Swim Suit Policy

Just a reminder of Osprey's swim suit policy. This can be found in the parent handbook and on the web site under "General Info".

Swimmers must wear a team suit or an approved fast suit to all meets. Our team has a specific suit policy. This is in place for a number of reasons. It is good for the swimmer who reaches a new level in swimming to have the ability to us a special suit for the special competition. We do see some swimmers on other team wearing “Fast” suits to meets where we are swimming through and not even rested for. In our opinion this is not the proper use of the tool so we have created the policy that we use.

Our “Fast” suit policy is as follows:

If you have JO+ time standards (PRT for 8 & under) you may at times be allowed to wear a racing suit. This suit has been chosen by the coach who will inform you at which meets it may be worn. The Level 1 suit type we use is a Speedo Aqua Blade or similar fast suit of another brand. This suit must be all navy, no two tone suits.  You will only be allowed to wear it at meets where you are rested or tapered. If you own this suit, it may not be worn at a meet where coaches approval is not given. If you show up at a meet without a regular team suit and only have the JO+ racing suit you must either return home to retrieve your team suit or purchase another one at the meet. Swimmers not in proper team suit will participate without the benefit of a coach and could face further sanction, including possible suspension. It is important that we are all on the same page, participating in good faith for the good of the swimmers and the program.

Any swimmer 13 and above with FW+ times, or under 13 with individual PRT times, may wear a Level 2 suit such as Speedo FSII racing suit, or other similar racing suit. Often it is difficult to get these suits in exact team colors. It is our hope that you will attempt to come as close to the team colors of Navy, Gold, and White as possible. A Fast skin suit may only be worn at the coaches request and usually only for JO+ meets. These suits are rather costly, and while no swimmer will be required to own a FSII level suit, once they achieve the standards, it's in their best interests to own one. If you would like to purchase one, understand that they are only allowed at the most elite competitions. Swimmers not in proper team suit will participate without the benefit of a coach and could face further sanction. It is important that we are all on the same page, participating in good faith for the good of the swimmers and the program.

The next Level 3 suit such as Speedo Pro, are only allowed at the top level meets. Swimmers must be at the level where they are finaling at JO or Far Western meets or swimming at the sectionals and above level. These suits are very expensive and are not expected to last more than a few meets. These suits do not always come in our team colors so at this level the color is not an issue. Try and get blue.

The Level 4 suit is the top level, Blue 70, Speedo LZR and Finis Amphibian. In order to qualify for this level suit a swimmer must have Sectional times and above. These suits are worn at top level meets when shaved and tapered, or when the coach sees a swimmer performing very well and decides to have the suit worn for a given final.

Please be aware that even if you have a Level 3 or 4 fast suit you must still own a team suit as well as a Level 1 or 2 racing suit. Depending on the meet you will not always be allowed to wear your fastest suit.

These are examples of suits in each category:

If you are unsure about a partaicular suit please ask before you buy.

Thanks,
Brian and Shannon