Had a great time at the Atlanta Short Course Nationals event, however what was up with the lack of pool etiquette in the warm-up/down pools? I have competed in triathlons and open water swims and this event by far was the most dangerous swim experience in terms of etiquette. I spoke with many swimmers who felt the same.
In the warm-up/warm-down pools, I had someone actually jump in as aggressively as they could on top of me, pushing me under. The one time I tried to warm-up in the competition pool during a break, I was pushed in the head and told "Move" & when it was completely crowded with no where to go, I had someone pull my leg, push on my lower back, push me under the water and then they actually swam over top of me to get in front, which was pointless as everyone was touching? Really? I was also very disappointed to hear that younger swimmers were not only crowding the 65+ designated lanes, but were actually just as dangerous and argumentative with the older swimmers. Really?
Perhaps we need a revised USMS Pool etiquette for Nationals and similar type events in addition to the following,
www.usms.org/.../pooletiquette
I experienced the same thing. People leaping into the pool rather than lowering themselves when the lanes were packed with people. I had swimmers pass me during warm up when there was a continuous line of swimmers. When the conditions are that crowded, a bit more respect for others is in order.
since there are a few USMS coming over to Sweden this summer
From the Worlds fact file:
WARM-UP PROCEDURES;
Swimmers must enter the pool feet first in a cautious and controlled manner. No diving or backstroke starts will be allowed except in designated sprint lanes. One or more lanes shall be designated as ONE WAY SPRINT lanes during the pre-meet warm-up sessions in the competition pool only. No diving or backstroke starts will be allowed in the warm-up pools. No sprint lanes will be designated in the warm-up pool. ANY SWIMMER WHO ACTS IN AN UNSPORTSMANLIKE OR UNSAFE MANNER WITHIN THE SWIMMING VENUE MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION OR PENALTY BY THE FINA Masters Commission.
Pull-buoys, kick boards, fins, hand paddles and other training aids consider inappropriate are not allowed in the competition pool or warm-up pool, as well as watches and heavy jewellery.
Anna Lea talked to me about a having a coach write a new article on this exact subject of warm up pool etiquette.
There are plenty of articles out there like it. You can probably find one on any large club or LMSC's website.
The problem lies in swimmers actually reading the rules and suggestions - and thinking of other swimmers in the pool before themselves.
I find this bad behavior in the meet warm-up pool so very out of character for masters swimmers.
It really surprises me every single time I experience it!
I do think it is worth the space to include these warm-up pool suggestions in the emailed newsletter sent out before Nationals.
And perhaps even in the program.
Maybe removing the offending swimmer from the warm-up pool for that session?
Certainly every swimmer participating at Nationals knows there is no diving into the warm-up pool, but every session we see someone do it.
A sleek entry dive is less disruptive the cannon-ball like entry so many like to use regardless of who is near. But who can count on a swimmer to look around and make sure it is clear.
Must be the reason we have that no-dive rule...
I completely agree with you! :applaud: I found the warm-up pool to be an intimidating and stressful experience. I came up from one breaststroke turn and got pushed up into a lane line by a swimmer who was passing me. The resulting scrape and bruise did NOT feel very good... :badday:
I entered the warm-up lane by sitting on the edge, putting my feet in, asking those holding on in the corners if they were going to go or not, then slipping in. Would that be so difficult for EVERYBODY to do???
Anna Lea talked to me about a having a coach write a new article on this exact subject of warm up pool etiquette.
There are plenty of articles out there like it. You can probably find one on any large club or LMSC's website.
The problem lies in swimmers actually reading the rules and suggestions - and thinking of other swimmers in the pool before themselves.
I find this bad behavior in the meet warm-up pool so very out of character for masters swimmers.
It really surprises me every single time I experience it!
I do think it is worth the space to include these warm-up pool suggestions in the emailed newsletter sent out before Nationals.
And perhaps even in the program.
Maybe removing the offending swimmer from the warm-up pool for that session?
Certainly every swimmer participating at Nationals knows there is no diving into the warm-up pool, but every session we see someone do it.
A sleek entry dive is less disruptive the cannon-ball like entry so many like to use regardless of who is near. But who can count on a swimmer to look around and make sure it is clear.
Must be the reason we have that no-dive rule...
I find this bad behavior in the meet warm-up pool so very out of character for masters swimmers.
It really surprises me every single time I experience it!
Perhaps the perpetrators are those who are not real masters swimmers - those who joined and competed only because of the suits...
Sami, great suggestion.
I didn't have too much of an issue with warmup. Perhaps it is because I managed to warm up at less-crowded times or picked good lanes; who knows.
Between this thread and the "what i didn't like about atlanta nationals" thread, I see a lot of complaints about the "faster" and/or "younger" swimmers in the warmup pool, and would like to point out that it goes both ways. Some "slower" and/or "older" swimmers just flat out refused to yield to others who repeatedly foot-touched or were swimming whilst they were kicking. Or the people who push off when someone is sprinting towards your wall or about to initiate their flip turn... why would you not wait to go after them?
In all cases, there are some behaviors that are flat out unacceptable. Everyone needs to practice common courtesy - and as a meet director, this is something that is on us and our safety marshals.
...I do not support schedules in the warm-up pool. I'ts tough but that is a part of the game...For once, I am in complete agreement with you, Mr. Ninny.
I tended to swim in that narrow lane with the steps at the one end. No one liked that lane so it made uncrowded there. But I did find a hot shower was safer.
For once, I am in complete agreement with you, Mr. Ninny.
It is a slow progression to obtain total enlightenment. You have taken the first step on an arduous but rewarding path.
