Sunday, May 23, 2010

Swim Suit Policy

I am posting this as a reminder as I know questions come up and we see a lot of things at swim meets. This is an excerpt sent out last year to all families:



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The Dynamo coaches are very sensitive to any and all additional costs for this sport, and look for ways to eliminate rather than add them. Our policy as such is to limit the suits for our 14 and Under swimmers. Senior swimmers (15 and over), and those younger swimmers who compete in Senior Level meets are not restricted, except to be guided by their coaches. In all:
For all meets but championship meets, our swimmers are to wear their traditional black suit with the Dynamo logo. The only requirements Dynamo asks of its athletes is the black suit and yellow cap. Other Dynamo gear you purchase is encouraged, but not required.


For Championship meets:
10 and Unders are to stick with their normal cut of suit they have been wearing all year. The ‘tech’ suits are not at all made for these body types.


11-12 year olds have the option of wearing their traditional suit, or a Speedo Aquablade. The Aquablade is an excellent suit, and costs well under $100.00 versus a LZR that can cost $350.00. Again, these suits are not designed for this body type.


13-14 year olds are also encouraged to wear their traditional suit or the Aquablade at their championship meet. 13-14 year olds who compete at Senior Level meets (SR. State or SR Sectionals) may be encouraged to wear a tech suit (LZR or Faststkin Pro) by their coaches. We are serious about eliminating monetary roadblocks to athletes competing in our sport. The advantage we are interested in exploiting is the one that states you belong to Dynamo, and are surrounded by a great group of coaches and teammates, and we will out technique and out-work our opponents. For ordering the team suit, you use the Kastaway order form. While we won’t be too hard on those who don’t have their suit their first meet, we do expect our athletes to be in the Team suit at meets after that.

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The reason why I bring this up is so that not only you are aware of the policy, but know that I will enforce it. At States last summer I asked a 10 yr old girl in our group to change suits because she was in an aquablade. I have asked swimmers to change suits this year in the short course season. I have been asked a couple of times why not 10 & Unders, but lets look at what we are building your swimmer up for without the suit vs with.



With the "tech suit" - there is a lot of hype as well as the mental mid set. I heard one swimmer refer to it once as their Super Suit. They think they can only swim fast if they are wearing that suit. When they don't swim fast the next time they where- it will be they need a newer suit or a better one - this means more $$ from the parent and not a good mindset for the swimmer especially at a young age.

Swimming without a "tech suit" - swimmers learn how to swim well and fast through technique and hard work. At the 12 & Under age (esp. those who have not hit puberty) any suit that is a tight/snug fit is appropriate and what it is made of makes very little difference. Introducing them to the suit as they get older will help financially as they are more likely to be committed to swimming more as well as an understanding that the suit alone does not make you faster - there are other things at play in that moment (hard work, technique, mental mindset, and sometimes pure luck!).

Save your money for every meet you will attend this summer for a drink of water for you and your swimmer, snacks during the meet, as well as a treat for your swimmer post meet. That will be money better spent on them for their performance at this age!

Hope this helps!

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