We're considering a BSLL on how people feel about USMS members swimming in USA-S meets, with the kids. We have plenty of members who do and I have someone who can write the "pro" side. I'm looking for someone who disagrees with this practice and would be willing to share why in 300 words.
USMS has no official stance, just seeking to spark thoughtful discussion on this topic. Please PM me if you have interest.
Thanks,
Laura
Do you a truthful or a snarky response? I'm admittedly "pro" on this idea, but would be happen to pen a fictional NIMBY-like response from a teenager who doesn't like getting dusted by an 'old guy.' ;)
Some of us have no choice but to do USA-S meets when no pool wants to host a Masters LCM meet in their LMSC. Otherwise, I have to drive/fly miles upon miles to get to a Masters LCM meet. Besides, beating an age grouper might encourage the teenager to step up their game in the pool. The best comment that I got from an age group coach when I beat a 15 year old was "I can't believe I got beat by a 30 year old!"
Some of us have no choice but to do USA-S meets when no pool wants to host a Masters LCM meet in their LMSC. Otherwise, I have to drive/fly miles upon miles to get to a Masters LCM meet. Besides, beating an age grouper might encourage the teenager to step up their game in the pool. The best comment that I got from an age group coach when I beat a 15 year old was "I can't believe I got beat by a 30 year old!"
This is one of the reasons I began swimming with USAS as well last year. I attended a few SCY events as well during the year, and do so for the pure enjoyment of racing. I do get lots of props from the parents, and a few of the parents give their older kids a hard time (jokingly) about the 'old guy' that's beating them. ;) A few parents say they wish that more 'old guys' would come out and swim in the meets. I always respond with "why not you?" :)
As long as I'm still competitive, and not 'holding up the meet', I'll continue to compete in USAS meets around the area. I can still do masters meets any time too.
Another thing that Fresnoid mentioned above it the pedophile aspect of things. While I think it's a good thing that the coaches/officials/etc. all have to have background checks in order to work the meets/practices, I think it's strange that an adult like me (at 35 years old) does not have to have a background safety check to be a registered swimmer competing or practicing with the minor children. I guess USA-S doesn't feel this is an issue?? I'm not advocating they start doing this, but who knows?
How about USMS members at USS meets who request splits for non free 100s? I'm all over that one.
I like the one USAS meet that the local team hosts here in the summer, which includes the 13 & Over 50s of each stroke as well. I know the kids love it, and it gives me a chance to get in my 50 LCM Fly for the season as well. :applaud:
I could see a con side due to paranoia about sexual predators. The football coach at a middle school near here is convinced that any adult male wearing a swim suit at the pool or locker room is only there to "Sandusky" the kids.
I think it's strange that an adult like me (at 35 years old) does not have to have a background safety check to be a registered swimmer competing or practicing with the minor children. I guess USA-S doesn't feel this is an issue??
We're not in an authority position like the coaches are, so to me it's a totally different scenario.
What would be the point in such an article?
I had a long scenario typed up but I think my whole point to it was that this article would have the ability to steer away more people from masters than it would to attract.
Another thing that Fresnoid mentioned above it the pedophile aspect of things. While I think it's a good thing that the coaches/officials/etc. all have to have background checks in order to work the meets/practices, I think it's strange that an adult like me (at 35 years old) does not have to have a background safety check to be a registered swimmer competing or practicing with the minor children. I guess USA-S doesn't feel this is an issue?? I'm not advocating they start doing this, but who knows?
I've thought about this as well. I may not be in an official position of authority but as the only person on my team and in the water that is over the age of 18, I do act as a sort of mom to the kids (my coach is 35 but not in the water) which makes me a de-facto authority figure. We've had some changes to my team lately and I worried that they would ask me to leave as an adult on a kids team. Luckily, they have not.
Why don't you register with USA Swimming as an official and take the athlete protection course and become a S&T judge? That doesn't take very long and might set aside some concerns.
Because if I do that, they will expect me to actually be an official. With Matthew growing up, his activities are taking over more of the weekends so I couldn't really be available for USA-S. I have, however taken the Boy Scout Youth Protection Training and the Swim Safe Defense courses. Both were needed so that I could have Matthew's Den earn a patch with my coach.
