From a previously email to all members of RICE Aquatics.

Parents- Listed are a few practice changes due to issues related to moving the current Rec Center into the the new Gibbs building. After these closures we should be in the clear for no pool closures until we are in the new pool A reminder that we will still be in the current pool until the 50 meter pool is open. This will be at a later date than when the Gibbs Rec Center opens. As soon as I have the date I will let you guys know. Until then we will be in the current pool.

No Practice Days

There will be No Practice this Friday September 18th for any group of RICE Aquatics. The Rec Center will be moving equipment and supplies into the building all day.

There will be No Practice Wednesday September 23rd and Friday September 25th of next week for the same issues involving the Rec Center.

Schedule Changes

We will have normal schedule Monday and Tuesday September 21st and 22nd

Thursday September 24th both Group 1’s and Group 2 will practice 4:45-5:30. We will be a bit crowded but will work on starts and turns using both ends of the pool. Groups 3,4, and Senior will have normal schedule.

Again thank you for being patient during the transition and as soon as I have more info on dates I will pass them along.

Coach Jason

Body Suits

USA Swimming Adopts October 1 Ban on Full-Body Suits (9/19/2009)

At its annual Convention on Saturday, over 400 USA Swimming Delegates, representing swim clubs from all 50 states, voted overwhelmingly for early implementation of a ban on high-tech swimsuits. The legislation, which will go into effect on October 1, regulates swimsuits worn in all USA Swimming–sanctioned competitions.
The Amendment to Rule 102.9 reads, in part:
“All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials. For men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees, and for women, shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the knee.”

Textile fabric is defined as material consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting and/or braiding.

The legislation will go into effect here in the U.S. three months before FINA, swimming’s international governing body, is expected to implement the same rule for international competition.

“As an organization, we have been working with FINA and other swimming nations to find a solution that will ensure a fair and even playing field for all swimmers, and that will ultimately advance the best interests of our sport,” said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming Executive Director. “With Saturday’s vote, our membership has sent a clear message that it wanted this action taken sooner, rather than later. We hope that this action will put the emphasis back where it belongs – on our athletes, their training and hard work.”

The regulation will apply to all levels of USA Swimming meets.

Click here to read the official correspondance on this issue.

Cone of Learning

Practice Change

Parents/Swimmers - The following closure affects all groups within RICE Aquatics.

Friday September 18th: Building closed all day (moving).

*Seniors check your email for practice updates by mid-week.

*This closure effects our Group 4 parent meeting we had planned for this Friday. I am working on rescheduling. Please check back for an update.*

The new Recreation Center will be open to the public on Friday, September 25th from 2:00 until close. As of right now I do not have a date for our move into the new pool but it is getting close. The pool is sitting and balancing out the chemicals as we speak. As soon as the staff has a solid date we will get it out to you ASAP. There may be a couple more closures or partial closures as the University transitions into the new building.

See you at the pool,

Coach Jason

RICE Aquatics will be sending three coaches to the ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) World Clinic this week. RICE University Head Coach Seth Huston, RICE Aquatics Head Coach Jason Wedlick and Masters Coach Chris Price. The American Swimming Coaches Association is a professional service organization based on a central theme of Leadership in American Swimming through Education, Certification, and Cooperation. ASCA is dedicated to creating and enhancing progressive and highly visible programs that are effective in strengthening and improving the coaching profession and building a stronger swimming community. Coaches from all over the US and World will be at the clinic this week. We are excited to go rub watches with some of the top coaches in the country and bring back a wealth of new knowledge to our staff and your swimmers.

During this time groups will still have practice but coach coverage will be less than a normal practice.

See you at the pool,

Coach Jason

Practice Schedules and Parent meetings are now viewable on our website. Please first log into the website then click the Group Calendar link. Choose your swimmers group in the drop down menu and you should see practice dates available for your swimmer as well as the parent meeting schedule for this month. If there are any changes that I know of ahead of time I will have the changes made prior to the start of the week on the calendar schedule. Otherwise emails will go out and for last minute notices a combination of email, front page notice, and blog notice. Please make sure to check the calendar early in the week. When events are added to the website they will be viewable on the calendar as well.

See you at the pool tomorrow! (Unless you do not have Tuesday practice)

Coach Jason