HDASC has four squads (1, 2, 3 and 4), each aimed at different stages of a swimmer’s development and ambition. Progress through the squads is based on achievement of specified goals and coach assessment.  The normal progression is for swimmers to move through squads 1-2-3 or to move through 1-2-4.

Squad 1:  The Novice Squad

The Novice Squad focuses on developing good technique in all strokes, learning new skills such as tumble turns and diving, building stamina and fitness so that children become better, stronger, faster swimmers.  Children in this squad are expected to attend at least two out of three available training sessions and to participate in competitions appropriate to their age/ability. 

Novice swimmers work towards a number of goals, earning stickers to complete the Novice Squad 10 Step Award, on completion of which they are usually ready to move to Squad 2. 

Squad 2:  The Junior Club Squad

Swimmers in this squad focus on improving technique, fitness and stamina and developing their competition skills and speed further.

They work towards 52 different goals which are represented by 52 different Challenge Cards.  Swimmers will be given full details of these when they move up from Squad 1. The coaches will test swimmers from time to time on these goals during training.  In addition to the Challenge Cards, swimmers will also be awarded certificates when they achieve certain times for 100m swims. These times are based on East District Age Group Championship consideration times and allow swimmers to see their progress towards entry to this level of competition.

There are four training sessions available to this squad and swimmers normally swim three of these sessions, though many choose to swim all four.  In addition, they are encouraged to attend a ‘land training’ session which compliments pool training.

Swimmers participate in a wide range of competitions suitable to their age and ability, including the Scottish East District Age Group Championships.  At the top of Squad 2, swimmers with potential and the necessary commitment may be invited to join the East Lothian Swim Team (Squad 4).  Movement from Squad 2 to 3 will be by arrangement with the Head Coach and will depend upon the age, ability and ambition of the swimmer.

Squad 3:  The Club Squad

This squad provides an opportunity for older, proficient swimmers to train regularly to maintain fitness and to maintain an interest in swimming regardless of whether they still wish to compete and irrespective of the level of training to which they can commit. Swimmers in this squad include teenagers and adults, many of whom will previously have been involved in competitive swimming with Haddington or other clubs. There are four available training sessions and swimmers choose which they attend.

Squad 4:  The East Lothian Swim Team

Members of Squad 4 are our most committed swimmers who have the ability and ambition to train for, and compete at Scottish East District, Scottish National and British levels.  These swimmers are members of the East Lothian Swim Team (a composite team comprising swimmers from Haddington, Musselburgh and Tranent clubs), where they train between 4-7 times a week depending on age/ability. They retain strong links with their home club, Haddington, training with the Club when they wish, competing for the Club at team events and participating in social events.    

House Teams:  All swimmers are allocated to a House Team and they swim in these teams in fun, club competitions.  Each House includes a mixture of swimmers from each Squad. The House Teams are Blue Hurricanes, Yellow Tornados, Red Spitfires, and Green Typhoons.