MMA Practice Policy & Swimsuit FAQs

Required Practice Attire

All swimmers—both new and returning—are expected to have the minimum practice attire ready within two weeks of the first day of practice:

  • Proper competitive swimsuit

  • Swim goggles

  • Swim cap (required if your swimmer’s hair is long enough to get in their eyes)

Not permitted for practice:

  • Swim trunks or board shorts (open leg)

  • Recreational suits or loose-fitting swimwear

  • Swim shirts (unless required for religious reasons—see below)

  • Swim masks or any goggles that cover the nose (e.g., diving masks)

These items are not allowed because they create drag, promote poor technique, and can interfere with safe and effective swim instruction.

Why This Matters

Think of swim practice the same way you’d think of any other sport:
Just as soccer or softball requires shin guards and proper footwear, swimming requires the right gear for safety, performance, and skill development.

You wouldn’t wear jeans and sandals to basketball practice—swimming is no different. The goal of this policy is to create a safe and effective learning environment, not to exclude anyone.

FAQs

🩱 Do I have to wear the team suit?

  • No, the team suit is recommended but not required.

  • What’s most important is wearing a well-fitting, competitive swimsuit for practice.

  • Consider having a separate suit for meets and another for practice to extend suit life.

🚫 Why not board shorts or swim trunks?

  • Board shorts and trunks slow swimmers down and promote bad habits.

  • They create unnecessary drag and make movement in the water more difficult.

👕 Can my child wear a shirt in the water?

  • Shirts are not allowed during practice.

  • If your swimmer has religious clothing needs, brands like TYR offer tight-fitting competitive gear that complies with both performance and coverage needs.

🎩 Are swim caps required?

  • Yes, if your swimmer’s hair is long enough to get in their eyes.

  • Caps help with visibility, reduce resistance, and are part of general swim safety—just like tying your hair back in other sports.

👓 Are goggles required?

  • Yes. Goggles are necessary so swimmers can see where they’re going and avoid collisions.

  • No diving masks or goggles that cover the nose are allowed.

Suit Fit & Longevity

  • Loose suits wear out faster due to increased water flow through the fabric.

  • Avoid buying a size up hoping your swimmer will “grow into it.” An oversized suit:

    • Creates drag

    • Promotes poor technique

    • May stretch, discolor, or fall apart in as little as 1–2 months

A properly fitting suit, when rinsed in cold water and hung to dry after each use (no washing machines!), can last 3–6 months.

💻 Ordering Team Gear (With Discount!)

All team gear can be found on TYR.com with our exclusive team discount.

To access the discount:

  1. Visit teams.tyr.com

  2. Click "Create an Account"

  3. Fill out all required info and click "register"

  4. Use Access code 13136 when prompted