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 with those that prefer deck-seeded meets. But, I think it is important to make sure heat sheets are available for distribution and posted as early as possible.
One thing I notived at MV was there seemed to be lots more no shows among the younger age groups. When I was standing behind the blocks for the 200 free I glanced at the timers' sheet where they list the result of each heat. Just about all the "old guys" swam, but there were lots of "NS" in the later heats. I thought that was a little strange. I think my heat only had three swimmers and it was supposed to be a full heat.
I'm with those that prefer deck-seeded meets. But, I think it is important to make sure heat sheets are available for distribution and posted as early as possible.
One thing I notived at MV was there seemed to be lots more no shows among the younger age groups. When I was standing behind the blocks for the 200 free I glanced at the timers' sheet where they list the result of each heat. Just about all the "old guys" swam, but there were lots of "NS" in the later heats. I thought that was a little strange. I think my heat only had three swimmers and it was supposed to be a full heat.
