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 four (see below)

• swims continuously for forty (40) minutes

Cognitive

• knows that effective training helps performance

• knows Zone Ib, Ia and Zone II pace times for free and a specialty stroke

• knows the different energy zones by name and can use supplied software to learn their specific paces and their associate heart rates and power demands

• understands the importance of holding these times during workouts

• knows basic seasonal planning

• is in tune to body needs, nutritionally, for peak performance

• knows effect of DPS & SR on speed

Competitive Performance

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

Biomechanical Progression

• trains holding pace and stroke rate

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

Character Development & Life Skills

• Swimmer knows the names of competitors

• is not influenced by negative behavior / actions of teammates or peers

• takes responsibility for attendance and performance during workouts…knows how these factors control seasonal outcome 

• works well with training partners, even if not "best of friends" outside the team

Commitment & Team Loyalty

• knows larger "team" goals and helps make them happen

Psychological Skills

• can slow down heart rate and relax muscles on command

• has clear awareness of personal stress factors, (U.C.’s)

• understands importance of imagery in enhancing performance

• can perform basic visualization

• quickly goes back to focus when U.C.’s or negative self talk invade (either practice or meet)