Swimming organizations commonly establish benchmarks for athletes to achieve, often categorized by age group and competitive level. A document detailing these benchmarks, often in PDF format for easy distribution, serves as a reference point for swimmers, coaches, and parents. Such a document outlines the minimum times required to qualify for specific competitions or achieve particular recognition within the organization. For instance, a swimmer aiming to participate in a regional championship would need to meet the qualifying time standard as specified in the relevant document.
The availability of easily accessible benchmarks offers several benefits. It provides clear goals for swimmers to strive towards, fostering motivation and focused training. Coaches utilize these standards to evaluate swimmer progress and tailor training programs accordingly. Furthermore, the standards promote fairness and transparency in competition, ensuring that athletes competing at a given level have demonstrated a minimum level of proficiency. Historically, these benchmarks have evolved over time to reflect improvements in training techniques and advancements in swimming technology.
