2011-12 Potomac Marlins
Gold Star Stroke scH2Ool

See Short Course Registration HUB for practice locations.

See ATHLETE PROGRESSIONS for placement advice.

OVERVIEW: The Potomac Marlins Gold Start Stroke scH2Ool is designed to introduce young swimmers (Ages 4 - 8) to the basic competitive swimming skills essential for continued involvement in the sport of swimming and with future involvement with the Potomac Marlins Swim Team.

The Gold Star Stroke scH2Ool program is comprised of beginner level competitive swimmers (ages 4-8) who practice once or twice per week for 30 minutes. Stroke scH2Ool swimmers will not be eligible for competitions prior to being advanced to the Mini Marlins program. Advancement depends upon coach recommendation and approval and swimmers interest in doing so.

The Stroke scH2Ool is divided into three 10-week sessions over the course of the Potomac Marlins USA Swimming season (Sept. thru May). Swimmers may register for any 1, 2 or all 3 sessions. The 10-week program will focus on developing fundamentals of stroke mechanics and "in-water" body awareness. All four competitive strokes will be introduced with beginner level stroke drills with an emphasis on freestyle. Each class will wrap up with a FUN game or activity designed to promote confidence in the water.

ELIGIBILITY: Stroke scH2Ool classes are kept small (8 - 10 max.) with a minimum of one certified coach/instructor and one Potomac Marlins Senior level (15 & Over) swimmer assistant per group. All Stroke scH2Ool 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 and caps are NOT required for practices, however, official suits and caps with team logos ARE required for swim meet participation when advanced to the MINI MARLINS level.
• All swimmers should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to practice and be prepared to get in at the scheduled practice start time.
• Stroke scH2Ool swimmers must pay a one-time per season/year $75 USA /PVS swimming registration and insurance fee.
• Stroke scH2Ool swimmers are not eligible for swim meets (except for Marlins intersquad meets).
• Stroke ScH2Ool swimmers do not receive team outfitting pakages with their registrations. team suits and equipment are not needed until being advanced to the Mini Marlins program. If swimmers are advanced the Mini Marlins after any of the Stroke School sessions, they will be charged the appropriate upgrade fee and provided with their team outfitting package at that time.

OUTFITTING: Stroke School swimmers do not receive Team Outfitting packages with registration. Marlins team suits are not required for practices, however, they may be purchased at Sport Fair if desired.

Returning Stroke School swimmers who are registering for Mini Marlins for the first time are considered FIRST YEAR swimmers with regards to outfitting. These swimmers should be sure to register as FIRST YEAR swimmers on their registration forms so that the proper first year outfitting package is supplied. Stroke School swimmers who are advanced to Mini Marlins mid-season should contact the Team Manager and a first year outfitting package will be supplied along with the pro-rated upgrade fee.

LOCATIONS: Stroke scH2Ool practices are held at the following locations for the 2010-11 season: