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LEVELS AND EQUIPMENT
TEAM LEVELS
The Developmental Level is designed to provide a sound foundation in the proper technique of all four competitive strokes, starts and turns. It is for children age 6-12. Summer League swimmers and swimmers who have completed Intermediate/ Advanced swim lessons often find this is a good level to be introduced to USA competitive swimming. Year-round participation is encouraged to continue improvement of the swimmer’s skills. Most swimmers at Developmental I & II do not compete. Developmental III is an introduced to competition.
The Age Group Level is for children age 8-14 focuses on building a foundation in aerobic conditioning, motor skills coordination, stroke development and strength. Self-Confidence, self-discipline, and total body coordination will develop swimmers and increase their potential for personal achievement. This program offers a positive learning experience and healthy environment for fun and personal growth. Team spirit, friendship and commitment are key benefits on this level. All swimmers compete at this level.
The High School Level program is for swimmers age 14 and up that enjoy the fitness and friendship aspect of swimming and want to compete for their High School team. Swimmers enjoy the fitness and training experience, and compete and train at their own pace. Correct stroke mechanics, personal growth and an important aerobic base are encouraged. Students from all schools are welcome to participate.
The Senior Level Competition of regional and national levels offers swimmers ages 14 and over the highest degree of athletic achievement and individual growth. Qualities of leadership and time management skills are incorporated into a rigorous training p rogram for overall development. Senior swimmers are challenged by their team commitmentand personal goals for excellence in and out of the water. Swimmers at this level have 100 percent attendance for meets and practices. Practices are held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock , School season and LRRC and UALR Summer Season.
The Masters Level is for adults age 18 and up who want to be a part of a group training atmosphere. This one hour practice is divided into four levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Tri-athletes, and Advanced. It is for adults wanting to swim for fitness, triathlon competitions or United States Masters Competitions.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Jump Start is a special 6-8 week program offered in the spring that will prepare swimmers for their Summer League teams.
Stroke Technique Camps are one week camps that cover all four competitive strokes through video, demonstration, lectures, and swimming drills. The camp also covers pool safety, water games, sports specific lectures such as nutrition, self talk, and confidence of a champion.
EQUIPMENT
FOR SWIM PRACTICE:
Training Suits:Swimmers need suits specific for swim training. You may purchase a wide assortment of training suits through local stores or web sites. Such as (SPLASHWEAR AQUATICS in Maumelle, or internet sites like SWIMOUTLET.com They also are often available at discounted prices at meets. Suits WILL wear out due to regular use and exposure to pool chemicals, so regularly check the condition of your swimmer’s suit and replace as necessary. After each swim, the swim suit should be rinsed in cool water (not detergent) and allowed to air dry. This will help preserve the swim suit for a longer period of time.
Training Caps: An assortment of training swim caps are available on line or thru local stores.
Goggles come in all varieties. Trying on several kinds to see what is comfortable will help you make the best decision of what to buy. While goggles can last a while, they too can be affected by chlorine and wear out with time. Some children are allergis to the latex rims. If your child develops a rash around their eyes look into goggles with no latex. Swimmers should always have an extra pair of practice goggles in their bag.
Click here: for a "Bit about Goggles".
Swim Fins: All training groups use swim fins. They should be purchased shortly after joining the team. Swimmers may try on teammates fins to get the proper size. They should feel snug because when they are being used to kick in the water, they need to feel secure and not loose. Some swimmers will be between sizes. They should wear socks or fin socks to help take up the difference. Do not purchase the ones that have straps. Fins will last many years with proper care.
Kick Boards:Depending on the swim location, kick boards may or may not be provided. Check with your training site. Every Training group will use kickboards.
Water Bottle:Swimmers are encouraged to drink water while training. Each swimmer should bring theirown water bottle. Please talk to your child about not sharing water bottles as this is a potential for spreading germs.
Pull Buoy & Paddles: Swimmers in Age Group & Senior program need to purchase their own pull buoy and paddles. Developmental may use buoy periodically. Most locations have a few available.
Center Mount Snorkel:Are for swimmers in Age Group & Senior program only. They need to purchase their own. They may want to use a nose clip. Make sure you clean the snorkel periodically as it may mold.
Mesh Bag:Swimmers will need a mesh bag to store their equipment in. This allows the equipment to dry between use.
Care For Equipment:Swimmers should clean equipment periodically. A anti bactierial product should be used.
FOR SWIM MEETS:
Meet Team Suit:
Every Season we pick a team swim suit. For the 2012/2013 season the suit is Nike Tie Dye in Blue and Green. Female are lingerie or cut out and male is square leg. Males may also wear navy jammers. Females may also wear a solid navy suit.
 
This fall you may purchase suits at the team rate through Splashwear Aquatics. The deadline is Oct. 13th
Go to http://www.swimmerstuff.com/arkansas-dolphinlasers_519_tm.aspx
Find Team Login in the right corner. Click thru, the team Code is LRAD.
While team suits are not required at meets, they are encouraged for team identity. Our Team Colors are Navy and Green. Swimmers may wear an older racing suit in team colors until they need a new one. Boys may like jammers and or briefs in solid or patterned style. We also suggest you do not wear team suit to practice. This will prolong the longevity of the suit.
Meet Team Cap: Your swimmer will receive a new team cap every season. This will be passed out at a practice before their first meet or at their first meet. After initial cap they may be purchased for 5.00 each.
Meet Goggles:Meet goggles are tighter than workout goggles. They need to withstand the racing start entry. Swimmers should also have an extra pair of meet goggles in their bag just in case.
Meet Towels:Swimmers should pack two towels to take to meets.
Team T-Shirt:Swimmers are given a team T-Shirt upon joing. This should been worn at meets and team functions. Parents may purchase a team T-Shirt through the swim office.
Warm Up/ Parka/ and or Sweat Shirt:Swimmers need something warm to put on in between events.
Snacks and Sports Drink/Water:Swimmers need to bring snacks and drinks for between races. Some meets offer a concession stand some meets do not.
For a complete list of items needed for meets refer to our Swim Team Meet Guide, posted under new member and Team Info tab on the web site.
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