Committed to daily training and competition within a recognised pre-elite program.
ATHLETE PROFILE
Young and developing athletes can grow at different rates with chronological age. To add, they can enter and progress through maturation at different chronological time points. The speed and magnitude of physical and cognitive maturation can differ markedly, and such development can affect swimming performance to a greater or lesser extent.
Young and maturing swimmers could potentially reside in the matched FTEM categories, and so understanding the stage and influence of growth and maturation on performance relative to developmental stage will be important.
- Typically associated with 16+ – 19 years.
- Completion of growth & maturation; capability to change physique & fitness
- Capability for muscle strength and power gains post-maturation – Potential ‘catch-up’ period for late maturer’s.
- Coordination & technical skill stabilisation
- Increased emotional intelligence & stability
- Capability to self-regulate, monitor, plan & evaluate training & performance
Training emphasis:
- Technique + Aerobic Development (AEC)
- Speed + Anaerobic Development (ANC)
- V02 Max
Training purpose:
- Enhanced Training and Competition exposure
Pool:
- Begin to increase training volume and intensity
- Implement a holistic SSSM training methodology
- Consider Event specialisation
- Development of Aerobic capacity
- Further development of racing skills
- Provide a greater variety of training methods
Land:
- Implement musculoskeletal assessment
- Periodised strength program
- Maintain flexibility
- Maintain ‘core’ body alignment
8-12 Weeks per season
- Commitment to a swimming-specific training program and profile development.
- Extended quality training history & competition exposure
Training implications:
- Focused engagement in extensive & intensive training programs history.
- Progression of competition exposure.
Committed to higher level and specialisation of training, and other factors such as dry-land training, recovery and lifestyle management.
- Development of optimal technique and refinement of co-coordinative profile through an increase in training volume and intensity.
- Particular focus on executing optimal technique for event specialisation.
- Additional focus on minimisation of injury risk. Proactive removal of potentially injurious techniques if relevant should occur at pre-elite stage
Strong understanding of race analysis and refinement of optimal race strategy in training and competitive environments.
Optimal development of ecto-mesomorphic profile and musculoskeletal robustness (optimal stability and range of motion/flexibility of major joint complexes). As an example: loaded squats, ballistic multi muscular exercises such as jumping, hopping and skipping.
Base strength capacities in leg extensor movements, trunk rotational activities and arm full extension activities. Understanding of complementary dry-land conditioning options.
- Further development of psychological skills & attributes (e.g., resilience) via training & competition experience & exposure.
- A learned capability to adopt & deploy performance psychological skills in performance situations (e.g., thought control, refocusing, relaxation techniques)
- Integration & adherence of National & Olympic values (e.g., Professional, Respectful, Enjoyable, Resilient, United and Relentless).
- A learned capability to adopt & deploy self-management skills outside performance context. An established mind-set on personal growth & development.
- Development of a personal lifestyle & development plan (e.g., skills, education, finance, career)
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT
Evidence-based and holistic coaching characterised by strong sport-specific knowledge and strong inter and intra-personal skills. Effective athlete monitoring through Athlete Management System (AMS), integration of inter-disciplinary expertise and management of athlete-coach relationship. Promotion of injury prevention strategies. Delivered by Pre-elite Club/Program Senior Coaches
Coaching:
- The Head Coach has demonstrated their ability to coach swimmers who demonstrate the ability to transition from Youth development towards the SA National Senior Team
Coaching program:
- Program delivery is striving towards evidence-based and holistic coaching, and demonstrating strong sport-specific knowledge and strong interpersonal skills
- Utilises athlete monitoring and data collections to support evidence based decision making on the SA AMS
- Integration of inter-disciplinary expertise and management of athlete-coach relationship
- Proactive coach led injury prevention strategies
- Able to overlay (meso) long term (4 year), (macro) seasonal and (micro) month/week/day planning. Apply a testing protocol that periodically addresses and tests the athletes (e.g. skills, physiology, strength, psychology, body composition etc.) based on identified Strengths and Weaknesses in the IAPP. Able to adjust or change planning/training based on standards test results.
Coaching support:
- Allocation of an assistant coach
- Coach provided from the club with a supportive management environment to monitor and proactively manage workload and personal development.
Employment contract:
- Head Coach with fixed-term contract
- Contract to include engagement with identified Coach professional development programs,
- Employer support to attend any Australian Team competitions and camps
Facilities:
- Training access to a range of wet and dry facilities that are considered best practice for developing programs
Water space and partnership requirements:
- 1-2 pools at one or numerous venues, with regular access throughout the season,
- Standardised swimming pool equipment
- Facilities self-contained or with shared access
Athlete support and development facilities:
- Access to gym facilities/dry land areas
- Mobile video analysis for technical intervention
Coach program facilities:
- Coach office and meeting room is ideal
Athlete wellbeing elements:
- Athletes live in manageable proximity to the training facilities (30-40mins)
Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) support:
- Introduction to Multi-Disciplinary Sport Science and Medicine Support
SSSM Integration Practice:
- Explore the provision of integrated SSSM services as part of the overall training program
- Adopt an athlete centred/coach managed/driven SSSM support philosophy
- Allocate service provision to our SA categorised athletes
- Support is reactive rather than the proactive provision required at next stage
- Serviced at Head Coach/practitioner’s discretion and resource availability
SSSM collaboration:
- Collaborate with other High-Performance service organisations, such as the AIS, SIS/SAS and or other institutions
- Consider the feasibility to access and engage SSSM personnel for research, post grad scholar and functional support for the high performance program
AMS compliance:
- Introduction to daily Athlete monitoring in preparation for best practice for World’s Best performance
- The information that is captured has longitudinal measure of an athletes:
- Training load, wellness, injury/illness status, recovery
- Consistently monitored with regular reporting
Management:
- Developmental Pathway that provides support to both athletes and coaches
Centre agreement:
- Overarching agreement with leisure provider that has, as schedules, the specific areas of service provision and operations under agreement
Support coordination:
- Support to identify and coordinate Performance Science and Medicine Management
- Oversee regular IAPP and AMS monitoring as required
Centre management:
- Strong financial and program oversight capability, including regular reporting
- Provision of high-quality underpinning business systems for the operational, financial and strategic delivery of the program
- Provide coaches with a personally supportive management environment to monitor and proactively manage workload, personal development and stress
- An awareness of and ability to facilitate the following Policies & Procedures around: Swimmers agreement, IPC Classification, induction program, Safe Sport Policy, Code of Conduct, Benchmark Event Selection Policies, Anti-Doping Policy, Supplement Policy, Social Media, Medical & Medications Policy
Centre structure:
- Proactive link with a learn to swim operation
- Self-contained pathway exists internally for flow from junior swimmers
- Accredited coaches supporting Head Coach if required
- Head Coach is actively involved in mentoring club coaches and LTS teachers.
Personnel:
- State Head Coaches, State association sport science providers. SIS/SAS supported where possible.
Education:
- Sport science and sports medicine disciplines provide guidance on talent confirmation protocols.
- Camps based education begins
Support:
- Individual Athlete Performance Plan in place.
- Monitoring through the Athlete Management System.
- State and national camps are supported by SIS/SAS providers (but not DPE)
Personnel:
- Delivered by SA Youth Psychologist and/or Psychologist on the National Network list via SA Discipline Lead
Education:
- Group education focused on building the:
- Resilient MIND through understanding the brain, the stress response and the concept of resilience. Performance MIND through beginning to understand race readiness, arousal and self talk and delivered via online learning and SA camps.
Support:
- Group education and individual development of performance psychology plan.
Personnel:
- SA National Nutrition Lead, SIS/SAS, SSO nutrition provider &/or Accredited Sport Dietitian within Daily Performance Environment.
Education:
- Group education in camp environments focused on development of performance nutrition practices. Individual follow-up with DPE service provider to refine and develop with Coach input.
Support:
- Individual nutrition assessment and follow- up as required in DPE.
Personnel:
- Qualified Sport physicians and practitioners who comply with anti-doping, supplementation, medication and injection policies.
Education:
- Education on health and hygiene in the DPE and team environment, the use of prescription medications, supplements.
- Sport Integrity Australia education on teams and camps on Sport Integrity Australia’s Drug testing processes.
Support:
- Medical screening.
- Injury prevention and management.
Personnel:
- SA National Lead Physiotherapist & accredited and recognised physiotherapy providers.
Education:
- Education on injury prevention and management, preparation for training and competition.
Support:
- Yearly medical and functional movement screening.
- Coordination with S&C to implement injury prevention and management strategies.
- Individualised physiotherapy servicing.
Personnel:
- Qualified soft tissue/massage therapists and SA/ SISSAS contracted soft tissue/massage therapists available at domestic and international competitions.
Education:
- Education on massage principles and development of self- massage techniques.
Support:
- Individualised soft tissue/massage servicing.
Personnel:
- SA National Lead & Accredited as an ASCA Professional level
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the National Institute Network or external professionals.
Education:
- Education on movement and strength training principles, lifting techniques and load management, periodisation and planning.
Support:
- Individualised strength and conditioning program with ongoing monitoring within DTE from identified provider.
Personnel:
- General Manager Performance Pathways
- National Transition Coach
- State Head Coaches
- Program Coaches
- ASA
- SSA Development Officers
- AIS PE
- EAFU Advisors
- Internal & External SME’s
Education:
- ASADA
- Match-fixing
- dAIS funding
- GHFSSS funding
- Athlete agreement Classification (para) Career development Parenting through the HP pathway
- Respectful relationships
- Financial literacy
- Personal brand and sponsorship
- Media and social media
Support:
- Selection (including Orientation to BME; and post BME engagement)
- Nonselection
- Orientation to HP pathway
- Relocation
- Transition (retirement)
- Camp based intake screenings for T 2-4 athletes
- Informing identification of key transition groups (yrs 12 and/or tertiary & other)
- IAPP 2 x yrs review plus monthly status updates for E1-M athletes
Personnel:
- State Institutes and Academies of Sport Biomechanists.
- Education
- Individualised and intermediate education on Biomechanical principles.
Support:
- Individualised measurement on a needs basis.
- Competition analysis at Nationals on targeted athletes and International Youth Team Meets.
- Data stored in the AMS.
Personnel:
- SA National Lead & Skill acquisition specialists from the National Institutes Network.
- National pre-elite and State Senior coaches.
Education:
- Commence in situ coach education on core principles of instruction, practice and feedback (incl. effective use of technology).
Support:
- Adhoc support to coach and athlete in camp environment.
Personnel:
- SA National Lead & National Institutes Network Physiologists.
Education:
- Intermediate education on physiological capacities, training, testing, and related performance/physiological issues.
Support:
- Individualised testing in training and competition: club, state or national camps.
- Support in planning and periodisation.
- 2 x Assessment profiles per season
- Data stored in the AMS.
10+ Comps per year – Peak Performance at 2.
International:
- Youth Team International (e.g. Fina World Junior Championships, Junior Pan Pacs, Youth Olympics, Commonwealth Youth Games)
- FINA World Cups (or similar)
Domestic:
- National, State & Regional Championships including State Team SC
- Grade & School Competitions
Purpose:
- To select the athletes for the Swimming Australia Youth BME Team
Emphasis:
- Practising Peak Performance at Youth qualifying competition
Outcome:
- Confirmation of Youth Team for Benchmark competition
- Youth Team Orientation/Training/Relay Camps.
SYSTEM LEADERSHIP
National:
- General Manager Performance Pathways & National Transition Coach
- Paralympic Pathway Senior Coordinator & Paralympic Mentor Coach
State:
- State Head Coach, Club Development Managers/Officers
Regional:
- Regional Development Managers/Officers
Olympic pathway programs:
- National Youth Program/Team
Paralympic pathway programs:
- National Para Development Squad
- State Swimming Association Programs
Selection policies:
- National Youth Transition Program Selection Criteria and Polices
- National Youth Team Benchmark Event Selection Policies
Other policies:
- Induction program, Code of Conduct, Anti-Doping Policy, Supplement Policy, Social Media, Medical & Medications Policy, athlete education.
Staff and athlete handbook:
- Athlete Funding
- Emerging 5
- Program support only
Paralympic classification:
- IPC Classification
- National Classification
The Safe Sport Framework (SSF) confirms the shared responsibility we all have for keeping each other safe in swimming – children and adults alike.
Personnel and accountability:
- National Transition Coach & State Head Coaches
- Paralympic Mentor Coach
Programs:
- National Pre-elite Coaches Workshops
- SA Coaching Accreditation – Coaching Course
Focus:
- Provide ‘world’s best practice’ coaching support characterised by:
- Effective training practices (e.g., testing & monitoring, appropriate stroke rates, training under competition-like fatigue, pressure and environmental conditions etc.)
- Effective utilisation of an athlete’s IAPP
- Incorporates Athlete monitoring tools (AMS) to enhance practice, performance and communication
- Appropriate frequency and timing of athlete tapering prior to major competition
- Effective load management
- Effective injury prevention and management strategies
- Strategies to empower an athlete’s self-regulation and well-being
- A strong understanding and management of peer dynamics
- Understanding and facilitating developmental transition
- Senior and Youth Performance Coaches.
- National Training Centre Coaches
- Mentoring from National Transition Coach & Para Mentor Coach
Coaching personnel:
- Senior and Youth Performance Coaches, Club/Program Head Coaches.
- Mentoring from National Youth Coach/State Head Coaches
Coach education:
- Swimming Australia Coach Accreditation – Performance, Advanced and Development.
Coach development:
- AIS Performance Coaching and Leadership Program
- SA Coach Mentoring – National Transition Coach
- SA Performance Coaching Program
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
- National Athlete and Coach Development
- Injury rates in athletes T3 onwards (AMS data)
- Examination of transition rates (barriers and facilitators) into Senior Team.
Potential collaborative partners:
- Australian Institute of Sport and State Institutes and Academies of Sport
- National Club network
- University Network
- Technological Industry Partners
Potential themes emanating:
- Psychological skill development
- Consolidation of current AMS data on training loads and injury
- Tracking performance changes according to stages of growth and maturation and training load: Identifying (de-)accelerated time points of impact
- Relative Age Effects in swimming – corrective adjustment procedures as strategy to remove the influence of maturation in competition
