Levels

Practice Groups

FALL 2008

New Swimmer tryouts for the fall 2008 season are:

Wednesday, August 27th from 6:30-8:00pm at Deerfield High School.

You do not need to sign up in advance for tryouts, and the registration deadline does not apply to new swimmers. You may not register before trying out.

Fall 2008 Registration Packet for returning swimmers

All potential new swimmers must tryout for COHO with the exception of current high school swimmers new to COHO. The minimum requirements to qualify for COHO are: Individuals ages 5 and over must be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle with rhythmic breathing (face in the water, turning head to side breathe), 25 yards of backstroke, demonstrate basic breaststroke, be able to go under water and touch the bottom in the shallow end, and be comfortable swimming in the deep end of the pool. Swimmers who can successfully complete this criteria will be placed in a specific group based on age and ability. You do not need to sign up for tryouts, and you will not be able to register a new swimmer for COHO until that swimmer has tried out with a COHO coach.

In keeping with our philosophy of providing a well-rounded and quality developmental and competitive swimming program for swimmers of all ages and abilities, the COHO Swim Club offers professional technique instruction and training. COHO is divided into Developmental, Age Group, Senior and Masters programs. For more information on Masters please visit the Masters page on this website. We also offer a diving program in the summer only. Within the Senior Program there are two practice groups based on ability and level of commitment. Within the Age Group Program there are three practice groups based on age and ability. This system allows our coaching staff to meet the individual needs of each swimmer. The number and length of practices depends on the group. Swimmers will be assigned to groups by the coaches and must follow the specific schedule for their group.

Please note: All District 109 & 113 residents are considered residents for the COHO program. This includes families living in Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Highwood, and Fort Sheridan.

If you need summer fees pro-rated please call the office at 847-945-0650. Three weeks paid is the minimum. We only pro-rate if you are going to miss 3 weeks or more. You will need to list your swimmer’s dates of participation on the back of the registration form in order to receive pro-rated fees. Only park district fees can be pro-rated. The COHO activity fee and Illinois/USA Swimming registration fees must be paid in full. The multi-swimmer discount does not apply to pro-rated fees.

The Developmental or Minnows (MIN) group is designed for children ages 5 and older who are novices to the sport of swimming. Swimmers are taught the basics of the four competitive strokes and competition starts and turns, while building their endurance. Swimmers in this group are introduced to competition through Developmental swim meets. Emphasis is placed on learning proper stroke technique, developing positive self-esteem, making new friends, and having fun! The main goal is to prepare swimmers for the COHO Age Group Program.

The Age Group Program is designed for both experienced and new swimmers ages 7 and older. The three practice groups that make up the Age Group Program are Age Group 1 (AG1), Age Group 2 (AG2), and Age Group 3 (AG3). Swimmers in AG3 will be further divided into red and blue practice groups. Swimmers will be assigned to groups by the coaches and must follow the specific schedule for their group.

In the Age Group Program emphasis is placed on stroke development, team spirit, self-esteem, friendships, fun, and introduction to competition. Great workout habits will be taught as stroke development and refinement, building endurance and conditioning will continue to be emphasized. In addition, race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting, and an understanding of times standards will be accentuated as swimmers progress through the Age Group Program.

Age Group swimmers may compete in all swim meets offered by COHO. There may be meets with qualifying times that swimmers will need to achieve in order to participate. We will also offer Developmental meets that are not appropriate for advanced AG3 swimmers. Age Group swimmers who qualify for Championship meets will be expected to represent COHO unless prior arrangements have been made with their coach.

The Senior Program has an increased volume and intensity of training. Great workout habits, dry land training, endurance, conditioning, and stroke refinement continue to be emphasized. In addition, race strategy, competitive skills, goal setting, and an understanding of time standards are accentuated. The Senior Program is divided into Senior I (SRI) and Senior Elite (SRE) training groups based on ability and level of commitment.

While there are no attendance or competition requirements for Senior I, swimmers are strongly encouraged to attend at least 3 per week for safety reasons when training at this level, and should participate in meets.

The Senior Elite Group was created to accommodate highly skilled and highly committed swimmers dedicated to year-round competitive swimming. Individual training plans are established based on ability, level of commitment, and goals. SRE swimmers are expected to attend all practices unless specified by their coach. SRE swimmers are required to purchase swim training equipment and participate in a dry-land training program. SRE swimmers are expected to participate in all meets offered unless prior arrangements have been made with their coach. This includes all Championship meets for which they qualify including Conference, Regional, State, Sectional, and National meets.

Swimmers must have the approval of COHO Head/Senior Group Coach Nancy Reese to register for the Senior Elite group each season. Swimmers must contact Coach Nancy to set up an individual meeting. Swimmers who can not fulfill the requirements of Senior Elite will be reassigned to the Senior I Group.

Fall 2008: Section 01 - 9/8-12/7 (13 weeks) - $340.00 Residents/$360.00 Non-Residents

Fall 2008: *Section 02 - 9/8-11/23 (11 weeks) - $285.00 Residents/$305.00 Non-Residents

Fall 2008: Section 01 - 9/8-12/7 (13 weeks) - $365.00 Residents/$385.00 Non-Residents

Fall 2008: *Section 02 - 9/8-11/23 (11 weeks) - $310.00 Residents/$330.00 Non-Residents