This summer, to address the continually evolving awareness of gender identity in sport, SwimTopia is updating the terminology used in our products from “Gender” to “Competition Category.” This change more clearly reflects the intended use of “Male” and “Female” labels in our products: for the purposes of competitive classification and not as an indication of an individual’s gender … [Read more...]
Coaches
From Summer Swimmer to Year-round Athlete
We are quickly reaching, if not the end of the season for many leagues, at least the mid-way point (where does the time go??). It’s been a whirlwind of cheers and chants, snacks and backpacks, chlorine and cozy towels. And maybe, just maybe, your young athlete has caught the ‘swimming bug.’ Perhaps, they’re not quite ready to hang up their swimsuit for the year. “What’s next??” they might be … [Read more...]
SwimTopia Summer Series: Key Player Parent Volunteers
Summer season 2022 is under way and we’re all embracing the glorious chaos! If you are a parent volunteer, you’re already in the thick of the action: arriving early at meets (a.k.a. The Crack of Dawn) for setup, darting here and there to gather kiddos for the ready bench, scrutinizing every race as a stroke judge, marking event/heat/lane grids on athletes’ arms. It’s a lot. If you are what we … [Read more...]
SwimTopia’s Summer Series: Dealing with DQs
The first meet of the season is quickly approaching (or already behind you in some states!)! Both new and returning swim parents often have many questions pre-season, several of which may involve “Disqualifications” (a.k.a. DQs). Returning parents might have encountered DQs in seasons past and new parents may be wondering what this “scary” acronym could possibly signify. Never fear! … [Read more...]
Mobile App Madness- SwimTopia’s Live Event/Heat Indicator
Summer is upon us and, if you’re a parent, we suspect you’re hustling to get everything organized for the swim season: stocking up on snacks, acquiring team attire, planning schedules, etc. It’s an exciting time and, perhaps, you’re most looking forward to the dynamic swim meet scene: team cheers, sharpie body art, and the almost addictive sense of chaos. It’s all part of the experience. However, … [Read more...]
From Swimmer to Coach: Making Waves a Little Differently this Summer!
End of Season Swim Coach Gifts: What Coaches REALLY want
Somehow, faster than ever before (or so it seems), we have reached that time again: the end of the high school and year-round short course swim seasons (i.e. time to think about swim coach gifts!). Swimmers, coaches, and parents alike have survived the annual trek—swimmers crushing hours upon hours of training, coaches ceaselessly analyzing times and metrics, and parents producing endless meals to … [Read more...]
Coach Certifications: Level up the Summer Swim Experience
Youth sports are indisputably an optimal way to kickstart a mentally and physically healthy lifestyle. Sport participation helps develop time-management, work ethic, socialization, goal-setting, and a strong, well-adapted body. In particular, swimming enables visualization of long- and short-term goals, development of body awareness, refining of mental toughness, and strengthening of commitment. … [Read more...]