Groups
SWAT Swim Club offers a structured progression of practice groups designed to develop swimmers of all levels. Copper I introduces athletes to competitive swimming by focusing on the fundamentals of all four strokes, with an emphasis on technique and basic endurance. Copper II builds on this foundation, encouraging swimmers to begin competition while improving stroke mechanics and stamina. Bronze group swimmers advance into more rigorous training, focusing on increased yardage, improved efficiency, and race preparedness. In Silver, athletes refine stroke technique and race strategy while training at higher volumes and participating in regular meets, including away competitions. The Gold group is the highest level, emphasizing advanced training, stroke refinement, and competitive excellence, with swimmers expected to attend multiple practices and compete regularly, including all qualifying State meets. Each group is tailored to meet athletes’ developmental needs, ensuring a balanced focus on skill, fitness, and a love for the sport.
Placement
SWAT Swim Club operates practice groups based on varying levels of developmental progress, ability, and age. While athlete placement is always at the discretion of our coaching staff, certain requirements and test sets help determine proper athlete grouping. Test sets are a basic fitness component and benchmark, measuring the athlete's ability to sustain probable success in the next practice group. Testing also provides coaches, athletes, and parents with helpful feedback.
We are committed to providing a safe and productive training environment for our athletes. The coach’s discretion plays a major role in deciding which practice group is appropriate for each athlete. Therefore, passing the test set is not the only aspect when deciding if the athlete is ready for the next group. We will also reflect on the athlete’s age, social level, technique, and overall ability. Attendance at practices and participation in swim meets are also considered. Athletes will continually be assessed throughout the year. If an athlete is unable to maintain the physical or mental requirements of a particular group, the athlete may be asked to move to a lower group or may be asked to leave the program.
Coaches will conduct Promotion Testing at scheduled practice times throughout the season. Athletes are required to complete the distance in the set amount of time with the proper stroke and technique required for the next group.
Regardless of group placement, all members of SWAT Swim Club are asked to participate in weekly practices and home-hosted meets appropriate to the athlete’s practice group.
Swim Meets
At SWAT Swim Club, our swimmers participate in USA Swimming sanctioned meets through Wyoming Swimming, Inc. (WYSI) the governing body for competitive swimming in the state. These meets offer structured opportunities for swimmers of all ages and skill levels to test their abilities, track progress, and compete against peers from across Wyoming and surrounding areas.
WYSI swim meets follow the rules and standards set by USA Swimming to ensure fair, safe, and consistent competition. Meets are typically organized by age group and ability level, and range from local inter-squad and home meets to state-level championships for qualified swimmers.
Types of Meets SWAT Swimmers May Attend:
- Home Meets: Hosted by SWAT and held locally for multiple teams
- Away Meets: Held in other Wyoming communities or nearby states
- Championship Meets: For swimmers who meet time standards (e.g., Wyoming State Meet, Western Zone Meets)
Why Meets Matter:
- Allow swimmers to apply what they learn in practice
- Provide measurable benchmarks for improvement
- Encourage goal-setting and team bonding
- Help swimmers qualify for higher-level meets
At SWAT, we support athletes at every level of competition and encourage participation in meets that match each swimmer’s readiness and goals. If you're new to swim meets or have questions about how they work, our coaches are here to help guide you through the process.