Approved Suits 10/12/09

Until such time as FINA releases their list of approved suits, the following criteria should be used to determine if a suit is legal for competition:
 
1.    Swimsuits for men may not extend above the navel or below the knee and for women may not cover
the neck or extend past the shoulders or below the knee;
 
2.    No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie on a brief or jammer; and
 
3.    Suits must be of textile material and must not be made of any rubberized type of material such as
polyurethane or neoprene.
 
If the suit meets the above three criteria, it should be assumed to be an approved suit during this interim period.  USA Swimming understands and appreciates the difficulties surrounding this issue and we are trying to do everything we can to expedite the FINA list being published.  Coaches, officials and swimmers are urged to use common sense in this matter.

Positive Parenting Tips  10/05/09

1. Your child needs your emotional, physical, and financial support. Be liberal in providing this support.  

2. Support but do not push your child.  

3. Understand development – long-term development as an athlete, and growth and development as it impacts performance.  

4. Be realistic in terms of expectations; factor in age and skill level; be aware of your child’s perception of your expectations.  

5. Emphasize performance and effort, not just outcome. The athlete only has control over his/her performance. Define and measure success as giving maximal effort and as personal improvement.  

6. Keep winning in perspective.  

7. Do not bribe.  

8. Give plenty of encouraging and rewarding statements. Criticize sparingly.  

9. View swimming as an arena in which to teach your child about commitment, hard work, and coping with adversity.  

10.Work to form an effective Coach-Athlete-Parent Triangle.