Questions and Answers
Competitive swimming can be very confusing when first introduced. Deep breath.....you're not alone. We want to do our best to communicate these common areas of confusion. If, for some reason, you still are confused after reading through our website, please reach out to one of the coaches, parents, or leave a question on our website.
What is USA Swimming?
We will admit the title is a little confusing. USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for competitive swimming in the United States. As such, USA Swimming is responsible for the conduct and administration of swimming teams in the United States. In the capacity, USA Swimming formulates the rules, implements the policies and procedures, conducts the national championships, disseminate safety and sports medicine information, and selects athlete to represent the United States in international competition.
Okay, so what does that mean for our swimmers, and how is that differ from our local swim league meets? Meets that our sanctioned by USA Swimming involve longer distance meets. Typically, our local swim leagues are short distance events. Meaning, most events are 25, 50, or 100 yard or meter events (depending on the pool length). However, the Barracudas Developmental Process is focused on preparing our swimmers for these longer distance USA meets. These meets challenge our swimmers to push beyond their limits.
By joining USA Swimming, it allows swimmers to participate in these nationally recognized events, which are often held in nearby collegiate aquatic centers. As swimmers compete in these events, they get to swim against kids from all over the country. Not to mention, they get a glimpse at possible future aspirations of collegiate swimming.
There is a separate $80 per year annual registration fee that is required to participate in USA Swimming.
Okay, so what does that mean for our swimmers, and how is that differ from our local swim league meets? Meets that our sanctioned by USA Swimming involve longer distance meets. Typically, our local swim leagues are short distance events. Meaning, most events are 25, 50, or 100 yard or meter events (depending on the pool length). However, the Barracudas Developmental Process is focused on preparing our swimmers for these longer distance USA meets. These meets challenge our swimmers to push beyond their limits.
By joining USA Swimming, it allows swimmers to participate in these nationally recognized events, which are often held in nearby collegiate aquatic centers. As swimmers compete in these events, they get to swim against kids from all over the country. Not to mention, they get a glimpse at possible future aspirations of collegiate swimming.
There is a separate $80 per year annual registration fee that is required to participate in USA Swimming.
Are all pools the same dimensions?
No, all pools are not created the same dimensions. Some pools are in yards and some in meters. Therefore, times will be different due to meter pools being longer. When you receive your Meet Sheet before an upcoming meet, pay close attention to the unit of measurement.
For example, on the Meet Sheet you may see "Boys 6 & Under 100 Yard Freestyle Relay." When you see "Yard" you know the pool is a "yard pool."
For example, on the Meet Sheet you may see "Boys 6 & Under 100 Yard Freestyle Relay." When you see "Yard" you know the pool is a "yard pool."
What's the difference between short course and long course meets?
Short course meets run through the winter months, and pool lengths are 25 yard or 25 meters in length. Long course meets run through the summer months, and pools measure 50 meters in length. Note: long course meets only apply to USA Swimming sanctioned meets. All local swim leagues (summer and winter) are short course meets.
What do all the acronyms mean?
BST - Barracuda Swim Team
DQ - Disqualification
IM - Individual Medley - Swimmer swims all 4 strokes in one event.
DSA - Delmarva Swim Association - Summer Swim League
DQ - Disqualification
IM - Individual Medley - Swimmer swims all 4 strokes in one event.
DSA - Delmarva Swim Association - Summer Swim League