Speed Devil: Swimmers must successfully complete every event listed for their age group at a sanctioned USA Swimming competition held between September 1 and May 31 of the award season. Disqualifications (DQs) do not count. A swimmer’s age on the date of each swim determines which age-group requirements that swim may satisfy.

Age-up rule: The younger and new age-group requirements are separate checklists. Swimmers must complete all requirements for their younger age group before their birthday, then complete all requirements for their new age group on or after their birthday and by May 31. Swims before the birthday count only toward the younger age group and do not carry over. An award earned before the birthday remains earned.

6 & Under: 25 free; 25 back; 50 in one stroke.

8 & Under: 25s in all strokes; 50s in all strokes except fly; 100 IM; 100 free.

9–10: 50s in all strokes; 100s in all strokes except fly; 100 IM; 200 IM; 200 free.

11–12: 50s and 100s in all strokes; 200 free; 200 IM; 200 in one non-freestyle stroke; 500 free.

13 & Up: 50 free; 100s and 200s in all strokes; 500 free; 1000 or 1650 free; 200 IM; 400 IM.

Capitol Award: Presented by the coach to the swimmer in the training group is always a positive influence on the group, with consistent, regular attendance, and recognizes their responsibility to work to the best of their abilities.

A.C.E. Award: Attitude, Competition, Excellence. This award is presented to a swimmer in the training group that is a great competitor. They have swum at the majority of the meets offered and done very well. This is likely to be the fastest swimmer in your group (relative to age and gender).

Coach’s Award: One swimmer who has made a special effort, commitment, improvement, or contribution that the coach believes is worthy of recognition. A hard-worker who is an example to the rest of their group. This is the swimmer who makes it easier to come each and every practice because they are just fun to coach. Each coach gives a single coach’s award across all of their groups.

Elizabeth Jane Stafford Award: Jane Stafford was the founder of Sea Devils, which began back in 1967 as the “Stafford Sea Devils.” She always stressed the concept of contribution to the community as a whole and developing a sense of giving to others and becoming a good citizen. She saw competitive swimming not as an entity unto itself, but as a wonderful opportunity to help young people grow and develop into thoughtful adults who recognize that each of us brings different experiences, skills, and abilities to this world, and we need to be cognizant of this fact in working together without infringing on the rights of others. All the lessons learned through swimming can be applied to every aspect of life. The recipient of this award has demonstrated an understanding for the rights of all individuals they come into contact with, and a great sense of keeping a positive attitude and balanced perspective in all of their endeavors. This award is presented to one member of The Capitol Sea Devils team.