Our Masters Program consists of approximately 20 swimmers with 1-5 swimmers showing up to workout on any given evening. We swim at the same time as the USA-S team, granted 1 lane, and a workout written on the white board. No formal or informal coaching provided. Now for the problem: Masters swimmers are treated like we are fortunate to have a lane to workout in at all. The coaches do not want to hang out at the pool any longer than required to coach their (5) swim groups. In order not to be considered infringing upon the practice time of the USA-S groups, does anyone have suggestions on how to "play nice" with the "kiddies"? The Masters swimmers would love to see the program grow but the coaches are not on board as the USA-S program dominates. How do other programs operate? How can we increase or even maintain our practice times? Is a certified coach on deck required? We would actually like to have some coaching but again, USA-S is their priority and we are lucky to even be acknowledged let alone accepted. :badday:
Since PWB mentioned our program I will weigh in as best I can:
- First and foremost the determining factor here is who controls the pool scheduling. If this is a pool owned and operated by a Parks and Rec. department for example they are most likely renting the space....so, are you under contract with them and paying per lane/per hour? If so, you need to work through that organization.
- If your masters team is simply an extension of the USA-S team then unless you have someone in the ownership/leadership of that program who wants to support your program you are going to have challenges...the fact that there is no coach assigned to masters makes me think this is the case and the USA-S coaches are prioritizing their swimmers.
- Heads up! Curious what if any insurance coverage you are operating under...if you are USMS registered you are in good shape, if not you need to have 3rd party which lists the facility and possibly other entities and all participants need to sign waivers!
Happy to answer your questions, if interested send me a PM and let me know a number and good time to call.
Since PWB mentioned our program I will weigh in as best I can:
- First and foremost the determining factor here is who controls the pool scheduling. If this is a pool owned and operated by a Parks and Rec. department for example they are most likely renting the space....so, are you under contract with them and paying per lane/per hour? If so, you need to work through that organization.
- If your masters team is simply an extension of the USA-S team then unless you have someone in the ownership/leadership of that program who wants to support your program you are going to have challenges...the fact that there is no coach assigned to masters makes me think this is the case and the USA-S coaches are prioritizing their swimmers.
- Heads up! Curious what if any insurance coverage you are operating under...if you are USMS registered you are in good shape, if not you need to have 3rd party which lists the facility and possibly other entities and all participants need to sign waivers!
Happy to answer your questions, if interested send me a PM and let me know a number and good time to call.
