Selection policy

Start of season dates

The new season begins on Monday 31st August 2026 with training taking place in your home programme for Weeks 1 + 2. We will provide guidance for this 2-week training block in terms of frequency of sessions, volume and S&C.

• For athletes competing at the European Swimming Championships (August 2026) we will work out a bespoke start of season plan. Each athlete should discuss this with their group coach.

• Training in Loughborough will commence on Monday 14th September for all returning athletes in HP1 and HP2 and our expectation is that everyone will be available to start on this date.

• Training in Loughborough will commence on Thursday 10th September for all new team members in HP1 and HP2 and our expectation is that everyone will be available to start on this date.

• AU Squad Time Trials will take place on Wednesday 30th September with training for this squad commencing on Monday 5th October 2026.

1. High Performance squads (HP1 and HP2)

In alignment with the vision and objectives of Loughborough University Swimming, the High-Performance Squads aim to:

i. Develop athletes capable of competing successfully at major international championships.

ii. Make a significant contribution to the team’s BUCS points total each season.

iii. Deliver LC personal best performances in a main event(s) at designated benchmark competitions throughout the season.

iv. Establish the programme as the most successful senior team at the British Summer Nationals.

HP1 will have a maximum of 24 student athletes that cover the full range of Olympic events. There is no obligation to fill this squad to capacity. There may be additional places in the squad available for full-time athletes as detailed in Section 3.

HP2 will have a maximum of 32 athletes that cover the full range of Olympic events. Any remaining places may be filled following the AU Squad Trials in September. Additional places will be allocated at the discretion of the Director of Swimming factoring in performance, work ethic, team behaviours, attitude and the need for us to achieve balance across the team/squads.

The Director of Swimming, in consultation with the coaching team, will select the High-Performance Squads prior to the start of the season. Selection is open to student-athletes enrolled on a BUCS-eligible course at Loughborough University/Loughborough College who have achieved the consideration time outlined in Section 13.

Athletes invited into the squad are expected to make a full commitment to the training and competition schedule.

2. Para Swimming

Loughborough University Swimming offers an integrated Para-Swimming provision within the HP2 Squad, led by Andy Wallace.

Para- swimmers with a valid National/International Para-Swimming classification will be considered for a place on the team based onan assessment of individual needs.

Those who do not hold a valid National/International Para-Swimming classification will be invited to participate in the Time Trials in October and subsequently may be able to access sessions based on an assessment of individual athletic needs and development potential. Athletes requiring classification will be supported through this process.

All Para-Swimmers will then be expected to maintain an up-to-date classification status and medical records (as appropriate).

S15 athletes must achieve the entry standards outlined in Section 13 to be invited into the High-Performance Squads. If this standard is not met, they will be required to compete in the AU Squad Time Trials in September to secure a place in the AU Squad.

3. Full-time athletes

There are a limited number of places on the team for full time, high performing athletes who have graduated from Loughborough University. The work ethic, attitude, leadership skills and behaviours of our full-time athletes will have a positive influence on the team and their performances will advance the reputation of Loughborough University Swimming as a world class swimming programme.

Athletes wishing to be considered should in the first instance speak with their squad coach and/or the Director of Swimming. In addition, they must have achieved an Elite Benchmark Time (Section 13).

There will be a monthly training fee of £150 payable by direct debit for 12 months each year.

4. Athletic Union (AU) squad

The aim of this squad is to provide a senior training environment for student athletes with varying levels of performance and commitment to training, without the attendance expectations of the High-Performance Squads.

Places in the squad will be allocated to student athletes enrolled on a BUCS eligible course at Loughborough University/Loughborough College, following the Time Trials taking place on 30th September, where performances will be ranked on World Aquatics points.

Training will commence on 5th October 2026. For the 2026/2027 season, the AU Squad will be made up of 2 groups with different aims and training requirements outlined below.

AU1

Competitive focus
50 swimmer capacity
Minimum attendance of 3 sessions per week required
Athletes can compete as Loughborough Swimming but only at competitions specified on the AU competition calendar
Able to purchase Speedo and Kukri branded Loughborough Swimming kit
Coached by both paid and voluntary coaches
Required to sign and abide by the Loughborough Swimming Code of Conduct for the 2026/2027 season.

AU2

Relaxed training environment focussing on swimming for enjoyment and fitness
30 swimmer capacity
No minimum attendance requirement
Coached by voluntary coaches with paid coaches’ support
If a swimmer is successful in securing a place in AU1 but wishes to swim in AU2, we will be able to accommodate this.

Pool time allocation has not yet been finalised but AU1 will have access to more sessions than AU2. This will be reflected in the membership prices. Training timetables, pricing of memberships and what is included will be outlined at the Sports Bazaar in fresher's week.

5. Performance athlete accommodation

We will nominate athletes for a place in the purpose-built Performance Athlete block of Claudia Parsons Halls of Residence to all incoming athletes who have:

i) Been offered a place (conditional or unconditional) to study on an undergraduate course at Loughborough University commencing September 2026,

ii) Achieved a qualifying time [Section 13] by 19th April 2026,

iii) Have made Loughborough their firm university of choice by 19th April 2026.

Please note, that there are a limited number of rooms to be allocated by Loughborough Sport, across all performance programmes and so we cannot guarantee a room will be offered to you, even if you have met all the above criteria.

Additional places may be available in the Performance Athlete block for anyone achieving the qualifying time after this date but again, these cannot be guaranteed.

6. Stretch degree applications and part-time postgraduate study

Undergraduate students with an Elite Benchmark Time [Section 13] can apply to stretch Parts C and D of their degree. This needs to be discussed and approved by the Director of Swimming. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to stretch Part B based on an athlete balancing the demands of their academics and training/competition schedule. Sports Scholars should be aware that we can only guarantee your scholarship for up to 4 years.

7. Term time training camps and overseas competitions

Student athletes with an Elite Benchmark Time [Section 13] may be permitted to attend training camps and overseas competitions during term time, with support from Loughborough Sport. This is also extended to any student athlete that is (or has been within the last 12 months) on an international team or national squad.

Each athlete needs to consider what academic work they will miss as well as producing and agreeing a plan with the Loughborough Swimming Performance Lifestyle advisor. It will remain each students’ responsibility to stay on top of their studies, but Loughborough Sport will assist them to understand the risk, plan to minimise this risk and make appropriate adjustments with registry or the department when possible.

Finally, any student athlete expecting to travel needs to be at an appropriate academic level with an attendance of 70% or above.

8. Training fees and annual membership

All student athletes in the High-Performance Squads, will be required to pay a termly training fee of £250. This will be payable inSeptember, January and May. In addition, everyone (except Sports Scholars) will have to pay an annual AU membership of approximately £50 and a Loughborough Sport Gold Membership (previously £290 for the 25/26 season).

Athletes may be restricted from training with the team after the deadline for termly and annual fees has passed, until such time that outstanding fees have been paid.

The AU Squad will have an annual AU Swimming membership to be determined by the club committee. This is instead of monthly training fees.

We have established a hardship fund aimed at supporting student athletes facing financial challenges in paying their training fees. This fund is designed to ensure that no team member misses out on the opportunity to be part of Loughborough Swimming due to unforeseen financial hardships. Eligibility criteria and application details are available on request and we encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties to reach out for support.

We understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment and the hardship fund is one way we aim to achieve this. Your well-being and commitment to the team are our top priorities. Please contact the Programme Co-ordinator for any questions regarding the fund.

9. Sport scholarships

Loughborough Sport award Sports Scholarships to incoming undergraduate and post-graduate students. It is not possible to receivea scholarship part way through a course.

Scholarships range from covering Powerbase Gym and AU Club membership, through to thousands of pounds of direct financial support. This is in addition to the incredible amount of support received by all athletes in the Loughborough Swimming performance programme.

The Director of Swimming and Coaching Team identify potential scholars as part of the recruitment process and so there is no direct application process to be a Sports Scholar. As a guide, student athletes would typically need to have achieved an Elite Benchmark Time [Section 13] to be considered for a scholarship.

10. De-selection policy

At Loughborough Swimming, we are committed to excellence and in maintaining a positive team culture. As part of this commitment, the following criteria for de-selection applies.

i) Performance Targets: athletes are expected to meet the selection policy standards published each season.

ii) Team Values: upholding our team values is fundamental to our success.

iii) Academic Standing: we recognise the importance of balancing academic and athletic commitments. Athletes must

maintain at least the minimum academic requirements of their course.

iv) Disciplinary Issues: Athletes engaging in serious disciplinary issues, both within and outside the swimming programme, may be subject to de-selection. Such issues will be thoroughly investigated and decisions will be made in consultation with relevant authorities.

v) Adherence to the training programme: Athletes are expected to make a full commitment to the training programme in the High-Performance Squads. Failure to adhere to the training programme, will be considered in the de-selection process.

vi) Health and Well-being: Athletes are encouraged to prioritise their health and well-being. Continuing to train with chronic health issues, when detrimental to an athlete's overall well-being, may be considered in the de-selection process.

Failure to meet one or more of these will result in a review of an athlete's continued participation in the performance programme. This review will be conducted by the Director of Swimming, the Coaching Team and where applicable other members of Loughborough Sport staff. With regards to de-selections based on poor attendance we will operate a three-stage process that includes an initial warning from the group coach, a formal meeting to establish an action plan for improvement and finally a 6-week review period.

Decisions regarding de-selection will be made with careful consideration, taking into account individual circumstances and efforts to rectify any identified issues. Our goal is to maintain a positive and supportive team environment that fosters both individual and collective success.

The Director of Swimming reserves the right to allocate ‘wildcard’ places on the team to any athlete that falls outside any of the aforementioned criteria.

11. General conditions

All selections are subject to available places on the team and where necessary will be prioritised at the discretion of the Director of Swimming in conjunction with the Coaching Staff.

All athletes must agree to and sign the Loughborough University Performer Athlete Agreement, which governs your engagement in the Swimming programme for the 2026/2027 season.

Returning athletes must have demonstrated that they have met the programme commitment and athlete management requirements outlined below:

i) Make a full commitment to all aspects of Loughborough University Swimming.

ii) Understand that being part of the team is a privilege and not a right.

iii) Fully support and contribute to the positive ethos and image of Loughborough University Swimming.

iv) Taking responsibility for your own athletic development and performance, academic commitments/deadlines and performance lifestyle.

v) Always displaying a positive attitude, challenging yourself to operate outside your comfort zone, valuing excellence, being punctual and actively seeking and giving feedback.

Failure to meet any of the above may result in a swimmer being removed from their squad and/or asked to leave the programme.

Returning athletes should not automatically expect to be in the same squad as in previous seasons. The dynamic nature of Loughborough Swimming requires us to balance the groups each season to meet the aims of the programme.

Achieving a specific performance does not guarantee you a place in any specific squad and athletes will be allocated to a squad/coach at the start of the season.

12. Aquatics GB

At Loughborough Swimming, we are committed to fostering a strong, collaborative working relationship with the Aquatics GB Performance Centre. This partnership ensures that our selection processes align with best practices in athlete development, performance support and long-term success at the highest levels of competition.

Our selection decisions and the operation of the daily training environment are made in close consultation with the Aquatics GB Performance Centre, utilizing shared expertise, data-driven insights and a commitment to athlete well-being. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide a transparent, fair, and performance-focused pathway for athletes striving to compete at national and international levels.

We value the guidance and input of the Aquatics GB Performance Centre and will continue to work together to support our athletes in achieving their full potential.

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