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  • Announcements regarding our community.

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    adamA
    06/02/2025 - Extra Time Standards now available across the site on: Swimmer Profile | Meet Results | Rankings
  • A place to talk about whatever you want.

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    adamA
    @narkeleptk Yes, it's now added: https://swimstandards.com/meets/2025-va-lc-age-group-champs-0724
  • The simple guide to all things swimming.

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    S
    Starting in the 2025–26 school year, major changes are coming to college swimming due to the House v. NCAA settlement. According to NCSA, these changes affect scholarships, roster sizes, and even athlete pay — but what does it all actually mean? Let’s break it down clearly for swimmers and families new to the process. What Changed for NCAA Swimming? 1. Scholarship Cap Removed Before: NCAA capped men’s swimming scholarships at 9.9 (equivalency). Now: That cap is gone — schools can give aid to as many swimmers as they want, up to the new 30-athlete roster limit. But: Just because they can give more aid doesn’t mean they will. Schools must fund that money themselves. 2. Roster Limits Introduced NCAA D1 men’s and women’s swimming teams will now be limited to 30 rostered athletes. Previously, teams could carry 35–45 swimmers. Now, walk-on opportunities may shrink. 3. Schools Can Pay Athletes (New $20.5M Pool) Starting July 1, 2025, schools can choose to share up to $20.5 million per year with all their student-athletes. This is separate from scholarships. Distribution is not required to be equal and will likely favor high-revenue sports (football, basketball). Swimming may receive a small share or none at all. ️ What Didn’t Change No New Money From the NCAA The NCAA isn’t giving schools extra money to fund these changes. If a school doesn’t increase its swim budget, the amount of financial aid available will stay the same, even with more flexibility. Ivy League Policy Remains the Same Ivy League schools still do not offer athletic scholarships (including for swimming). They continue to provide need-based financial aid only. 🧮 Real Example (Clarified) Let’s say a school’s swim team has a $400,000 scholarship budget. Under old rules: Coach could divide that across ~20 swimmers within the 9.9 cap. Under new rules: Coach can still spend only $400k, but now across up to 30 athletes. That money is not split equally. Some swimmers may get full scholarships, others partial, and some none at all. Who Actually Benefits? Situation Result School increases swim budget More swimmers can receive meaningful aid School keeps same budget ️ More competition for the same dollars School cuts walk-on slots Fewer athletes total, less access What Swimmers & Families Should Do ️ Ask Coaches Directly: “How many scholarships are actually funded at your program?” “Do you expect to increase funding under the new rules?” “What happens to walk-ons now that roster sizes are capped?” ️ Understand the Rules vs. Reality: New rules give permission, not guarantees. Each school decides how much they actually fund. ️ Focus on Academics + Performance: Combine strong grades with fast swimming to stand out. Keep options open across divisions and conferences. Final Takeaway The new NCAA rules allow schools to give more — But unless your school chooses to invest in swimming, you might see no difference at all. This change opens the door, but it’s still up to schools and coaches to decide who walks through it.
  • Unleash Your Aquatic Style: Dive into the Discussions!

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    swimdealsS
    Swim training fins are essential tools for improving technique, building leg strength, and increasing overall efficiency in the water. But not all fins are created equal — the length of the blade can significantly impact your swim experience. So, what’s the difference between long fins and short fins, and which type should you choose? Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison of two standout options: FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins and Speedo Short Blade Training Fins. Long Blade Fins: Boost Technique and Buoyancy [image: 71ZBxvs2SLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg] FINIS Long Floating Swim Fins – $38.00 Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. Why Choose These? Maximum Buoyancy: Lifts legs to improve body position and reduce drag. Great for Technique: Encourages a longer, more fluid kick ideal for beginners and technique-focused swimmers. Versatile Fit: Available in sizes for all ages and floats in both salt and fresh water. Training Essential: Perfect for early swimmers learning correct alignment and rhythm. Long swim fins are a powerful tool for swimmers looking to improve their technique, especially when developing a more efficient and elongated flutter kick. Their extended blade length increases resistance in the water, which encourages a slower, more deliberate kick tempo that mirrors ideal swim form. Short Blade Fins: Power, Speed, and Tempo [image: 71mC-mFXsqL._AC_SL1500_.jpg] Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Training Fins – $33.45 Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. Why Choose These? Short Blade = Fast Kick: Mimics race-day tempo for advanced training. Comfort First: Super-soft silicone foot pocket ensures comfort during long sets. Strength & Conditioning: Builds kick strength without sacrificing technique. Wide Size Range: Accommodates swimmers of all sizes with a snug fit. Short blade fins promote a tight, compact kick that mirrors correct freestyle and backstroke mechanics. Because they don't significantly alter your movement pattern, they help reinforce technique instead of masking flaws — making them excellent tools for refining form in advanced swimmers. Final Verdict: Long or Short? Choose Long Fins if you're focusing on technique, body position, or are newer to swim training. Go with Short Fins for power training, speed work, and advanced workouts where tempo control is key. No matter your level, incorporating the right fins into your swim training can take your performance to the next level. Pro Tip: Many swimmers keep both long and short fins in their gear bag to alternate based on the day’s training goals!
  • Fuel, hydrate, and recover the smart way.

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    swimdealsS
    Whether you're crushing early laps or winding down from a long swim set, the right fuel makes all the difference. These three swim-ready nutrition picks are optimized for hydration, energy, and recovery — without the sluggish side effects. Dive in and swim stronger with every session. 1. PICTAW Electrolytes Powder Packets – Rapid Hydration On-the-Go [image: 81f3D07ZAOL._AC_SX679_.jpg] Why Swimmers Love It: This isn’t your average sports drink. PICTAW delivers a clean, plant-powered electrolyte boost with essential B vitamins and vitamin C — all without the syrupy aftertaste. Designed to rehydrate fast, it's perfect before practice, after long sets, or between open water swims. Low-sugar formula with sodium, potassium, and B-complex support Travel-friendly stick packs mix instantly in water Keto, Paleo, and gluten-free approved Variety of fruit flavors for refreshing hydration $23.98 (Limited Time Deal) — List: $39.99 Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. 2. Zbar Protein – Cookies ’N Creme Organic Snack Bars (15 Pack) [image: 81HKMwoo-0L._SX679_PIbundle-15,TopRight,0,0_AA679SH20_.jpg] Why Swimmers Love It: Fuel up without the crash. These kid-friendly bars pack 5g of protein from organic oats and are perfect for post-practice munchies or mid-day energy boosts. The crispy cookie crunch doesn’t hurt either. Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial ingredients Ideal for growing athletes and swim families $14.99 Save 30% with Subscribe & Save option Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. 3. Honey Stinger Organic Fruit Smoothie Energy Chews (12 Pack) [image: 81cwHbaOkwL._SX679_.jpg] Why Swimmers Love It: Quick carbs, smooth texture, and zero caffeine — these chews are a go-to for swim meets and long training days. With sodium and vitamin C in every serving, they support endurance without upsetting your stomach. USDA Organic and gluten-free 23g of fast-absorbing carbs per serving Pop-and-go portability for poolside fuel-ups Trusted by over 2,000 pro and college teams $24.88 Save 15% with Subscribe & Save option Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. Swim Smarter, Recover Faster Smart nutrition keeps you light, hydrated, and powered through every lap. Whether you're prepping for practice or recovering post-swim, these products help you stay one stroke ahead.
  • Dive into the latest news and events on swimming around the USA.

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    adamA
    Mark your calendars! The PVS 14 & Under Long Course Championships — also known as Summer JO — are set for July 17–18 and 20–21, 2025 at the University of Maryland’s Eppley Recreation Center. This is the top championship meet of the summer for Potomac Valley’s 10&U, 11-12, and 13-14 age groups. Swimmers must meet qualifying standards to compete. Venue: University of Maryland, College Park Eppley Recreation Center Meet Schedule: Day 13–14 Prelims 12&U Prelims Finals Thu, Jul 17 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Fri, Jul 18 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Sun, Jul 20 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Mon, Jul 21 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 @ 8:00 PM Late entries accepted through Monday, July 14 @ 12:00 PM (additional fees apply) Qualifying Standards: PVS 2025 14 & Under Championships Time Standards Meet Announcement: Download Meet Info PDF Highlights: Prelims/finals format for all 200m & shorter events Distance events (400/800/1500 Free, 400 IM) are timed finals Relays are timed finals and swum during prelims High Point awards for each age group (10&U, 11-12, 13-14) NO time trials at this meet Spectator Info: $15 per session or $50 full meet pass (under 18 free) Volunteer to earn free admission passes (see your club for sign-up) This is the summer championship meet for age group swimmers in Potomac Valley. Good luck to everyone competing!
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  • Need help? Ask questions, report issues, or get support here.

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    adamA
    Q: Why does a swimmer with a time close to a AAA cut only have a power point score of 562? A: AAA cuts are based on percentiles, typically representing the top ~6-7% of swimmers in an age group. Power points, however, are calculated differently: Power points compare times to the fastest historical performances ever recorded, not just recent years. They don’t reset every four years like AAA times, so older, exceptionally fast swims continue to impact the benchmarks. Different events have different scoring scales—longer races often require larger time drops to significantly increase power points. For example, in a distance event like the 500 Free, small time drops may not lead to major power point increases because the top historical times are extremely fast. That’s why a AAA time doesn’t always translate to a high power point score. Q: How often does USA Swimming update power points? A: USA Swimming doesn’t officially disclose how frequently they update power points, but they are based on historical all-time data, rather than just the past four years like AAA, AA, and other time standards.
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