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Coaches-
The Youth Advisory Committee has been following this issue. We asked the staff and the safety committee for a recommendation on a standard swim test. They don't currently have a standard but here are their recommendations. Sorry for the delay but the issue came up just as the staff was moving to New Jersey.
-Frances Mennone
YAC Secretary
Statement from Willie Black at USRowing:
Hello,
USRowing does not have a written statement about swim tests. I do understand the inconsistency in recommending test suggestions but not having standards.
USRowing suggests that there needs to be two parts to the test, a) treading water b) swimming. These tests will not only allow you to gage proficiency in the water but will allow you to see who is really comfortable in the water. In an emergency you need to be able to identify and possibly rescue the rower who is the least competent and least comfortable in the water first.
Another important part is that coaches should never administer the tests themselves, it should always be done by a lifeguard or other water professional. Not only can that person help you identify weak swimmers it reduces your liability. The coach should always be present at the test to confer with the professional about the abilities of each athlete.
As a practice I have seen 10 min. tread and a 50 yard swim with clothes, a 15 min. tread and 100 swim with swimsuits. If possible it would be good to have the athletes put on a lifejacket while in the water (not as easy as it may seem).
Again, you need enough time during the test to have the rower show competency and ease in the water. I would talk to someone at a local pool about this and bring the team in and let them run the test.
Willie Black
USRowing does not have a written statement about swim tests. I do understand the inconsistency in recommending test suggestions but not having standards.
USRowing suggests that there needs to be two parts to the test, a) treading water b) swimming. These tests will not only allow you to gage proficiency in the water but will allow you to see who is really comfortable in the water. In an emergency you need to be able to identify and possibly rescue the rower who is the least competent and least comfortable in the water first.
Another important part is that coaches should never administer the tests themselves, it should always be done by a lifeguard or other water professional. Not only can that person help you identify weak swimmers it reduces your liability. The coach should always be present at the test to confer with the professional about the abilities of each athlete.
As a practice I have seen 10 min. tread and a 50 yard swim with clothes, a 15 min. tread and 100 swim with swimsuits. If possible it would be good to have the athletes put on a lifejacket while in the water (not as easy as it may seem).
Again, you need enough time during the test to have the rower show competency and ease in the water. I would talk to someone at a local pool about this and bring the team in and let them run the test.
Willie Black
Frances K. Mennone
Lincoln Park Juniors
www.rowchicago.com
773.454.2211 (w)
Lincoln Park Juniors
www.rowchicago.com
773.454.2211 (w)
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