US SWIMMING AT THE ACWS
You have most likely seen the term “US Swimming”
numerous times in the information packet and
the registration form. To help parents understand what
US Swimming is and help you decide if it is
right for your child and your family, I found this
excellent summary compliments of the Palmyra Aquatic
Club.
What is US Swimming?
US Swimming is the
largest governing body for swimming in the US. The point of US Swimming is
to
foster a
developmental atmosphere in which kids of all ages can compete against other
swimmers that are
their age and are of
similar ability. Events are seeded based upon the entry time of the
athletes. This
means that if your
child’s best 100 freestyle time is “1:45” then your child will be swimming
against other
children who have a
similar time. Each heat is seeded on times and therefore results in a more
competitive
environment- allowing kids to swim with kids of similar times.
What are the advantages of US Swimming?
There are some
distinct advantages to the set-up of US meets. First, it allows you and your
child to pick
what they want to
swim (unlike a league meet where coaches pick your child’s events). Second,
there is
no such thing as
“exhibition” vs. “live” in US meets. While each swimmer represents PAC, they
are truly
competing against
the clock and points are not really relevant. They are truly swimming for
themselves
with the support of
parents and teammates. Finally, your child is far more likely to compete
against
children of similar
abilities in a US meet than they are in a dual meet.
Does US Swimming involve travel?
We compete in
approximately 2-3 US meets between October and March. Those meets are held
in
Mechanicsburg (45
minute drive), Lancaster (45 minute drive), Emmaus (Allentown area) (1 ½
hour
drive), and
Allentown (1 ½ hour drive). You are certainly free to choose others in
our region.
Do I have to participate in every US meet?
No! Most US meets
offer events on Saturday and Sunday. You can pick and chose which days and
in
which meets you
participate. You can swim events on Saturday, Sunday or both. You
participate as it
suits your schedule
and needs.
Isn’t US Swimming for the more advanced
swimmer?
Absolutely not! US
Swimming is a developmental program. Swimmers compete and advance according
to their skill and
age level. Unlike our league meets, in US meets swimmers are placed in heats
with
swimmers of the same
age and skill level. US swimming provides the perfect opportunity for
swimmers
to build confidence.
Why are there additional costs for US
Swimming?
There are a couple
reasons for the extra costs. First, each swimmer must be registered with USA
Swimming. The fees
for US registration are $55 per calendar year.
We encourage everyone who is considering becoming a US
swimmer to personally discuss the
program with Coach Greg. US Swimming can provide your
child with a great swimming experience.
You can also feel
free to visit the USA Swimming website at
www.usaswimming.org
for additional
information. Our
“LSC” (Local Swim Committee) is Middle Atlantic Swimming
