A Voice for the Sport: Factors Behind the Age Group Tech Suit Debate

Photo Courtesy: Swimming World

Commentary by Brent Rutemiller, Publisher of Swimming World Magazine.

2017 has seen a tremendous amount of discussion on the need to regulate the use of tech suits by age group swimmers. In some cases, the discussion moved to rule changes by some governing bodies that banned tech suits in age group swimming competitions.

With the ground swell of debate reaching national levels, the next few months will surely see more rule changes that will limit the use of tech suits by young swimmers. The debate is global in scope and not unique to the United States.

There are eight factors that are contributing to this debate. The first is the mere definition of what classifies a racing swimsuit as a “tech suit.” The other factors are social-economic, parental, physiological, psychological, philosophical, industrial and legal.

Combine all of these factors and the issue is complex.

For the most part, suits that are constructed with bonded seams, meshed seams or kinetic tape are considered “tech suits.” Their prices can range from $90 to $500, depending on the manufacturer.

The price of these suits fueled the debate by sparking social-economic arguments about the cost of family participation in the sport. The discussion quickly polarized the community into “haves” and “have-nots,” and then escalated to parental rights.

One side argued that parents have the right to purchase any legal product on the market that may help their swimmer. The other side argued that peer pressure was forcing parents to purchase expensive suits so their child would not be at a competitive disadvantage. Many argued that this was financially hurting young families and, thus, the entry levels of the sport.

During the parental debate came a flurry of opinions arising from the fact that there are no physiological studies supporting the benefit of tech suits on young swimmers whose bodies have not matured.

Without physiological proof, the debate morphed into psychological benefits that could help young swimmers overcome plateaus in swimming and catapult them to a higher level.

At this point, many coaches jumped into the discussion to educate parents that race time improvements were just a natural part of maturation. They argued that the majority of improvement by age group swimmers was due to training, technique and biology—and not tech suits.

Some coaches and clubs took a philosophical approach by implementing team polices banning tech suits until swimmers were older or had reached a national level. The concept was to use tech suits as a reward for hard work and achievement and not as a tool to short-cut or accelerate the process. Conversely, those policies motivated some families to leave clubs and migrate to programs that allowed age group tech suits.

All of the arguments, debates and divisions have caused a national discourse and the need for a national policy. But any restriction could put financial limits on the industry’s swimwear manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, affecting their sponsorship dollars on a national, club, coach and team level. Restrictions could also spark litigation.

So far, the manufacturers are not taking legal action against restrictions in the marketplace. They understand the need for a national policy that they can support, and will move forward with new business models.

Even though the factors behind the age group tech suit debate are diverse, the fabric of our sport is so interwoven that all levels need to come together.

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Michele Dantas

6 years ago

?? leveling the playing field…suits are the least offensive part…try private nutritionists, private weekly swim lessons, private personal trainers….because that’s youth swimming, soccer, lacrosse etc in areas with wealth…

John Bradley

6 years ago

Reply to Michele Dantas

You are correct!

Michael Lawrence

6 years ago

Wow. Differing views on what swimwear little kids should be allowed to wear triggers the NEED for a national policy? Don’t see it. On a tree of affordability and accessibility challenges this topic is extremely low hanging fruit.

Donald P. Spellman

6 years ago

There is no need for technical suits with 10 & Under swimming.

Lori Antolick

6 years ago

I got my daughter her first LZR when she made Eastern Zones last year. She was 10. She dropped tons of time and felt so confident in that suit. I see nothing wrong with it.

Jenny Fortier DeBellis

6 years ago

Reply to Lori Antolick

It is such an interesting debate! Sharks don’t allow kids under speedo cuts (or 15) to wear them. I was actually excited to save the money. But, I’m not really sure it has helped or hurt Lily’s swimming! Definitely helps her confidence. As I assume my wetsuits helps mine! ???

Ana

6 years ago

If the tech suits have a measurable impact on the times any swimmer can go, they should just be banned for everyone. If a swimmer is only getting their best time because they changed their suit, then the suit should be gone. For 10-yr-olds, Olympians and everyone in between. Problem solved.

John Bradley

6 years ago

Wait for the results of the study commissioned by USA Swimming – be careful what you wish for.

Kim Rooney

6 years ago

These tech suits are expensive. They are yes somewhat a placebo affect. I too think they are unnecessary at a young age. As mother of 4 I can not afford them. So my kids pay for them. They bought their first tech suit at 11, they drummed up a dog walking business and earned their suits. Now they teach lessons, or babysit or work for neighbors. They love their sport, they are now on the high up level of swimming spending 20+ hours in the pool. I have no problem with the kids working hard, dreaming big and putting in the time in and out of the water. For parents the have the money to buy these suits, let them. These kids are motivated by hard work, dedication and love of something that is wonderful. A national mandate on this is in my opinion sad. Bigger fish to fry out there and bigger worries to worry about. If my kids didn’t do all of that to buy their suits …they would just swim with a regular suit and not complain or worry. I can think of worse things a kid can love so much. Peer pressure is for parents to teach on how not to give into it ….organizations mandating this and overriding parenting is silly we need to teach our kids that life isn’t always fair ….so go out and earn it.

Jen Dee

6 years ago

Personally, I have never heard or been a part of a conversation with parents that involves the financial hardship of affording a tech suit. There are suits of low to high price range to choose from. What stinks is the cost of meets, annual membership to compete and travel costs not the price of a suit. Our swimwear is the least costly expense.

Shirley Mireault

6 years ago

This article basically said nothing!