Does anyone know how they will set up areas for teams? I was there with my sister and she swam there and there seemed like there was little to no shade and very little room for everybody. It's not like Sarastoa where the spectator area was covered.What's going to happen, anyone know?
It sucked! I had to take a cab to the hospital (by myself as I didn't want to ruin my roommate's swims), spent several hours there, took a cab back, and then had to swim in the am. I swam the 200 *** and then scratched the 200 IM!
Originally posted by Karen Duggan
I don't think I'd go back to Tempe again because of the pollution. I ended up in the ER Saturday night with pharyngitis and laryngitis and had to drink some disgusting green stuff to numb my throat. I couldn't swallow, it was so swollen and uncomfortable. The doctors chalked it up to the very bad air quality.
Not fun. :(
Wow, I got really sick at Tempe too. I chalked it up to a cold or the flu, but that could explain it.
I left one area of shade out. It is a 30 X30 tent in the area on the grass where the big statue is. The vendors are in this area also but they have their own tents.
Debbie
Debbie,
I'm wondering if you would be able to clarify exactly what "for insurance reasons" means in pertaining to your not having shade in the grandstands?
It seems odd to me that this could be an issue, a more important concern would be the potential health risks associated with not having enough shade?
Also, if other meets (USS) have done so in the past.....why is ther a problem with a masters meet? Was this simply a finacial decison?
Originally posted by Paul Smith
Mark.....you've got to be kidding? As well run as that meet was, especially for the number of swimmers, the lack of shade outside the deck area was a major issue.
I agree. Because of the heat and the sun I tried to spend as little time at the pool as possible. The estimated timeline and real-time results make this much easier to do, but still, it kind of stinks that you can only stand to be at the pool for your own events. I would go back to Temple, but this was a definite negative.
Paul,
I am not Debbie, I am aware of the situation. Due to an accident in 1999 involving the large shade structure that used to be put up for meets, the insurance will no longer cover them if it is used. This has been the policy for several year and applies to all meets, not just masters. This year, the facility hosted the YMCA Nationals (kids meet) without problem. The meet host now provides shade structures on the pool deck and in the grassy area in an attempt to get everyone out of the sun. In the past, this was not done.
The Championship Committee (which you were a member of at the time of this decision) was aware of this situation when we certified their bid. As you recall, this was all done by email due to the lack of qualified bidders at the time of convention.
Debbie
I didn't have a problem with shade in AZ, but I did have a problem with the air quality. I realize that no one has control over the air quality the day of a swim meet (or any other day).
I also agree with Paul. It is not whining to want to make sure there is shade especially when travelling to states known for their sun (AZ, FL, CA).
I'm not offended at your comment, but I guess more surprised. I'm not really sure where it comes from...
Debbie,
We DO appreciate Ft. Lauderdale for stepping up and bidding to host Nationals. All the hard work you and others have done to prepare and plan the meet is appreciated too.
Please don't take everyone's concerns for staying in the shade personally. We've just done a lot of preparation and planning for the meet too and want to perform to the best of our abilities.... thats all.;)
I missed stated earlier, in fact two times "that there will be tents in front of the grandstands." There will not be tents is front of the grandstands.
The shaded areas are:
On the pool deck the east & south wall will have bleechers & shade.
The upstairs area on the south side of the pool will have bleechers & shade.
In the vendor area there will be a 30 X 30 shaded area.
In between the East & West pool there will be bleechers & shade.
In the back near registration & awards is a banquet hall that is air conditioned that can be used.
The walkways outside the pool are shaded most of the day.
There is a breeze way out in the front that is shaded.
After hosting the YMCA kids nationals with over 1800 swimmers for the last 5 years with this tenting arrangement, there seems to be plenty of shade & room for the athletes.
I would suggest that while you are at the meet, drink plenty of fluids & use your sunscreen, even in the shade the reflection off the decks & pool could cause a sunburn.....
Mark has answered correctly. The covering of the grandstands applies to all events held at the pool!
I know I am going to make people mad when I say this. But quit your gripping about all the facilities that are talked about in this forum.
Ft. Lauderdale stepped up when there were no other bids.
When other facilities hear what is going on no wonder they don't want to bid for the nationals.
Lets try to be positive & be supportive of these facilities & do what we can to have a great meet.
