Nats at the Hall of Fame

One more thing I incorrectly stated that there will be tents in front of the grandstands. Debbie

Debbie, There is pretty big difference between "whining" and making sure people are prepared for what could be harsh conditions. As we've seen in this thread people had a rough time in Tempe with an overcrowded pool deck an minimal shade. Rather than being defensive maybe you should consider offering up some possible solutions such as recomending a local company that people can rent pop tents from. Keep in mind that 1600+ swimmers of all ages and health conditions coming to a meet that may or may not have rook to get out of the sun is something folks need to be ready for. As for Ft. Lauderdale "stepping up" I applaud them for doing so and like many others really look forward o coming to the meet. The bigger issue about other teams not wanting to host nationals was how the championship comittee was handling bids, something they have addressed.

I agree with you, Paul! Just returning from a long absense from Masters competition I am dissappointed to see that only 1600 swimmers are competing in a National event. Why are we not growing when the largest population base in the history of the world is marching through the age groups hosted in our sport while health and fitness is at the forefront of the marketplace mindset like never before?! One reason might be that we need to be more "friendly" to those participating. The visual I have in reading the report from Tempe and the comments on shade at this year's event is a bunch of sweltering but relentless devotees standing (because there is no place to sit under shade ) under a small patch of shade on the hot deck in sardine fashion waiting for their event and wishing they were home in the a/c. I hope I'm wrong. "Quit whining - you aren't going to melt" or "go shop at the vendor booths - they have plenty of shade" doesn't work for me. This is a legitimate concern. Debbie or others in charge of the facility: may we have suggestions, options or alternatives? For example, I have already packed a (small) 4x4 freestanding tarp that is large enough for 2-3 chairs under. Will I be booted off to the sardine area if I try to set that up? BTW - I assert that the problem with not having enough bidders for hosting a contest is not as much about the attitudes of the participants as much as it is about the economics making sense. If we attracted 5000 swimmers to an event, hosts would be standing in line!

Thanks for the advice.

I would liken the Tempe Nationals to a Masters Prisoner of War Camp. I lived under a 4 square foot piece of shade for 3 days. Hopefully Fort Lauderdale will have more shade. John Smith

Debbie, So if we bring our own portable tarps or shade covers to set up, where specifically can we stick them? John Smith :confused:

My recollection of Tempe was that there was plenty of shade available in the upper reaches of the grandstands under the permanent cover over those portions of the stands. That's where my team (Rose Bowl) camped out and it was never a problem. And being from L.A., I never noticed poor air quality. The Tempe nationals were great as was the beer, tequila and nourishment found in the surrounding locales. One swimmer's opinion. carl

John, I can't believe you asked her where you could stick them?!:p A juvenile answer may be forthcoming :)

Wayne, You're repeating yourself! Glenn

Karen, People are too serious on this site. I'm sure she will tell me where to stick it. Remember the cardinal rule of Masters Swimming: It's not how FAST your are..... it's how FAT you are. John Smith:)