Practice Swim Suits
Hello WEST PreComp and SwimFit Families,
I had sent out a notice to PreComp and SwimFit Families towards the end of December regarding swim suits for practices, and our coaches will be leading group in-practice discussions regarding a good practice suit. They do not need fancy racing suits yet, but avoiding loose and baggy suits is crucial to a swimmer’s progress and development.
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions’s regarding appropriate practice suits. WEST does have a *limited* supply of suits that can be purchased at the front office, but we recommend parents purchase on SwimOutlet, using the provided sizing guides. If you have any questions regarding how to find the correct size suit - don’t hesitate to contact your coach either by email or before or after practice.
Q: Should I size up the suit so that the swimmer may grow into it?
No! Parents should not size up in hopes that they will ‘grow’ into their suit, as suits do stretch out over time. Ensure that your swimmer’s swim suits are snug and well fitted. As a general rule of thumb, boys should not have jammers that stretch past the knees and girls should not have suits that the straps reach past their ear lobes.
Furthermore, USA Swimming (USA Swimming Rulebook Section 102.8) has specific guidelines regarding approved swimwear that can be used in competition that we will enforce within our non competitive programs.
Q: Can boys wear T shirts or Rashguards?
T-shirts or rash guards should not be worn by competitive swimmers. Exceptions may be made for religious reasons and there are some types that work better than others. Any clothing worn for religious reasons must be discussed prior with their coach and follow USA Swimming’s protocols.
Q: Can boys wear board shorts or trunks?
Board shorts and trunks cannot be worn by competitive swimmers and will not be allowed in practice or competition. Swimmers identifying as Male must wear either a tight fitting jammer (knee length) or a brief. Once swimmers turn 13, they are expected to wear a brief or square leg suit for all training and in-season competition if they are on the competitive team.
Q: How do we know what kind of suit is appropriate for girls?
Swimmers identifying as Female have a variety of different swimsuit styles to choose from with a range of different coverage options, and should be tight fitting. Shoulder straps should only be able to be pulled up to the bottom of the earlobe; anything greater means the suit is too big or loose and will cause faster deterioration, as well as increase drag. Suits cannot have decorative skirts, beads, frays, straps, or any buckles or zippers.
Q: What should Gender Diverse Minor Athletes wear?
USA Swimming has recommended practices for the inclusion of gender diverse minor athletes. These recommendations are consistent with WEST’s values of equal opportunity and the right for all members to participate. Parents should communicate with WEST coaches prior to the swimmer starting practices.
Q: What are some good resources for parents of a swimmer?
We have a wealth of knowledge available to our parents right on our team website. Navigate to Club Swim Team > Parent Resources, and this has a lot of useful information that goes beyond practice suits.
Please let us know if you have any questions! All swimmers should have a proper practice suit by the end of February. Click Here to View the PDF Version of this information.
Coach Mariana: [email protected]
Coach Theresa: [email protected]
Coach Daniel: *Please contact him before / after practice OR send an email to [email protected].
Best,
Coach Tim & WEST Coaching Staff
