It is a catch 22. I am friends with the local coaches. On the one hand they all agree that briefs are the way to go, but they also know that wearing a brief deters many guys from trying out for the team, so they have opted to take a more "come as you are" approach and then work on the guys to transition once they are on the team. Once they get to Jammers, they are half way there, so to speak. I actually agree with this approach. I would hate to eliminate a young boy or girl from the joy of swimming simply because of the suit they chose. On the other hand, at the AAU/Club team level or on the varsity level I think the rules can get more strict and should. When I was a lead high school coach, I allowed jammers at the high school team level. If it keeps guys on the team and interested in swimming, isn't that the point? I'd encourage them to try briefs, and had a guys only practice so they could try them out without the intimidation of having the girls around. I have found once you get them to experience swimming in briefs, they often stay with it.
By the way, the briefs issue really starts at the middle school level, when the guys start going through puberty. By the time they get to high school, they are usually past the hangups. My school was a combined HS/MS and it was the, 7th and 8th grade boys that fought it the most. But, once the really good swimmer off the local Y team or club team stated winning, they all wanted to be "like him."
Also, parents (especially moms) of boys are even harder to get over the hurdle. I can't tell you how many moms argued with me about their sons wearing something smaller than their underwear in public.
Sorry for the rambling thoughts,
STS
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