RIP Tide Squad

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RIP Tide is the pinnacle of the Blue Wave program. To be placed in this level, swimmers must meet specific training set requirements based on USA Swimming Level 5/6 progressions for athlete development. This level is a high-powered, high caliber training program established for the committed athlete. Swimmers in the RIP Tide Squad train towards developing their specialties to be competitive at the State, Zone, Sectional, Junior National, and National Level. Swimmers are expected to be able to be diverse in the number and distances of strokes so that at least six events are covered in most Championship caliber meets. RIP Tide swimmers must have the ability to focus on long term national level goals and initiate drive and vigor necessary for training at this level. Individual and squad goals are mandatory. Swimmers will be expected to have specific goals for each season. These goals will relate to in water, dryland, and academic goals. Goal meetings are utilized to assess each swimmer’s plan for a given season. Squad goals are also set so that each swimmer understands his/her importance to the team goals. Swimmers in the RIP Tide squad are qualified for Senior Champs and Age Group Champs. Swimmers should also be striving for Sectional Championship, NCSA Juniors, USA Juniors, US Open, and National qualifying times. Swimmers are expected to participate in both short course and long course seasons. Training is enhanced by an integrated dryland program which includes various training methods. Swimmers benefit from training with specialized equipment to improve technique, increase flexibility and strength, and increase speed and power. Video analysis is utilized at practice and at some meets. The focus continues on personal responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Added emphasis is on national competition and preparation for collegiate swimming. RIP Tide swimmers are expected to attend all scheduled practices. Swimming should be the top priority, outside of family and school, for all squadmembers. Each athlete is required to maintain a minimum of 95% of practice attendance. Five practices offered weekly with two additional dryland specific practices.

Requirements for the RIP Tide Squad:

• 95% attendance
• Coach retains discretion of accepting absences which do not count against the attendance figure
  
• Actions and attitudes match goal of RIP Tide squad
  
• Attend all competitions recommended by RIP Tide coach
  
• Athletes must compete in and wear attire manufactured by sponsoring manufacturer – TYR
  
• Must conduct themselves with honor and selflessness at all competitions regardless of circumstances
  
• Limited interference from high school competitions. No interference from high school practices
  
  • No High School or Summer League meet shall interfere, in any way, with a USA swimming meet that is on the schedule
    
• Active in club fundraising or clinics offered for younger club members
  
• Must live lifestyle appropriate for achieving greatest personal success
  
  • Nutrition
    
  • No drugs, tobacco products or alchohol
    
• Parental involvement in swimming decisions at a minimum
  
  • Once swimmers achieve competency, the swimming relationship must be limited to coach/athlete for them to progress to their greatest capabilities while maintaining a certain level of sanity. Overbearing parents are a burden to the coach AND the ATHLETE
    
• Display history of above requirements BEFORE being allowed into RIP Tide squad
  
• Ability to train at or above a level appropriate for current experience and speed
  
• Willingness to perform every event (every distance) prescribed by RIP Tide coach
  
  • Make top 16 qualifying time for 13-14
    
  • 2% or less off of US OPEN time standards
    
    • 16 and older for boys
      
    • 14 and older for girls

• RIP Tide Swimmers are expected to do everything within their power to reach their own personal potential
• RIP Tide Swimmers will place at PVS championships.
  
• Participate in Team social activities.