MINI MARLINS

See Short Course Registration HUB for Practice locations.

See ATHLETE PROGRESSIONS for placement advice.

OVERVIEW: The Potomac Marlins Developmental program is designed to provide young swimmers (Ages 4 - 10) with basic competitive swimming skills essential for continued involvement in the sport of swimming. The Developmental program consists of two distinct groups, MINI MARLINS and JUNIOR MARLINS as defined by ability, age, and skill level. Together these groups form the foundation of the Potomac Marlins future team.

The Mini-Marlins program is a 9 month committment. Participants are beginner level competitive swimmers (ages 4-8) who practice once or twice per week for 45 minutes or twice a week for 30 minutes/ea. (The 45 minute classes are reserved for swimmers who are definitiely planning to complete in swim meets). The primary goal of the Mini-Marlins program is to prepare our young swimmers by introducing them to some of the various competitive aspects of the team and the sport of swimming. Basic swimming skills are taught with an emphasis on developing proficiency in freestyle and backstroke andlegal stroke technique for Breaststroke and Butterly. Mini-Marlins are also exposed to drills and terminology used within the Potomac Marlins Team program. As the season progresses and the swimmers begin to show progress, the groups are introduced to STARTS and TURNS and the drills necessary to begin to perfect them. Mini Marlins are also taught skills necessary for participating in a team practice environment such as, reading the pace clock, understanding, performing basic workout sets and terminology and "lane etiquette" for future practice environment awareness. All Mini-Marlins are encouraged to participate in as many Mini-Meets as possible during the short course season.

ELIGIBILITY: Mini Marlins classes are kept small (8 - 10 max. per lane) with a minimum of one certified coach/instructor and one Potomac Marlins Senior level (15 & Over) swimmer assistant per group. Each class is comprised of swimmers of similar ability levels ranging from novice level with minimal or no competitive expereince through more advance swimmers with 1-2 seasons of competitive experience. All Mini Marlins participants are required to be able to perform at a minimal standard for initial acceptance into the group. This information is outlined on the PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS and BASE ABILITY LEVEL chart under the registration section.

REQUIREMENTS:

• All swimmers must wear lycra or nylon suits (no baggy shorts or suits) and properly fitting goggles. Swim caps should be worn by swimmers with longer than shoulder length hair per most pool rules. Team suits are not required for practice, however, team caps ARE required for pratices. Official suits and caps with team logos ARE required for swim meet participation.
• All swimmer should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to practice and be prepared to get in at the scheduled practice start time.
• Swim meet participation is NOT required, however, it is highly encouraged. The 45 minute WEEKDAY classes and Cub Run Saturday morning class are reserved for swimmers who are planning to compete on a regular basis. Historically, swimmers who participate in meets tend to improve quicker, stay with the sport longer, resist attending practice less frequently, and enjoy the sport more.

SWIM MEETS: There is approx. one Mini Meet scheduled per month between October and May of each season. See Potomac Valley Swimming web site for meet schedules and announcments. Team suits and caps (for those who require caps) are required for participation in swim meets for the Potomac Marlins. All Mini Marlins will receive their team suit as part of their registration included with the Outfitting package. Mini Meets are typically Sat. & Sun. events where swimmers are permitted to swim up to 3 events per day. Sessions are typically 3+- hours long and are divided either by Gender (Boy/Girl), Age (6 & U, Age 7, Age 8), or both. All of the meets are in the Potomac Valley Swimming league pools with a vast majority being in Northern Virginia/beltway area. Registration for Mini Meets is done through the Marlins web site MEET REGISTRATION HUB page on an individual basis or directly by the Mini Marlins coaches per their preference.

LOCATIONS: Mini Marlins practices are held at the following locations for the 2010-11 season: