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About USA Swimming
You're here: Parents | Getting Started
What is USA Swimming?
USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for competitive swimming in the United States. As the National Governing Body for the sport, USA Swimming is responsible for the conduct and administration of swimming in the United States. Read more...
The Basics

Here are some basic facts every parent needs to know about the sport of swimming. Read more...

Equipment

Here is a list of common equipment used by competitive swimmers. Not all equipment is required for every swimmer, and some clubs may even provide certain items for practice and meets. Your child’s coach will be able to tell you exactly what your swimmer needs. Read more...

Swim Meets

Swim meets are a great family experience. They're a place where the whole family can spend time together. Here are some very in-depth guidelines geared to help you through your first couple of swim meets. Read more...

The Rules
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer. Read more...
Glossary of Swimming Terms
A glossary of those strange and wacky words we use in the sport of swimming. Relax and take your time reading.  Soon you'll be understanding and maybe even speaking some "swim slang." Read more...
General FAQs
Q:  01. What are the specific health benefits of swimming?
Q:  02. What is a novice swimmer? Why is my child called an “Age Grouper”?
Q:  03. How can I ensure that this club program is best for my child?
Q:  04. Is swimming the only sport or activity my child should be involved in?
Q:  05. My child shows some natural ability in swimming and I want to encourage him to develop these abilities. What is the best way to push my child to excel in swimming?
Q:  06. I thought swimming was an individual sport. Why is there so much emphasis on a team atmosphere?
Q:  07. How hard does my child have to train to earn a college scholarship?
Competition FAQs
Q:  01. Should I be concerned if my daughter gets DQ’ed at the meet?
Q:  02. Why does it seem that my child’s swimming is so inconsistent? One meet she drops 5 seconds a swim and the next meet she adds time? In addition the coach keeps telling her that her times are not the most important thing, it’s how you swim the race.
Q:  03. My child’s coach says that if he or she makes an NRT or Top 16 time, it’s by accident. I don’t even know what an NRT is. What is an NRT?
Q:  04. My child is very excited. He said if he drops 2 more tenths in his 100 fly, he’ll make the zone team. What is the Zone team?
Q:  05. My child got an invitation to attend a camp. What is the benefit of attending a swim camp?
 
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