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
Tell us you fast swimmers out there, how were warm ups and warm downs controlled at the trials, DIV I NCAA and the Big Dance?
I haven't been to those meets, but I've swum at USA Nationals a dozen times between 1998 and 2009. The warmups don't compare. Due to the cut times, all the swimmers are much closer in terms of speed. I don't mind slowing down or speeding up *slightly* off my intended pace if it means not needing to pass. I prefer to not pass and I do not touch people's feet, but that's something of a personal preference. I will also turn around in the middle of the pool sometimes to avoid passing when it is clear in the other direction.
The skill level is so varied at USMS Nationals that it is often necessary to pass. To make matters worse, sometimes I found myself catching the same people again within another 50 yards. Swimmers should recognize where faster athletes are congregating and that is usually in the middle lanes. Also, if someone is trying to pass, hug the laneline.
This was my first USMS Nationals meet and I had an amazing time. All things considered, the warm-up scenario was much better than I expected and nowhere near my worst encounters from some USA Swimming competitions. The Sectionals meet warmups are probably some of the worst I've experienced.
I think many people are underestimating the likelihood that there were simply accidents. With lots of bodies and waves moving people in unintended directions, there is going to be some contact. For the most part, I don't believe people are intentionally hitting others.
There no single solution that will make everyone happy. Just do the best with what you got.
Tell us you fast swimmers out there, how were warm ups and warm downs controlled at the trials, DIV I NCAA and the Big Dance?
I haven't been to those meets, but I've swum at USA Nationals a dozen times between 1998 and 2009. The warmups don't compare. Due to the cut times, all the swimmers are much closer in terms of speed. I don't mind slowing down or speeding up *slightly* off my intended pace if it means not needing to pass. I prefer to not pass and I do not touch people's feet, but that's something of a personal preference. I will also turn around in the middle of the pool sometimes to avoid passing when it is clear in the other direction.
The skill level is so varied at USMS Nationals that it is often necessary to pass. To make matters worse, sometimes I found myself catching the same people again within another 50 yards. Swimmers should recognize where faster athletes are congregating and that is usually in the middle lanes. Also, if someone is trying to pass, hug the laneline.
This was my first USMS Nationals meet and I had an amazing time. All things considered, the warm-up scenario was much better than I expected and nowhere near my worst encounters from some USA Swimming competitions. The Sectionals meet warmups are probably some of the worst I've experienced.
I think many people are underestimating the likelihood that there were simply accidents. With lots of bodies and waves moving people in unintended directions, there is going to be some contact. For the most part, I don't believe people are intentionally hitting others.
There no single solution that will make everyone happy. Just do the best with what you got.
