Swimmers in this Group are introduced to and begin to learn how to train using lane swimming and discipline and the application of the pace clock. Structured training programmes are used to develop stroke improvement, stamina and fitness. Progression from this Group is either to B Group or Fast Track B Groups.

In order to progress swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of three training sessions per week. Swimmers should be on poolside five minutes before the training session is due to begin wearing appropriate swimwear (hats compulsory for girls and to be worn at the discretion of the coach/teacher for boys). Any swimmer who arrives up to five minutes late will be permitted to train when their coach/teacher authorises their entry into the water. Swimmers who arrive more than five minutes late will only be allowed to train at the discretion of the most senior coach/teacher present on poolside.

Repeated late arrival will result in an explanation being sought from the parent/guardian of the swimmer concerned. If the explanation is not deemed reasonable a warning regarding future attendance will be issued and if no improvement is forthcoming the swimmer will be excluded from that weekly training session.

Any swimmer who leaves the pool area without the permission of their coach/teacher will be excluded from the rest of that training session. Swimmers are not allowed to leave the pool area before the end of a training session unless they have the permission of their coach/teacher e.g. toilet, illness, replace swimwear/aids etc. Such permission will not be unreasonably withheld but will normally be given between training sets. If the swimmer cannot continue to train they must leave the poolside and get dressed. Once dressed the swimmer should return to poolside until their parents/guardian arrives to take them home. If needed their coach/teacher will ring the swimmers contact number in order to arrange collection.

Swimmers who fail to respect their coach/teachers instruction, behave inappropriately, endanger by their actions other swimmers or use foul and abusive language will be excluded by their coach/teacher from the training session, and if improvement is not evident at future training sessions will be excluded from the Club under the process detailed within the Clubs constitution.

Parents and guardians need to be aware that BCASC operate a zero tolerance policy with regard to mental or physical abuse of any of our coaches, teachers, committee members, volunteers and club members. Any parent, guardian or club member who commits such forms of abuse will be immediately excluded from the Club under the process detailed within the Clubs constitution.