A quick question for all of you:
Our state meet is taking place this weekend. The meet entries were cut off last Sunday at 6p.m. The psych sheet was available mid-Monday. About 24 hours later, one of our swimmers found a way to get herself into the meet, despite there being a very strict stipulation regarding no late entries.
She "conveniently" put herself in races where she would place first place without a doubt. In two of the races, she actually knocked her fellow teammates down from first place to second.
Keep in mind that this is not the first time this person has done this, and it should be noted that she repeatedly stated her goal to get "high point" at the meet. According to numerous conversations, she knew she had "missed" the deadline, but failed to seek entry until AFTER the psych sheet came out.
When our coach was notified of this, his reaction was basically, "It's just your time that counts, so I wouldn't worry about points." However, this obviously affects not only the swimmers on her team who were screwed, but other swimmers and other teams who may also be trying to get high point status.
Am I wrong in thinking that this is deceptive at best, and a very clever and manipulative use of a loophole that allows a swimmer to have a very unfair advantage? Is this what USMS has become - winning at any cost? Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing?
I did not realize all of this drama was right under my nose at the AZ state meet!
As a self-confessed high point whore I can sympathize with your plight. I try to pick events based on who I think may show up. As an example, last summer SW Zone meet in Mission Viejo. The entry clearly stated 800 or 1500 but not both. A bunch of people entered both as I would have done, if I weren't following rules. Not sure if they would have gotten away with the banned double, but I emailed the director. Psych sheets were out and theoretically the extra event was then allowed to be cherry-picked by the people who either couldn't read or were trying to get away with something. (Don't worry. I got my beloved high point towel!)
In my older days, I have become more philosophical. I wouldn't automatically assume nefarious motives by meet directors. I think some just want to increase meet participation and be flexible.
I did not realize all of this drama was right under my nose at the AZ state meet!
As a self-confessed high point whore I can sympathize with your plight. I try to pick events based on who I think may show up. As an example, last summer SW Zone meet in Mission Viejo. The entry clearly stated 800 or 1500 but not both. A bunch of people entered both as I would have done, if I weren't following rules. Not sure if they would have gotten away with the banned double, but I emailed the director. Psych sheets were out and theoretically the extra event was then allowed to be cherry-picked by the people who either couldn't read or were trying to get away with something. (Don't worry. I got my beloved high point towel!)
In my older days, I have become more philosophical. I wouldn't automatically assume nefarious motives by meet directors. I think some just want to increase meet participation and be flexible.
