Our Kids Initiative
Our Kids Initiative
Jay Thomas
Jay Thomas
Our Kids Initiative (OKI) is a committee formed in 2000 in an effort to bring leaders from all governing bodies together to discuss what could be done to help all swimmers in the U.S. have the ability to compete without fear of being disqualified, regardless of whether the competition was held under World Aquatics (AQUA, formerly FINA), NCAA, NFHS, USA Swimming, USMS or YMCA rules.
The committee members represent ASCA, CSCAA, CSOA, AQUA, NCAA, NFHS, NISCA, USA Swimming, USMS, USOPC and the YMCA and have accepted the challenge of communication for the betterment of the sport for all of our athletes. The beneficiaries of this effort are the U.S athletes who practice and compete in each other’s pools throughout the country and who represent us internationally.
One challenge Officials have when they are working meets across different rule making bodies is having a keen understanding of the differences between the sanctioning organization. OKI has maintained “Rules Differences” and “Water Depth Differences” summary charts to assist. These documents can be found at www.ourkidsinitiative.org under the “Rules” tab.
The committee members represent ASCA, CSCAA, CSOA, AQUA, NCAA, NFHS, NISCA, USA Swimming, USMS, USOPC and the YMCA and have accepted the challenge of communication for the betterment of the sport for all of our athletes. The beneficiaries of this effort are the U.S athletes who practice and compete in each other’s pools throughout the country and who represent us internationally.
One challenge Officials have when they are working meets across different rule making bodies is having a keen understanding of the differences between the sanctioning organization. OKI has maintained “Rules Differences” and “Water Depth Differences” summary charts to assist. These documents can be found at www.ourkidsinitiative.org under the “Rules” tab.
