The following are various articles that all parents should read about their child's swimming. These and more information for parents can be found on the USA Swimming website, www.usaswimming.org. (Click Here to check it out!)
1) Successful Sports Parenting
2) 5 Tips for Parents - Safe Sport
4) Does "Energy Drink" In = Energy Out?
TIME STANDARDS EXPLAINED:
Motivational Times: What does it take for you to swim fast? It is important to note that standards are specific to the pool length. Long Course Meters (LCM) refers to a 50-meter pool like the ones we swim in during the outdoor season; Short Course Meters (SCM) refers to a 25-meter pool like the Union 6th and 7th Grade Center Pool; and Short Course Yards (SCY) refers to a 25-yard pool like most of the ones we swim in during the indoor season. Match your time to the correct list of standards.
Motivational Time Standards
A. USA Swimming National Age Group Motivational Time Standards (the one you need) - The National Age Group Time Standards are used by swimmers to track their progress toward ’B’, ’BB’, ’A’, ’AA’, ’AAA’, and ’AAAA’ times. Often, these times are used for meet qualification. There are times for boys and girls in each course LCM, SCM and SCY. They are updated every 4 years.
B . IMX Extreme Challenge-Swimmers will participate in a designated combination of five or six events and, based on the power points scored for each of those swims, earn a combined score that will be called the IMX Score. These combined scores will be ranked by single ages with rankings and recognition available on the USA Swimming website. In order to receive an IMX score, a swimmer must legally swim each IMX event for their age level in a sanctioned meet at least once during the season.
For more information, click on the IMX link above.
C. "Go for the Gold" Meets - All SwimAmerica Station 6 & 7 and SwimTulsa Blue and White Team members participate in the Go for the Gold motivational meets. Held every eight weeks during regular practice times.
Goal Times - Start at the bottom of this list, set your goals and work your way to the top!
A. Olympic Team Trials
B. USA Swimming National Championships: Time and place TBA. See USA Swimming website for QT's
C. USA Swimming Junior National Championships: Time and place TBA. See USA Swimming website for QT's
D. Texas Senior Circuit meets: A series of meets held each summer to provide exciting competition for the Nation’s elite swimmers. See meet info for qualifying times.
E. Speedo Championship Series Central Sectionals: Held in March and July, this senior level meet is a regional championship sponsored by USA Swimming and Speedo. Oklahoma Swimming participates in the Central Section Region VIII meet. See meet info for qualifying times.
F. Elite Meet: Held annually in Dec, this senior level meet takes place in Edmond. See meet info for QT's
G. USA Swimming Futures Championship Meet: Held annually in August. LSC's are assigned to a certain area to compete. Place and times TBA. This meet has qualifying times and swimmers attend with their team.
H. USA Swimming 14 & Under Central Zone Championships LC: Held annually in August, this is USA Swimming’s Elite Age Group Championship meet. The Oklahoma Zone Team is made up of AAA swimmers and is for 14 & Under swimmers. 200’s of each stroke will be offered for the 11-12 age group. Date and place TBA. The team is put together during the summer season. Transportation and hotel is arranged by Oklahoma Swimming and the swimmers compete as the Oklahoma Zone Team.
I. ConocoPhillips Meet of Champions SC: Held annually in Bartlesville , Ok. (SCY) this age group championship meet attracts swimmers from all over the region. See meet info for qualifying times.
J. Oklahoma Swimming State Championships: There are time standards for Short Course and Long Course. Held twice annually in Feb. or March (SCY) and July (LCM) this age group meet serves as our state championship each season.
K. Oklahoma Division II Championships: See meet info for Div II Minimum QT's. Held twice annually in Feb.or March (SCY) and July (LCM) Age group swimmers may enter any event in which they have not yet qualified in an event for the Oklahoma Swimming State Championship meet.
Swimmers begin competing in USA meets sanctioned by the Oklahoma LSC (Local Swimming Committee). Some of these meets are restricted by qualifying time, others are open to all swimmers. Visit with your coach to develop a season plan.
