These programs provide an introduction to the competitive sport of synchronized swimming at an increasing level of technical ability and requiring an increasing commitment of practice time. They are developed to ensure that each swimmer competes at her personal ability level.

12 & under Provincial: The teams at this level offer athletes a competitive program with varying hours (depending on the level) in the water and two hours per week on land all. In addition to team competitions, athletes may also compete in solo and duet categories (an additional 1 to 1.5 hours per week). These athletes attend all competitions (3) held within the province.

 

13-15 Provincial: The teams at this level offer athletes a competitive program with varying hours (depending on the level) in the water and 2-3 hours per week on land.  In addition to team competitions, athletes may also compete in solo and duet categories (an additional 1 to 3 hours per week). These athletes attend all competitions (3-4) held within the province.

 

16+ Provincial: The teams at this level offer athletes a competitive program with varying hours (depending on the level) in the water and 2-3 hours per week on land. In addition to team competitions, athletes may also compete in solo and duet categories (an additional 1 to 3 hours per week). These athletes attend all competitions (3-4) held within the province.

 

13-15 National: Athletes wishing to pursue the sport at this level make a commitment of time, energy, determination and courage in order to become the best they can. In addition to team competitions, swimmers may also compete in solo and duet categories (an additional 1.5 to 3 hours per week). These athletes attend approximately five competitions per year; including one involving teams from all the western provinces, and if qualified, can attend Espoir. Athletes that compete in the 13 to 15 National Stream will also be eligible to qualify for the 13 to 15 National Team of Canada; which is selected at the Espoir. These teams train at a level that is designed to develop athletes for eventual participation on Canada’s national teams at international competitions.

16 + National: Athletes wishing to pursue the sport at this level make a commitment of time, energy, determination and courage in order to become the best they can. In addition to team competitions, swimmers may also compete in solo and duet categories (an additional 1.5 to 3 hours per week). These athletes attend approximately five competitions per year; including one involving teams from all the western provinces, and if qualified, can attend Nationals. Athletes that compete in the 13 to 15 National Stream will also be eligible to qualify for the 13 to 15 National Team of Canada; which is selected at the Espoir. These teams train at a level that is designed to develop athletes for eventual participation on Canada’s national teams at international competitions.

External Sport Credits for High School Student Information Sheet

 

Team Selection Criteria

Teams are composed using the following criteria:

• the age of the athlete is determined by the calendar yearend (December 31st) of which the provincial competition takes place
• the skill level or level of experience of the athlete
• parental consent to train on a specific team
• existing vacancy on a team
• athletes’ overall attitude
• Clubs’ coaching allocation for the season
• Members must be in good standing

All athletes are full members of their teams and swim the figure competition at all meets.  

Synchro Canada has the following additional rules:

• a team must have a minimum of four athletes to enter into the team event at a competition
• teams cannot swim more than 8 athletes in a competition team swim with the exception of a Combo team which consists of ten athletes
• teams are allowed two alternates, making 10 athletes the maximum number allowed per team and twelve for Combo

Alternates

If a team has an alternate(s), the coach will use the following criteria to determine which athlete swims the alternate position(s) in a particular meet.

• ongoing attitude and commitment towards the team
• attendance and punctuality at practices
• overall figure scores at competitions
• overall routine skills and the ability to perform the routine

In addition, an athlete who is injured or sick would assume an alternate position. If an athlete were unable to swim appropriately because of stress or another major reason, this athlete would generally assume the alternate position, except if the athlete has a unique role in the routine and cannot adequately be replaced.

Solos and Duets

The Team Coaches, in consultation with the Head Coach, assign solo and duet routines based on the following criteria:

• athletes’ desire for competition/skill level
• figure results from the previous season
• routine skills to perform in the solo/duet events
• total number of solo/duet routines available
• parental consent and agreement to incur additional costs
• Coach assigns duet partners with consideration given to the athletes’ desires
• Members must be in good standing.

 

There are two basic parts to a competitive meet – the Figures Meet and the Routine Meet. In the Figures Meet, the athlete performs a figure solo before a panel of judges. Figures are a succession of movements that form a combination of positions and transitions. The degree of difficulty progresses with each age group and competitive level. In the Routine Meet athletes compete in duets, teams or solo. Routines are a combined series of figure maneuvers choreographed to music.

Regionals

Athletes within a region of the province compete in figures and routines to move on to Provincial Competition. In the Lower Mainland Region, this meet is typically held in January.

Provincials

This is an annual event within each province in which swimmers compete in both figures and routines (team, solo, duet). This meet is also a qualifying competition for athletes to determine which teams attend the Western Canada Divisional Championship. Judges at this meet recommend teams to compete at the Divisional Meet (see below). The final decision, however, is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of BC Aquasonics in conjunction with the Coach Mentors. Swimmers age 12 and under do not compete higher than the Provincials.

Divisonal Competition

Each Canadian division holds a meet to determine who will advance to the National Championship. Synchro Canada’s regional divisions are:

• Western: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba.
• Eastern: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland

National Competitions

Canadian National Championship are always held in the spring. The location of the meet is bid on each year by the individual provinces and alternates year to year from the Western and Eastern Canada. CanadianOpen Championships are where the National Team Trials for the Junior team take place. National Team Trials for athletes 13 to 15 year olds are held at Espoir Championships.

Sectional Meet

This meet is restricted to athletes who competed in the Provincial Meet. In addition, this is where Recreation level teams may compete.

Chaperones

The Club sends parents (chaperones) to accompany teams traveling to out-of-town meets. This is a critical role of support to the athletes and coaches. Parents interested in becoming a chaperone must be current members in good standing (all fees must be up to date) with the Club. Interested members should advise the Club Secretary of their desire to become a chaperone. The final decision of who is appointed as chaperone is made by the Board, in consultation with the coach(s). Members of the Club currently devoting a large number of hours to the Club will be given first consideration. Chaperone Responsibilities:

• Chaperones, regardless of which room they sleep in or what team they are assigned to, are there for the group as a whole. Favoritism of one or more athletes in unacceptable.
• Chaperones must be able to drive a rental or personal vehicle while away. They are responsible for the athletes’ travel to and from the hotel and competition pool.
• If, for some unforeseen reason, a coach has to leave the meet, the chaperones and the other coach(s) on deck are responsible for the absent coach’s team.
• Chaperones monitor the activities of the athletes while away from the pool, thereby permitting the coach(s) to concentrate on the competition.
• At a prearranged time, chaperones will check each room in order to assure that each athlete is accounted for prior to going to bed.
• Chaperones are responsible for providing appropriate meals and snacks for athletes by cooking in the hotel and/or arranging for restaurant meals. This is agreed to by the parents, coach and chaperones at the beginning of the trip.
• Accommodations and travel costs with the exception of air of the chaperones is divided between the athletes attending the particular meet.