Panther Swim Team Introduction to Squads
At the beginning of the year, each swimmer is assigned to a squad deemed appropriate by the coaching staff. The Mission Statement for the Panther Swim Team states the following:
The mission of this organization is:
- To create a positive experience for ISB students to develop a life‐long passion for swimming and athletic competition while participating as a member of a Team.
- To increase the swimmer's self‐esteem and self‐worth by developing a sense of accomplishment and success as the swimmer improves their swim proficiency.
- To provide developmental and age appropriate coaching to allow swimmers the opportunity to work to their potential both as individuals and as part of a Team.
Squad placement for each swimmer is taken very seriously. Swimmers are placed according to many factors including but not limited to:
•· Age appropriateness
•o Peer group
•o Comportment
•· Ability to listen and grasp concepts presented at the assigned squad level
•· Maturity
•o Physical
•o Emotional
•· Swimmer's personal motivation and willingness to commit to regular training
•· Ability to perform proper technique
•· Ability to physically perform to the training standards for the designated squad
•· Squad size limitations
Midterm squad changes are very rare. Squads generally improve together at a similar rate, each squad evolving over the course of the year. Neither parents nor swimmers should expect the swimmer to be 'moved up' to a new squad during the course of the year. Please help the coaching staff to reinforce the idea that succeeding does not imply changing squads.
