If the major car companies, electronics companies and other industries can get together ad agree on certain industry standards, why not swimming? Do you think that all computer firms just suddenly come up with the USB? No, they all agreed to the design, capabilities and limitations, so all could compete and flourish on par.
Same goes for swimming, but it hasn't happened yet. Lap or Length have been argued to death here, with no consensus. This morning I was reminded of another set of easily confused terms; build and descend. I was taught that build meant increase speed (or at least effort) during the individual swim you are about to perform, descend was to make each swim in a set a little faster, so the last 100 (or whatever the distance) was faster than the first one .
Anyone else have terms of inconsistency or ambiguity? Can we get the coaches to issue forth a letter of understanding on certain terms, so we have an interchangeable vernacular across the country?
I think some coaches like having special terms that are their own, using exclusively for their program. Maybe they see that as the edge over competition.
I don't think these are the reasons, or at least not major ones. I think most coaches don't see the value in going to all the trouble of the process you describe.
Let's face it: the terminology of swimming (or any endeavor, really) is going to be intimidating to newcomers. There will be a learning curve, possibly a steep one. And perhaps the most intimidating aspect to new (masters) swimmers is that they may think the yardage and speed of experienced members are beyond them.
IMO, even more important than a unified set of terms and definitions is to make sure coaches understand how important it is to be welcoming to new swimmers. It can be very hard for people who have decades of experience with the sport to really appreciate the trepidation (and yes, lack of knowledge) of new swimmers.
I think some coaches like having special terms that are their own, using exclusively for their program. Maybe they see that as the edge over competition.
I don't think these are the reasons, or at least not major ones. I think most coaches don't see the value in going to all the trouble of the process you describe.
Let's face it: the terminology of swimming (or any endeavor, really) is going to be intimidating to newcomers. There will be a learning curve, possibly a steep one. And perhaps the most intimidating aspect to new (masters) swimmers is that they may think the yardage and speed of experienced members are beyond them.
IMO, even more important than a unified set of terms and definitions is to make sure coaches understand how important it is to be welcoming to new swimmers. It can be very hard for people who have decades of experience with the sport to really appreciate the trepidation (and yes, lack of knowledge) of new swimmers.
