possibly being reassigned to an alternate group.
Injury and/or Illness
The Head Coach reserves the right to exclude swimmers that have been
repeatedly ill and/or injured and unable to maintain a regular practice sessions from attending scheduled competitions. If the swimmer has not been able to maintain regular practice sessions, the ability to perform with the best possible results is lowered and the swimmer should not be competing. The Head Coach also reserves the right to reassign the swimmer to an alternate group if necessary. Reassignment to an alternate group will be used as a last result if the swimmersÕ training has not been consistent with progression of the National Training Group.
Scholastics
Proper time management is needed to train and maintain the swimmers studies. Swimmers must maintain passing grades in all study courses in order to continue to swim for the National Training Group. Homework and special projects need to be scheduled around practice time and competitions, to insure a high percentage of attendance. If the swimmer is repeatedly absent from practice for scholastic related homework or special projects, time management needs to be evaluated, and the possibility of reassignment to an alternate group maybe needed to provide more time for scholastics.