Has the Championship Committee, or other entity within USMS ever discussed having a more strict policy of enforcement in regards to the NQT's?
Why do we state that you must have 3 cuts, in order to swim more events? Why not require a swimmer to have 6 cuts in order to swim 6 events?
Just like to understand more from a historical point of view. I have read post that asked, or suggested how to control the size and length of the National meets. Would not having a stricter enforcement of this policy help? Or would it cause swimmers to shy away from these meets?
Just a curious thought.
Thank you.
As I see it the issue of trying to control the size of the meet, is more for the benefit of meet organizers than as an accommodation to the social needs of the participants. From my perspective as a swimmer, if I’m told that my heat of the 1650 free is scheduled to start around 11:00 PM, I’ll sleep late and get to the pool around 9:30PM to warm-up. However, if I’m the meet director trying to gather volunteers who are willing to work a 20 hour day my perspective would be a little different.
And, if I have social plan for beer and pizza, I’ll sign-up for the 1000 instead and get the swim finished earlier.
And for many of us, the social aspects that draws us to these meets is equally as important as the swimming. If this wasn’t the case, why did so many people go to Tempe. It’s not the fastest pool in the country and the weather wasn’t optimal for record performances. And most people spent hors and hours at the pool while only swimming for seconds or minutes. I wasn’t able to attend, but I know a few people who spent more time socializing then they did competing. Even Tall Paul was known to be doing some fast talking as well as fast swimming.
As I see it the issue of trying to control the size of the meet, is more for the benefit of meet organizers than as an accommodation to the social needs of the participants. From my perspective as a swimmer, if I’m told that my heat of the 1650 free is scheduled to start around 11:00 PM, I’ll sleep late and get to the pool around 9:30PM to warm-up. However, if I’m the meet director trying to gather volunteers who are willing to work a 20 hour day my perspective would be a little different.
And, if I have social plan for beer and pizza, I’ll sign-up for the 1000 instead and get the swim finished earlier.
And for many of us, the social aspects that draws us to these meets is equally as important as the swimming. If this wasn’t the case, why did so many people go to Tempe. It’s not the fastest pool in the country and the weather wasn’t optimal for record performances. And most people spent hors and hours at the pool while only swimming for seconds or minutes. I wasn’t able to attend, but I know a few people who spent more time socializing then they did competing. Even Tall Paul was known to be doing some fast talking as well as fast swimming.
