Artistic Swimming Grades are an integral part of the synchro journey. Swim England Artistic Swimming run a three-strand award system for athletes; Figure Grades, Routine Grades, and Land Grades.
As you progress as an artistic swimmer you will need to have your artistic swimming grades tested before you can enter certain competitions.
Figure Grades
There are six figures grades that provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their age group figures.
These grades support swimmer long term athlete development (LTAD) and ensure each athlete performs to their very best standard before moving to their next grade.
Each grade has three levels (gold, silver, and bronze) so all athletes have the ability to perfect their figures before moving to the next grade.
Select one of the grades below to read more about it and watch videos of each element.
Routine Grades
There are five routine grades that provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their routine skills.
These grades compliment the figure grades and ensure athletes are developing their transitions, speed of movement and hybrids ready for solos, teams, and routines as they develop.
Select one of the grades below to read more about it and watch videos of each element.
Land Grades
There are five land grades that provide an increasing test of ability for athletes on their land skills.
These grades compliment the figure and routine grades and ensure athletes are developing core strength, flexibility, and speed of movement on land which transfers to the pool through figures and routines.
Click the following link to read more about the requirements of each grade: Land Grades 1 - 5
The new FINA 2017-2021 figures and tech elements can be found by clicking on FINA Rules 2017-2021 (pdf)
To see more about English Grades: https://www.swimming.org/artistic-swimming/artistic-swimming-skill-levels/
Learn more about what to expect at Grading days here.