My team, Rockwall Aquatic Masters is having a long course meet on 6th July and I am actively trying to convince team mates to sign up. On my blog I was describing my disappointment that more of my team mates had not signed up. One commenter posted the following, "Why do they have to participate? I have more fun going to practice than I do meets. I don't find meets fun anymore." I guess I had assumed that most people enjoy meets and I found it strange that my team mates did not want to sign up. This got me thinking and I wondered why people compete or don't compete? Any thoughts?
The main reason that most of our local workout group does not compete in meets is the extra commitment required to travel to meets. That is one reason I worked to get a meet locally, but sadly even holding it during our normal Saturday morning practice time the locals are not coming. Almost true to the 25% stat offered above.
I still coach towards the competition, but don't focus on it as much. Have some fun with the meet, offer a few prizes or a fun swim, and it will grow. Perhaps getting the swimmers not desiring to compete in as timers/counters/volunteers will at least show them that Masters Meets are great fun!
The main reason that most of our local workout group does not compete in meets is the extra commitment required to travel to meets. That is one reason I worked to get a meet locally, but sadly even holding it during our normal Saturday morning practice time the locals are not coming. Almost true to the 25% stat offered above.
I still coach towards the competition, but don't focus on it as much. Have some fun with the meet, offer a few prizes or a fun swim, and it will grow. Perhaps getting the swimmers not desiring to compete in as timers/counters/volunteers will at least show them that Masters Meets are great fun!
