Swim info has this article:
swiminfo.com/.../3387.asp
Which discusses a new organization for competitive swimming called Adult Swimming Association. Apparantly the initiator is unhappy with the various things that USMS does that are not directly related to competitive swimming, such as the promotion of fitness. Also, he is unhappy with the structure of the national meets. He proposes several variations of the age group structure.
Any thoughts or insights?
To Rich’s question. Keith and Sandy have been outstanding age group and masters swimmers for many years. They have also been active and vocal in the promotion of Masters swimming for many years. And, as mentioned by others, Keith has also published a number of books on swimming psychology.
I too have looked at the ASA website and I see that Keith and Sandy are trying to infuse some new wrinkles into the sport. As a distance guy, why not expand the records upwards as well as down? I remember when there used to be records for the 3000, 5000, …up to I think it was 25,000. But that’s not why I decided to post this message.
My concern is for the how this will be viewed in the eyes of FINA. They may take exception to the fact that non-FINA recognized swimming bodies are sanctioning events and recognizing world records. My concern is not only for Keith and Sandy, but for anyone who affiliates with ASA. In reviewing FINA code (see below), it speaks of “relationships with a non-affiliated body”. I have no clue if this is applicable to ASA or not. If not, I guess I may be worrying needlessly and crying wolf. If this is the case, I an truly sorry. However, if FINA decides to sanction (punish) affiliated members, then those affiliated members need to be made aware of the risks.
I’m hoping that someone out there can let me know the affiliate status of ASA to FINA. I have also posed this question the Phil Whitten – the journalist who reported the original story.
To Rich’s question. Keith and Sandy have been outstanding age group and masters swimmers for many years. They have also been active and vocal in the promotion of Masters swimming for many years. And, as mentioned by others, Keith has also published a number of books on swimming psychology.
I too have looked at the ASA website and I see that Keith and Sandy are trying to infuse some new wrinkles into the sport. As a distance guy, why not expand the records upwards as well as down? I remember when there used to be records for the 3000, 5000, …up to I think it was 25,000. But that’s not why I decided to post this message.
My concern is for the how this will be viewed in the eyes of FINA. They may take exception to the fact that non-FINA recognized swimming bodies are sanctioning events and recognizing world records. My concern is not only for Keith and Sandy, but for anyone who affiliates with ASA. In reviewing FINA code (see below), it speaks of “relationships with a non-affiliated body”. I have no clue if this is applicable to ASA or not. If not, I guess I may be worrying needlessly and crying wolf. If this is the case, I an truly sorry. However, if FINA decides to sanction (punish) affiliated members, then those affiliated members need to be made aware of the risks.
I’m hoping that someone out there can let me know the affiliate status of ASA to FINA. I have also posed this question the Phil Whitten – the journalist who reported the original story.
