Mission Viejo had very good facilities, great weather, superb organization, and the best hosts. Overall a great meet.
However, as commented in another thread, there were lots of no shows. In four of five events I had an empty lane next to me. This is not the best racing environment, and it makes the meet last longer than necessary. I am not critical of the people that did not show up -- I was one of them on Thursday, as an emergency at work made me arrive a day late.
On deck seeding would be a simple and easy solution.
Evidently some people like to know a day or days in advance who will swim in their heat. However, the way it worked for me, I found out as I walked up to the block who would *not* be swimming. *That's* lots of opportunity to get psyched! (not)
I don't think the way this meet was seeded (check in for distance events, advanced seeding for the other events) was a very good compromise. This was my first non-deck seeded masters meet, and I did not enjoy that aspect of it.
I'm okay with the five day format but have to agree with Phil and Mike on their points otherwise.
I swam 2 events with both adjacent lanes empty. I noted heats with three contestants that had eight seeded in the program. I also got to watch a heat before one of mine that had one (1) swimmer in it.
I realize there would be additional work but with that kind of participation, it's hard to agrue for "pre-seeded" heats as opposed to morning (or night before) check-in.
I'm okay with the five day format but have to agree with Phil and Mike on their points otherwise.
I swam 2 events with both adjacent lanes empty. I noted heats with three contestants that had eight seeded in the program. I also got to watch a heat before one of mine that had one (1) swimmer in it.
I realize there would be additional work but with that kind of participation, it's hard to agrue for "pre-seeded" heats as opposed to morning (or night before) check-in.
