Parents,

      The following information is the age group promotional expectations. Your swimmer must perform all expected requirements listed before they can be considered for an age group promotion. In most cases, once your swimmer can perform all requirements, they will be moved up at the end of the season and start in their new group at the begining of the following season. There will be some instances where this is not the case, but this will be discussed with you as the parents, and sometimes with the swimmer as well. Our goal as coaches is to constantly better our swimmers, which in this case, would be having them check all their boxes. Please know that we do our best, but sometimes, some swimmers take longer than others to progress. All we ask is that you show your children your support no matter the outcome at the end of the season. Your job, first and most importantly, is to be parents and to be supportive, leave the coaching to us coaches. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email our head coach.

Thank you.

Dickinson Dolphins Coaching Staff

PreMinnows Promotion Expectations 

• Front Float 
• Back Float 
• Swim freestyle for half of a 25 
• Swim backstroke for half of a 25 
• Flutter kick with a board for a 25 
• Flutter kick in streamline on back for a 25 
• Dolphin kick with a board for a 25 
• Streamline underwater on your front with 3 dolphin kicks 
• Streamline underwater on your back with 3 dolphin kicks 
• In water forward start 
• In water back start 

Minnows Promotion Expectations 

• Freestyle for a 25 
• Backstroke for a 25 and be able to finish on back 
• Demonstrate the understanding of a backstroke count 
• Tight streamlines 
• Legal breaststroke kick, no scissor kick, for a 25 
• Flutter kick with a board for a 50 
• Flutter kick in streamline on back for a 50 
• Dolphin kick with a board for a 50 
• Dolphin kick in streamline on back for a 25 
• Know the differences between breaststroke and butterfly 
• Forward start at a kneeling position with tight streamline 

Flippers Promotion Expectations 

• Swim breaststroke for a 50 
• Swim butterfly for a 50 
• Swim freestyle for a 100 
• Swim backstroke for a 100 
• Swim a legal 100 IM 
• Freestyle flip turns 
• Backstroke flip turns 
• Breaststroke and butterfly open turns 
• Be able to do a forward start off the starting blocks 
• Able to understand the time clock and how to go in intervals 
• MUST demonstrate good listening skills and respect for coaches and other swimmers 

Age Group 1 Promotion Expectations 

• 4 X 100 IM @ 2:30 
• 6 X 50 KICK @ 1:30 
• 6 X 100 FREE @ 2:00 
• Understand how to use the time clock during sets to go on certain, simple intervals of time, ex. 4 X 25 @ 1:00 
• MUST perform a proper start from the blocks, none from side 
• MUST come to practice prepared with all equipment 
• Attends practice 3 days a week 
• Should be able to follow directions 
• MUST not goof off during practice and keep head above water when coach is talking 

Age Group 3 Promotion Expectations

• 10 X 100 IM @ 1:45 
• 10 X 100 FREE @ 1:30 
• 10 X 50 KICK @ 1:00 
• MUST be able to understand intervals and when to go with out the coach constantly telling them when to go 
• Attend practice 4 times a week 
• Should know all drills 
• Must demonstrate good behavior/act maturely at practice 
• Should be start to demonstrate some leadership skills