All of the criteria below must be met in order for an athlete to be fully prepared for the next stage in their development.  Fast swimming alone is not a compelling enough reason to push a swimmer to the next level.

Physical

• can complete sets for level three (age appropriate - below)

• swims continuously for thirty (30) minutes

Cognitive

• knows that effective training helps performance

• knows the five (5) energy zones used to assess and maximize training

• knows how and why we monitor Heart Rates and Blood Lactate

• can use supplied software to find their specific zone paces and heart rates based on stroke, distance and time of season

• understands the importance of muscular flexibility in swimming performance

Competitive Performance

• has competed in EVERY event offered for his/her age group (yards or meters) and has broken certain time standards (below)

Biomechanical Progression

• Swim 200yd IM with legal technique with proper transitions

• swims all strokes faster with less strokes than as a level two athlete

Character Development & Life Skills

• volunteers to help younger / newer swimmers improve

• learns not to base one own success on what others do or do not do

• knows to take small problems to coach before they become big ones

• cleans up area at away meets and thanks officials and timers (championship behavior)

Commitment & Team Loyalty

• supports all teammates; without regard to level or facility differences

• brings / wears team attire to meets (caps, shirts, etc…)

Psychological Skills

• knows the three levels of nervousness (good/bad/not enough)

• can "belly breath" as relaxation technique

• understands that stress can come from negative self talk, faulty focus and "uncontrollables"

• understands and use positive self talk / affirmations

• knows the value of goal setting to improve performance

• is able to accept constructive criticism for coaches