The coach at the local Y suggested that 11-12 year olds should shave for a big meet this weekend. I know there are individuals on this site who have children swimming, past and present. How early to shave? I believe 11 years old is too young. How much time can be dropped by an 11 year old wanting to shave. Is it me? Old fashioned? Have times changed in the arena of swimming? How young have kids be encouraged to shave? What was the result?
Seems a bit young to shave and maybe a bit gung ho on the coach's part. Shaving was odd enough in high school let alone at 11 or 12, and as you asked, how much time will they drop because of shaving versus all the other elements (training, weights, etc). I never heard of kids younger than high school shaving for a meet , even big meets, when I was in high school, but then again that was 30+ years ago. Kids have enough to worry about - if the other 11 - 12 year olds in school find out it will be miserable for them - especially if they don't win or drop times. Wouldn't it be better to let the kids enjoy the sport before they get ultra competitive. I don't think I'd push my kids to shave at that age.
Seems a bit young to shave and maybe a bit gung ho on the coach's part. Shaving was odd enough in high school let alone at 11 or 12, and as you asked, how much time will they drop because of shaving versus all the other elements (training, weights, etc). I never heard of kids younger than high school shaving for a meet , even big meets, when I was in high school, but then again that was 30+ years ago. Kids have enough to worry about - if the other 11 - 12 year olds in school find out it will be miserable for them - especially if they don't win or drop times. Wouldn't it be better to let the kids enjoy the sport before they get ultra competitive. I don't think I'd push my kids to shave at that age.