|
As we all watched
the Olympics this summer, and reveled in the performances and
excitement, I knew this was coming. The new tech suits where a big
part of the story, and now they are a big part of OUR story.
In September, your Dynamo coaches brought forth some uniform
limitations for Georgia Swimming that would restrict how much suit
Age Group swimmers could wear while racing. Within Georgia and our
meetings, it was defeated. I don’t think any coach is really
in favor of suit technology, but many are weary of legislating it
at the LSC level.
This past week, and the United States Aquatic Sports Convention,
such legislation was actually enacted by USA Swimming restricting
the amount of suit that a 12 and under can wear in an age group
meet to nothing below the knees, or covering the shoulder. This
means that jammers are fine and a normal silhouette for our girls.
Below the knees and anything that zips up the back is not permitted
by these age groups.
The Dynamo coaches are in favor of such, and we are enacting an
updated suit policy for our team. We 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 $550.00. Again, these LZR 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
this weekend, we do expect our athletes to be in the Team suit at
meets after that.
We appreciate your support on this issue.
|
