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 seven on (see sex appropriate sets below)

• high level of proficiency in supplemental strength program(s)

Cognitive

• knows nutritional plan and benefits / risks of supplements

Competitive Performance

• A USA Swimming Championship time standard in at least one event

Biomechanical Progression

• continues to decrease time and/or stroke cycles; more efficient in every way…starts, turns and finishes

• Character Development & Life Skills

• portrays championship behavior in all phases of life 

• takes pride in doing the little things well and goes beyond the call of duty

• demonstrates self motivation

• understands the need, and would participate in, drug testing procedures

Psychological Skills

• skilled at managing competitive pressures

• maintains perspective and has fun at big meets 

• develops and uses relaxation cues / coping imagery pre-performance to maintain arousal control

• creates more vivid images in the minds eye

• developed control of internal images & can turn negatives into positives

• can use past races to develop peak performance cues

• keeps racing / swimming in perspective

• does not tie up self image in results

• understands that swimming fast is about non-thinking

• trusts in self, program, and abilities pre-race

• deals with setbacks, obstacles and losses

• completely intrinsically driven