Are there any sort of prerequisites for going to nationals?
I live in central Iowa and have been rather frustrated by our Masters program (or lack there of). I don't really know if anyone competes (aside from triathletes) and there isn't really any coaching (unless requested).
I have never actually been on a swim team. So Masters is my first experience outside of swimming on my own. There are very few swim meets anywhere near us (the ones I've found are all 4-10 hr drive away and not in our zone.. do zones matter for participation?). The closest swim meet that I can find is nationals.
As a brand new Masters swimmer, can I go? Obviously, I'm not likely to be winning any races or anything, but it sounds like so much fun to go! And, with all 5 of my kids being on a swim team, it would be really exciting for all of us to check it out. Do I have to have one or two other meets 'under my belt' before I can do this?
Thanks for your help. :)
Hi Megan
Anyone who wants to swim at nationals can. There are time standards but even if you don't make any of the cuts you can still swim 3 events. I've been to a couple of national meets where I've met people for whom nationals was their very meet. Don't get intimidated, just sign up and swim what you would like! You can even start in the water if diving off the blocks isn't for you right now.
If you want some workouts you can get them from the USMS website.
Are there any sort of prerequisites for going to nationals? Sign up on time! Online registration will close at midnight CDT on May 31, 2012.
Competitors may enter up to three individual events without meeting the national qualifying time, or a maximum of six events if they meet the NQTs.
As a brand new Masters swimmer, can I go?Absolutely,Yes!
Do I have to have one or two other meets 'under my belt' before I can do this? No.
thanks so much everyone! :banana:
I did find the sticky 'qualifying' thread after I posted. :doh: but thank you for bearing with me and pointing me there. :)
I think I will take the plunge and sign up! My kids will be SO excited! Luckily, nationals happens right between two of their meets and, at most, they will only miss one practice. :bliss:
Hi Megan
Anyone who wants to swim at nationals can. There are time standards but even if you don't make any of the cuts you can still swim 3 events. I've been to a couple of national meets where I've met people for whom nationals was their very meet. Don't get intimidated, just sign up and swim what you would like! You can even start in the water if diving off the blocks isn't for you right now.
If you want some workouts you can get them from the USMS website.
thanks! I wondered about jumping off the blocks.. I've never done it before. To which my husband says 'Learn it and do it.' :cheerleader:
As a brand new Masters swimmer, can I go?
Yes. Please read the first post in this thread for details.
Qualifying for Nationals - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
thanks! I wondered about jumping off the blocks.. I've never done it before.
You don't have to use the blocks. It is permissible to start from the edge of the pool deck, or even in the water (and lots of people do). If you can experience that pool, go and do it.
:thewave:
