Purpose & Vision
Why are we making these changes?
Foxjets continues to learn from ASCA and other nationally recognized programs. Our new structure mirrors what successful teams across the country are doing to support long-term athlete development and clear progression through the program.
How does this restructure support the long-term goals of the club?
Over the past two years, Foxjets has seen record enrollment. This structure helps us keep pace with that growth, support a wider range of swimmer needs, and maintain training quality as we expand. It allows us to balance groups more effectively, offer the right training at the right time, and support continued, sustainable growth for the club.
What benefits will swimmers and families see as a result of this change?
Families can expect more focused training environments and more individualized attention, which creates a stronger overall swimmer experience. The new structure follows Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles by grouping swimmers based on training readiness and technical ability, not just age.
Key benefits include:
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Practices tailored to narrower ability ranges, which improves coaching focus.
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Progression based on skill, effort, and improvement, rather than age alone.
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Peer groups with similar goals and training habits that build motivation.
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Natural mentorship, with older athletes modeling strong work habits.
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More efficient lane use and clearer advancement pathways to higher levels of competition.
In short, swimmers train where they belong, grow at the right pace, and see a clear path forward within the Foxjets program.
How does this align with Foxjets’ core values and mission?
This restructure strengthens the Foxjets experience and directly supports our mission to inspire, educate, and equip for excellence in swimming and life, in a safe and supportive environment.
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Integrity: Ability and readiness-based placement creates fair, developmentally appropriate progress and rewards consistent effort and skill mastery.
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Family: Mixed-age training builds mentorship and belonging. Younger swimmers learn from older role models, and everyone benefits from a supportive team culture.
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Attitude: Advancement tied to effort, behavior, and readiness reinforces a growth mindset and positive daily habits.
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Ambition: Clear, ability-based pathways challenge swimmers appropriately and support long-term performance goals.
Foxjets is meant to be “a place for good” where care and community help every swimmer grow as both an athlete and a person. This structure supports emotional and physical development, builds confidence and resilience, encourages leadership, and ensures every swimmer feels valued and has a path forward.
How do these updates position Foxjets for future growth (a new pool opportunity, 50th anniversary, membership expansion)?
This restructure lays the foundation for Foxjets’ next phase of growth. It aligns with our 50th anniversary, future membership expansion, and plans for a new outdoor pool by creating a scalable, ability-based team structure. We can better balance group sizes, maintain high-quality coaching, and place every swimmer in an environment that fits their development. This model reflects what successful collegiate and high-performance programs do and supports long-term retention, mentorship, and competitive excellence.
Timeline & Implementation
When will the new group structure take effect?
The new structure will begin with the Spring/Summer season.
When will families receive their new group placements?
Group placements will be shared in late January or early February, timed with the opening of returning swimmer registration for Spring/Summer.
Will there be opportunities to ask questions before registration opens?
Yes. We will host virtual town halls to review the changes, explain placement, and answer questions before registration launches.
How will this transition affect Spring/Summer registration and billing?
Registration and billing details will be shared once our setup in Captyn is finalized. Families will receive clear instructions before registration opens.
Will there be an orientation or town hall to walk families through the changes?
Yes. Virtual town halls will be held prior to the registration launch so families can see how the new structure works and what it means for their swimmer.
Group Placemenet & Criteria
How are swimmers assigned to groups?
Placement criteria are listed on the group description pages. Swimmers are evaluated based on age, skill level, racing ability, training readiness, and character traits that reflect our core values.
Who determines placement, and what factors are considered?
The coaching staff determines placements using clear metrics, including technique, training capacity, meet experience, attendance, and attitude. These standards are published to avoid confusion or ambiguity.
Can my child move between groups during the season?
We have three standard movement periods each year:
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September (start of Fall/Winter)
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Early to mid-December (mid-season Fall/Winter)
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April (start of Spring/Summer)
We target these times so transitions are planned and supportive. If a swimmer clearly shows readiness for the next level outside those windows, coaches may use discretion to move them sooner.
How do you ensure swimmers are challenged without being overwhelmed?
We place swimmers based on readiness and then organize lanes by similar ability within each group. This lets coaches individualize expectations, build progressive challenges, and stretch swimmers just beyond their comfort zone while keeping the environment positive and fun.
What happens if my swimmer is on the border between two groups?
If a swimmer is between groups, coaches look at the full picture: technical skills, training habits, maturity, consistency, and readiness. In some cases, a hybrid schedule or gradual transition may be used. The goal is to place each swimmer where they will be both challenged and confident.
Group Size, Ages & Ratios
What will typical group sizes be?
Based on projected placements, group sizes in the new structure will be similar to our current groups.
How will broad age ranges (for example, 9–13) be managed?
We recognize that swimmers develop at different rates, even within the same age band. Within each group, swimmers are organized by ability, speed, and training readiness, not just age. Coaches adjust lane groupings as swimmers grow so everyone is appropriately challenged and supported.
How do coaches account for differences in maturity, size, and experience within a group?
Coaches adjust lane assignments, drills, and expectations to match developmental stage. More experienced athletes may handle higher volumes or more complex work, while others receive more technical focus. Individual feedback helps each swimmer progress at the right pace.
Will the coach-to-swimmer ratio change?
No. The coach-to-swimmer ratio will remain consistent. The new structure was built with staffing and group sizes in mind to maintain the same level of instruction and attention that families expect.
How does this structure help improve training quality and consistency?
Grouping by readiness, skill, and training habits allows coaches to design practices with a clear developmental focus. Athletes at similar levels work together, which reduces large ability gaps, creates smoother practice flow, and leads to more consistent technical progress for everyone.
Practice Schedule & Commitments
Will practice times or locations change?
Any changes to practice times or locations will be outlined in the group descriptions and communicated before the season starts.
How many practices per week are recommended for each group?
Recommendations vary by group, but consistent attendance is essential for improvement. Group-specific expectations will be listed in the descriptions.
Is attendance required at all practices?
Attendance is not mandatory, but each group has recommended attendance goals. Following these guidelines is strongly encouraged so swimmers can get the most out of the program and keep pace with their peers.
What should families expect for dryland training or additional commitments?
Dryland will be expanded and organized to match each group’s needs. Planned structure:
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National & Senior 1: Dryland with Curt at Xcelfit during current National/National Prep time slots.
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Junior 1 & Junior 2 (13–14): Dryland with Ulrick at Xcelfit during current NAG dryland times.
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Junior 1 & Junior 2 (11–12): Dryland with Ulrick at The CAGE during current Silver 2 dryland times.
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Junior 3: Two weekly sessions in the team dryland room.
Final schedules and logistics will be shared before the Spring/Summer season.
Will the structure allow for flexibility around other sports or activities?
Yes. We encourage multi-sport participation, especially at younger levels, and will work with families to balance commitments. At the same time, swimmers who want to progress should expect to prioritize consistent attendance. In the top groups (Senior and National), the level of commitment often requires choosing activities that do not conflict with key practices and meets.
Competition & Progression
How will meets fit into the new structure?
Meet expectations remain consistent. We encourage all swimmers to compete, and we are adding “block party meets” to provide accessible, low-pressure racing opportunities for newer athletes.
What meets are recommended or required for each group?
Meet expectations and recommended competitions are outlined in the group descriptions and seasonal meet schedule.
How does the restructure help swimmers progress to higher levels?
The new structure creates a clear progression through the program. We will share a simple visual that shows the most common pathway:
Novice (Red/White/Blue) → Age Group → Junior → Senior → National.
How will coaches communicate goals and expectations for meets?
Coaches will share general meet details (arrival times, warm-ups, apparel, procedures) through the website, meet pages, and email reminders. Specific performance or process goals will be discussed directly with athletes so they understand how each meet fits into their development.
How will performance and effort be evaluated within the new system?
We will use both objective and subjective measures: times, meet participation, training attendance, attitude, teamwork, and growth over time.
Communication & Support
How will updates be shared with families?
Updates will be shared through Captyn, team emails, and the website.
Where can families find information about group descriptions, equipment, and meet schedules?
All group descriptions, equipment lists, and meet information will be available on the team website and linked through Captyn.
Will there be opportunities to provide feedback on the new structure?
Yes. We will use surveys and town hall discussions to gather feedback and guide refinements.
Who should families contact with questions about placement or expectations?
Your swimmer’s lead coach is the first point of contact for placement and day-to-day training questions.
How can parents best support their swimmer during this transition?
Stay positive, be patient with the learning curve, and communicate directly with coaches when questions come up. Reinforce consistent attendance and a growth mindset at home.
Program Identity & Stability
What isn’t changing about Foxjets?
Our mission, values, and core identity remain the same. Foxjets will continue to:
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Inspire, educate, and equip for excellence in swimming and life.
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Provide a safe and supportive environment for all members.
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Live out the values of Integrity, Family, Attitude, and Ambition in daily training and competition.
How will the club preserve its family-oriented, supportive culture?
We will continue to prioritize mentorship, positive team environments, and strong relationships between swimmers, families, and coaches. Broader, ability-based groupings actually enhance connection by allowing athletes of different ages and experience levels to train together, learn from each other, and strengthen our sense of community.
Will the coaching staff remain the same?
Yes. The same trusted coaches will continue leading practices within the new structure.
How are these changes helping ensure stability for the team’s future?
This structure is designed to grow with the team. Broader, ability-based groups help us manage numbers, adapt to enrollment changes, and maintain high training standards. The model aligns with long-term athlete development principles and with systems used by successful programs nationwide, which helps keep Foxjets current and competitive.
How do these changes reinforce Foxjets’ reputation for excellence and athlete development?
These updates show that Foxjets is intentional and forward-thinking about how we develop athletes. By modernizing our structure while staying true to our core values, we create more focused coaching, better technical development, and consistent training quality at every level. Swimmers advance when they are ready, and the culture remains rooted in effort, mastery, and growth.