The Triton Aquatics Novice & Age Group Program is the official entry into year-round competitive swimming. Athletes in this program receive structured training from experienced coaches, with an emphasis on technical refinement, endurance, and introducing swimmers to USA Swimming–sanctioned meets. It is the natural next step after Pre-Comp or swim school, providing a supportive environment where young swimmers build confidence while beginning their competitive journey.

Novice (Ages 9 – 12)

Swimmers progressing from Pre-Comp or swim schools with solid stroke fundamentals

• Able to swim all four strokes across multiple lengths with basic proficiency
• Beginning to develop racing skills through USA Swimming–sanctioned meets
• Athletes are learning to balance consistent practice attendance with early competition experience

Age Group (Ages 12 – 14)

Swimmers with established competitive experience and readiness for more structured training

• Training consistently across all four strokes, including middle-distance events
• Regular participation in USA Swimming meets, building confidence, and race strategy
• Athletes are beginning to set personal goals and show accountability for practice, and meet attendance requirements

Note on Placement: Group age ranges are intended as a guideline, not a rule. Athletes may be placed outside of the typical age range if their skills and readiness are best suited for a different group.

The Novice & Age Group program develops the foundation needed for higher-level competitive swimming:

• Stroke Development – Refining technique across all four strokes with focus on efficiency and race performance
• Race Skills & Strategy – Learning pacing, starts, turns, and finishes for competitive settings
• Endurance & Conditioning – Building aerobic fitness and strength to support longer races and practice intensity
• Competition Experience – Gaining exposure to USA Swimming–sanctioned meets, time trials, and team events
• Team Culture & Sportsmanship – Instilling values of teamwork, communication, and discipline
• Goal Setting – Teaching athletes how to track progress, set personal best goals, and celebrate achievements

The Novice & Age Group program follows the USA Swimming calendar, giving athletes meaningful competitive opportunities year-round:

• Short Course Season (SCY, Sept–Mar): Training and competing in 25-yard pools. Swimmers participate in local USA Swimming–sanctioned meets, learning race strategy and gaining confidence in competition.
• Long Course Season (LCM, Apr–Aug): Transition to 50-meter Olympic-sized pools. Swimmers focus on stamina, efficiency, and speed while preparing for regional summer meets and developmental championships.
• End-of-Season Break (Late August): Like most swim clubs nationwide, Triton Aquatics observes a short break at the end of the Long Course season. This rest period allows families time for travel before school begins and gives athletes physical and mental recovery before starting the new Short Course season in September.

Before joining Triton Aquatics, all athletes are required to complete a New Athlete Try-Out. This process allows our staff to evaluate skills, determine proper placement, and share program expectations with families.

Try-Outs Include:

• Stroke assessment across all four strokes
• Review of starts, turns, and finishes
• Endurance evaluation over multiple lengths
• Parent/coach discussion on group placement and readiness

Why Try-Outs Matter:

• Ensures proper group placement for development and success
• Supports our 20:1 coach-to-athlete ratio
• Provides feedback to families on swimmer strengths and growth areas
• Keeps training groups balanced for progression

Next Steps After the Try-Out:

• Families will receive confirmation of group placement and the team registration link
• USA Swimming membership link will be provided upon registration
• If the group is full, athletes will be placed on the waiting list until space is available

Novice & Age Group athletes train year-round, with practice schedules aligned to seasonal training needs. Practices are offered 4–5 days per week, depending on pool availability and season.

• Minimum Attendance: Athletes must attend at least 3 practices per week to remain active in the program
• Recommended Attendance: 4–5 practices per week for steady development and race readiness
• Seasonal Adjustments: Practice frequency and times adjust between Short Course (fall/winter) and Long Course (spring/summer) seasons

View Current Practice Schedule

Our Novice & Age Group coaching staff bring years of experience as swimmers, educators, and mentors. With backgrounds as former collegiate athletes, high school coaches, and USA Swimming competitors, they combine technical expertise with motivational coaching. Their focus is to ensure every swimmer develops strong fundamentals, gains confidence in competition, and enjoys being part of the Triton team.

Once swimmers demonstrate consistent technique, racing ability, and commitment, they are invited to advance into the Pre-Senior Group.

Readiness is based on:

• Ability to train with consistency across all strokes and distances
• Regular participation in USA Swimming meets
• Demonstrated discipline in training and racing habits
• Readiness for increased training volume and intensity

Next Step: Pre-Senior Group

• Advanced race preparation and goal setting
• Higher practice frequency with additional training demands
• Exposure to regional and higher-level meets