Thanks to everyone involved in the Ft. Lauderdale Nationals. I had a great time and met some exceptional people. I especially want to thank Doug Malcolm for the competition in the adjacent lane. It looks like (from USMS data) you have not competed for quite a while and had a great meet! I had not competed for over 20 years when I entered the 2001 Nat's at Santa Clara and have done pretty well for the past few years. Doug exemplifies what our sport should be all about; a true competitor who brings out the best in someone like me who may not have accomplished the standards acheived in Ft. Lauderdale without someone like him next to me. I never got a chance to thank you so I am doing so now. Keep up the good work!
I would also like to congradulate John Blank for being the first male competitor over 45 to break one minute in the 100 yard breaststroke; a great accomplishment! I have never broken a minute in that event and am full of envy.
Lee Rider
Why not take total points a team won, and divide it by the number of splashes the team had (or number of people), including relays.
This could award teams for both, participation AND competetiveness. More participations will get you into relays and score more points, then a team with perhaps only 3 very elite swimmers, but not enough to make up a relay.
Perhaps not a perfect way, but one that may equalize competetiveness vs. participation a little bit more then it is now.
Why not take total points a team won, and divide it by the number of splashes the team had (or number of people), including relays.
This could award teams for both, participation AND competetiveness. More participations will get you into relays and score more points, then a team with perhaps only 3 very elite swimmers, but not enough to make up a relay.
Perhaps not a perfect way, but one that may equalize competetiveness vs. participation a little bit more then it is now.