R.A.Y.S. Program Descriptions and Team Structure

At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs  of the swimmer. The long term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each child is  different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this  fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer's physical, mental, and emotional  level of development.

In keeping with the philosophy of providing a quality competitive swimming program for  young people of all ages, abilities, and levels of interest, Stingrays Swimming offers  eight levels of professional instruction and training. Each level has specific objectives  and goals that follow a logical progression.

Stingrays Swim School- This is our "state of the art" learn to swim  program. An introductory level for young, inexperienced swimmers. Emphasis is on teaching  the four strokes in detail. For more information go to Swim School or call (Swim America 770-428-3425).

ROOKIE – the Stingrays Swimming ROOKIE programs are designed to prepare our younger, less experienced swimmers for a positive, fun, learning and growing process within the guidelines of the Stingrays Swimming coaching philosophy of, "Training for Life". Beginning with ROOKIE RED, swimmers age 6 and up, will learn the fundamentals of all four competitive strokes, starts and turns. Drills and games are widely used to promote these skills and make swimming FUN. In ROOKIE WHITE, swimmers age 7 and up, children can legally perform the four competitive strokes. We will add to our young athlete’s "tool-chest" of knowledge and begin teaching them how to apply their skills towards racing. FUN and participation while building a love of swimming is emphasized. At the top of the ROOKIE team is ROOKIE BLUE, swimmers age 8 and up, these children begin being taught training theories and the reasons for different training procedures. They are also learning race strategies for more challenging events. Competitive opportunities for the ROOKIE program consist of our ROOKIE League (Grand Prix Series), home and local competitions.

AGE GROUP – the Stingrays Swimming AGE GROUP program is a transitional level in which swimmers move from primarily stroke instruction to actual competitive training. Careful attention is still given to stroke technique, but equal emphasis is placed on learning how to train the energy systems. Swimmers 13 and younger will be offered two levels to prepare them for a positive competitive swimming experience. In AGE GROUP RED, swimmers will continue to apply their knowledge from the Rookie team and add more complex skills to their swimming. Developing bi-lateral coordination is extremely important for maintaining a healthy swimmer. Aerobic fitness and development is emphasized throughout our athletes’ development. The AGE GROUP BLUE swimmers will be offered ever-increasing challenges in their training regimen, as well as a continuation of technique development. These young persons will also learn more advanced strategies in and out of the pool to enhance their competitive experience. Competitive opportunities consist of home, local, state and regional competitions.

YOUTH/PRE-SENIOR – the Stingrays Swimming YOUTH training groups are designed for young people (11 years and older) who are ready for more challenging training and are committed to swimming as their primary sport activity. Swimmers will train to compete at the state, region and national levels. Training will be focused on aerobic development and skill and stroke perfection. Proper technique is a must at this developmental level to maintain and ensure an injury-free experience. Training, at this level, is a priority with academics being equally emphasized. The PRE-SENIOR training groups will offer our high-school aged swimmers the ability to perfect their skills and focus on the many aspects of young adult-hood they are encountering. The focus of the PRE-SENIOR program is of participation and preparation for advanced levels of swimming.

SENIOR – the Stingrays Swimming SENIOR training group is designed for athletes aged (14 years and older) with a desire to enhance their competitive experience. Swimmers will be held personally responsible for taking advantage of the program's offered to them to achieve their goals.

• At the initial levels of the SENIOR program athletes will be focused on the state level competitive season and preparation.

• Young people with greater levels of commitment and desire will focus on, regional and national levels of experience. Training, at this level, is a priority with academics being equally emphasized.

• At the peak levels of the Stingrays SENIOR program, athletes must be committed to training and competing at the highest levels they can achieve. 100% commitment to training is imperative.