This summer we will begin using a national achievement awards program with our swimmers. This is a very cool program that we think will be fun and motivating, as it allows swimmers to measure their progress on a national scale.

The swim cap incentive program has proven itself with the kids and will remain in effect. As a reminder to swimmers and families, the swim cap program is based on achievement using the Bronze-Silver-Gold standards adopted by our Niagara District. LCAT swimmers are awarded caps as they move through the ranks.

• 1st SILVER Time in age group earns swimmer pink cap with yellow club logo.
• 5th SILVER Time in age group earns silver cap with black club logo.
• 1st GOLD Time in age group earns pink cap with blue club logo.
• 5th GOLD Time in age group earns gold cap with black club logo.

When a swimmer hits a time, or times, they prove their status to the coaches and we deliver the cap. Swimmers should keep in mind that the cap program restarts every time they age up to a new age group.

Anyway, back to the new program we'll be using …

This program is based on National Age Group Motivational Times - Top 16 Based and has time standards that range from a "B" time through a "AAAA" time. These times are explained below and are listed in an attachment with Long Course (50 meter) and Short Course (25 yard) motivational time standards.

One of the nicest things about this program is that it opens the door to a whole new way of looking at swimming. It's fun to know where you're at in the STSL and in Niagara, but it's a whole new deal to look and see where you're at on a national scale. We think many of our swimmers will be pleasantly surprised. The motivational times are excellent for goal setting as well, allowing swimmers to look at the next logical step in their age-group. Once the goal is set, they can sit down with the coaches and plan out how to get there, building on accomplishments and achievements throughout their careers.

Beginning with "BB" achievement times, swimmers will be awarded patches to sew on their club jacket. Patches are awarded for "BB" times and for every successive achievement through "AAAA" times for the four competitive strokes and the I.M. When you hit a time standard for a stroke or for one of the I.M. events, you will be awarded a patch for that achievement. With your first earned time, you will also be given a circular age group patch to sew above your time standard patches. We will also have special team record holder patches for individuals who achieve that status.

One of the nice byproducts of this program is that it takes some weight and subjectivity from coaches deciding who gets a team coat. With your first "BB" time, you earn your team coat!!!!! See Amy O'Brien to place that order. Once you have the coat, we will give you your patches. Once you are given the patches, you will have one week to sew them on your coat and to show the coaches how you look!! If you take more than a week, it will be the last patch you get. We don't want these things collecting dust in a drawer somewhere! The patches should start at the shoulder and run down the arm. As you age up and achieve more, move to the other arm, then to the front of the jacket. Please do not sew the patches on the back of your jacket. Your achievements are for you to see, not necessarily for you to show off to the world. It's good to be able to look down your arm or chest, know where you're at and be reminded of where you want to go.

Please read the time standard information below and print off the LC and SC standards in the accompanying attachment. Figure out where you're at and start planning for your next racing opportunity.

Your LCAT Coaches.

WHAT ARE TIME STANDARDS?

The letters refer to the time standards that are used to place swimmers in terms of how fast they swim. As you become a better swimmer your times will improve and you'll find yourself shifting from one standard to another.

B TIMES

The B time standard is usually the one you'll reach first. It is a measure of time and competence in the performance of that stroke. Achieving a 'B' time at a swim meet indicates a correct execution of complicated stroke technique. A 'B' time represents a level equal to 68% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.

BB TIMES

It is a very big step when you achieve a "BB" time. In addition to the correct performance of a particular stroke, you have also achieved a speed only a limited percentage of swimmers can perform. Like "B" times, each age group has its own list of "BB" times. A "BB" time represents a level equal to 75% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time. With your first "BB" (or better) time, you earn your team jacket. Once you have the jacket, we will give you your patches to sew on it.

A TIMES

An "A" time represents a level equal to 84% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.

AA TIMES

There is a much smaller gap between "AA" and "A" as compared to the wide one between "B" and "A". You often need an "AA" time to compete in a Trials and Finals format meet. An 'AA' time represents a level equal to 89% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.

AAA TIMES

A 'AAA' time represents a level equal to 93% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.

AAAA TIMES

These are the highest levels in the National Age Group Times progressions. A 'AAAA' time represents a level equal to 97% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.

NATIONAL REPORTABLE TIMES (NRT TIMES)

A NRT represents a level that a swimmer must surpass in order to submit their names for consideration on the annual Top 16 list. The annual rankings (short course and long course) are published in Swimming World magazine and each qualifier receives a certificate of recognition from USAS. Swimmers earning a NRT Time are in the Top 1% of American Age Group swimmers.