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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Synchronized Swimming?

Synchronized swimming is a hybrid of swimming, gymnastics, and dance. It involves strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, and artistry. The swimmers perform choreographed routines to music. In 1952, synchronized swimming showcased at the Olympic Games and it became an official Olympic event in 1984. This sport is governed internationally by FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur).

 

2. Who is eligible to join Sarasota Aquatics Synchronized Swimming at the YMCA, also known as the “SASSY” Team?

Any child or teenager, between the ages of 6-18 years of age, who is able to swim at least 25 yards independently, wants to learn a new sport, and enjoys making new friends. Interested new swimmers are invited to participate in a synchro practice on any Wednesday or Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Family YMCA’s Selby Aquatics Center located at the C.J. Lofino Family Complex, 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238. SASSY also has a group of Masters swimmers - 20 or older - contact us for more information about Masters Synchro!

 

3. Are there different levels of Synchronized Swimming?

Yes. There are several competitive levels of synchronized swimming. New swimmers typically begin at the Novice or Intermediate level, depending upon their age and swimming ability.

  • Novice - any age

  • Intermediate - any age

  • Age Group - 10-under, 11-12, 13-15, 16-17. 18-19

  • Junior - 15-18

  • Senior - 15-older

  • Collegiate - 4 years of elegibility while enrolled in college

  • Master - 20-90+ years

 

4. How often are practices held and where?

SASSY swim practices are held every month of the year. Each group typically practices 2-4 times a week depending upon level. When the competition season begins, the coaches may schedule a few additional practices. All practices are held at the Sarasota Family YMCA’s Selby Aquatics Center located at 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238.

 

5. What does my child need for swim practice?

All swimmers must wear a one piece bathing suit and bring a towel, swimming cap, goggles, and nose clip to practice. In the winter months, a sweatshirt, sweat pants, and/or a swim parka are also helpful. Caps, goggles, and nose clips are available for purchase at the "SASSY store" - just see the coaches!

 

6. Tell me about the synchronized swimming competitions.

The official synchro competition season begins in January and continues until mid-July. All swimmers are expected to participate in 4-6 swim meets annually, depending upon their synchro level. The meets are held throughout the State of Florida, typically on a weekend. Some swimmers compete only on a single day and others on both days. Here is an idea of a typical meet schedule:

  • January - Junior/Senior Association Championship (Age Group swimmers only)

  • February - Winter Invitational (All levels up to 15 years old)

  • February - Junior Zone (Age Group 13-15 and 15-18 year old swimmers - need qualifying score)

  • March - Spring Invitational (All levels up to 15 years old)

  • March - Senior Zone (Age Group 15-older swimmers - need qualifying score)

  • April - Florida Association Championships (All intermediate and Age Group swimmers - all ages)

  • May - Regional Championships (Attendance depends upon qualification from Association meet)

  • June - Sunshine State Games (All levels - all ages)

  • July - Age Group Nationals (Attendance depends upon qualification from Regional meet)

  • July - U.S. Open (Age Group only - Attendance depends upon qualifying score)

Most synchro competitions are comprised of two parts. First is the "Figure" or "Element" competition in which each swimmer performs a series of technical moves individually in front of a panel of judges without music. Then the "Routine" competition begins in which the swimmers perform a routine comprised of technical moves choreographed to music. Swimmers are judged on their technical merit and artistic impression. Swimmers will be assigned by the coaches to solos, duets, trios, and teams for the routine competition.

 

7. Are there special outfits for the synchronized swimming competitions?

Yes. For the “Figures” or “Element” competition, the swimmers must wear a black one piece swimsuit, white cap, and nose clip. They are not permitted to wear any jewelry, make-up, or nail polish for this part of the competition. For the “Routine” competition, special swimsuits and hairpieces are designed and ordered by the coaches. The swimmers wear make-up for this part of the competition.

 

8. I have heard rumors that synchronized swimmers “knox” their hair. What is this?

“Knoxing” is a synchro tradition that is used for shows and routine competitions. Swimmers wear their hair in a tight bun on top of their heads. Knox, a brand of unflavored gelatin, is applied to each swimmer’s hair to hold it in place. This “gelatin shield” will not dissolve in the pool’s cold water. After the competition is over, the gelatin washes out easily in a warm shower.

 

9. What can I expect in the way of costs?

  • YMCA instructional fee of $75-$95/month. In addition to synchronized swimming training, this fee provides your child with a full YMCA membership and access to its athletic equipment and facilities.

  • United States Synchronized Swimming Association fee of $65. This is a mandatory annual fee that enables your child to participate in the synchro competitions.

  • YMCA Administrative Fee - $150/year/swimmer.

  • Synchro Meet Fees: Typically around $30/meet

  • Swim Meet Accommodations/Meals – Variable depending whether the swim meet is local or whether a hotel room is needed.

  • Competition swimsuits (1-3, depending on the number of routines), black figure suit, caps, nose clips, goggles – Variable

  • SASSY Team shirt/shorts - $35

  • Optional: Pants/jacket, parka, sports bag, towel - variable

 

10. Who are the synchronized swimming coaches? 

        Click Here for The Coaches Pages

 

11. What is the history of Synchronized Swimming?

While there is evidence of swimmers performing ballet-like maneuvers in ancient times, the origin of synchronized swimming as an organized, competitive sport only dates back to the late nineteenth century. The first competitions were held in Berlin, Germany in 1890 and involved only male performers. In 1907, the first female synchronized swimmer was Annette Kellerman who performed her water ballet inside a glass tank at the New York Hippodrome. In 1923, Katherine Curtis started the first water ballet club at the University of Chicago, called the Modern Mermaids.

The most famous synchronized swimmer was the actress, Esther Williams. Ms. Williams, a U.S. freestyle champion and Olympic contender, portrayed Annette Kellerman’s life in the musical, Million Dollar Mermaid. She also performed in a string of MGM “aqua musicals” in the 1940s and 1950s, which inspired young girls everywhere to begin learning synchronized swimming.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ft. Lauderdale swimming champion, Charkie Phillips, showcased water ballet on television in "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour", and "The Big Show", and then revived it on the movie screen as Miss Piggy in "The Great Muppet Caper". Since then, the popularity of this sport has continued to grow. It has become very technical and athletic. Synchronized swimming was named an official Olympic Sport in 1984. (This text was modified from the Wikipedia website)