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 don't understand why people have a problem with the GA Tech pool. I have swam in that pool. The pool is fast. The pool is deep, with the over flow gutters. The water is cool and very clear. The lighting for the facility is great.
I just don't get why people think it isn't a good pool.
I am looking forward to Mesa. The earlier date should ensure better temperatures than the meets in Tempe. Since meet hosts usually provide ample shade, the sun should not be a problem. This time I hope to stay a few days in Arizona and do some sightseeing.
Details to follow...however we do have the Saturday social sponsored by Coors/MGD and Outback Steakhouse on the golf course with a band locked in.
Thursday looks like we have a social at Toby Keith's: http://www.tobykeith.com/mesa/
Casino night?
Working on some stuff for a Diamondbacks game
oh...and the pool and Saguaro Lake are pretty nice to: www.saguarolakemarina.com/
I was never fast enought to swim at the Olynpic Trials, but I did swim in some big AAU and college events. Warm up and warm down problems are a part of the experience. It sucks.
In AAU meets (like masters) it was a "deal with it" experience. Coaches might be able to swarm a lane or two with the team but that's not too effective, and kind of rude.
In college, coaches worked together (slightly) to afford time for teams to warm up. Warm downs weren't that much of a problem, for me.
I do not support schedules in the warm-up pool. I'ts tough but that is a part of the game.
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?
Only had NCAA DIV 1 experience and I have to tell you my experience in the 80's was nothing like what I'm hearing in this thread. I just started swimming again (3 months ago) so I absolutely can't comment about current experience. Back in the 80's there just never seemed to be a problem. Your team would be assigned a lane or two depending on the type of meet and you warmed up as a team.
You cannot out rule jerkness ! Whatever we do to be nice, others will say I need speed to warm up & you are in my way! Have you ever see people leave the parking lot AFTER church ???!!! :bolt:
