Squad programs

Age: 13 years+

This squad is for athletes competing at a national level and demonstrating a high level of commitment to training and performance. 

Squad focus and expectations: 

• Achieved a National qualifying time within the past two seasons*

• Training with the intention of competing at National Trials 

• Able to commit to 6–8 pool sessions per week, plus dryland and 2–3 gym sessions 

• Demonstrates strong training habits, independence, and accountability 

• Consistently prepared for training, physically and mentally 

• Maintains a positive attitude, even under pressure, fatigue, or challenge 

• Takes ownership of performance, recovery, and feedback 

• Swimmers are required to have joined as a STARplex Swim Club member via Swim Central.

*Athletes within 3% of a national qualifying time (100m+) may be considered based on training ability, behaviours and readiness.

Age: 16+

The Senior State Squad prepares athletes for performance at State Age or Open championships, and potential qualification for National Championships. Selection for this squad is based not only on achieving qualifying time and training standards, but on also demonstrating the commitment, attitude and behaviours expected of a state-level swimmer.

For entry into Senior State, a swimmer must be able to accomplish:

• 10 × 100 Freestyle on 1:30

• 8 × 100 IM on 1:50

• 8 × 100 IM kick on 2:10

• 4 x State qualifying times

Other criteria:

• Aged 16 and over, or turns 16 during season.

• Hitting 80% attendance over a 12 week training block (athlete specific)

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and willingness to train consistently 

• Shows resilience when sessions are challenging or results fluctuate 

• Approaches training with focus, curiosity, and a positive attitude 

• Engages with feedback and applies it over time 

• Swimmers are required to have joined as a STARplex Swim Club member via Swim Central.  

Age: 12 - 15

The National Pathway squad prepares developing athletes for qualification and performance at National Age Championships. Selection for this squad is based not only on achieving qualifying time standards, but also on demonstrating the commitment, attitude and behaviours expected of a national level swimmer. 

For entry into National Pathway, a swimmer must be able to accomplish:

• 10 × 100 Freestyle @ 1:30

• 8 × 100 IM @ 1:50

• 8 × 100 IM kick @ 2:10

• 4 x State Age qualifying times

• 200m IM State Age qualifying time

Other criteria:

• Able to commit to 5–7 pool sessions per week, plus dryland and 2 gym sessions 

• Hitting 80% attendance over a 12 week training block

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and willingness to train consistently 

• Shows resilience when sessions are challenging or results fluctuate 

• Approaches training with focus, curiosity, and a positive attitude 

• Engages with feedback and applies it over time 

• Swimmers are required to have joined as a STARplex Swim Club member via Swim Central.  

Age: 10-14 years

This squad supports athletes demonstrating both state-level performance and consistent training habits aligned with competitive progression. 

For entry into Junior State, a swimmer must be able to accomplish:

• 6 × 100 Freestyle @ 1:50

• 4 × 100 IM @ 2:15

• 4 × 100 IM kick @ 2:30

• 50m Freestyle and Form QT

• 100m Freestyle and Form QT

• 200m IM QT

• 400m Freestyle continuous

Other criteria

• Training to compete effectively at State level 

• Able to commit to 3+ pool sessions per week and regular racing 

• Consistency in attendance, effort, and behaviour 

• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward training and teammates 

• Willing to push outside comfort zones while maintaining good technique 

• Beginning to take responsibility for preparation and recovery 

Age: 13+

This squad is designed for athletes who enjoy racing and structured training and are developing the consistency and habits required for higher performance squads. This squad also suits athletes requiring greater flexibility due to school, work, or other commitments. 

This squad may include swimmers who: 

• Compete primarily at club-level meets 

• Are building toward state qualification 

• Have achieved a state qualifying time but are still developing the training maturity required for State or National squads 

Squad focus and expectations: 

• Trains 2–5 sessions per week 

• Focuses on skill development, fitness, and race skills 

• Brings a positive attitude to training and competition 

• Makes a genuine effort during sessions 

• Respects teammates, coaches, and the training environment 

• Willing to receive and apply feedback over time 

• Swimmers are required to have joined as a STARplex Swim Club member via Swim Central.  

Age: 12 and under

This squad focuses on building strong technical foundations while introducing athletes to the demands of state-level racing. 

Squad focus and expectations: 

• Preparation for State Championship racing or qualification 

• Trains 3-5 sessions per week 

• Developing stroke technique and efficiency across all four strokes, and introduction to race skills