Just curious if anyone out there has competed in any USA swim meets in the "open" age group category. My masters coach who is also the age group coach is encouraging me to register for this meet. I guess I am somewhat concerned of the "perception" of a 36 year old swimming next to mom and dads junior swimmer. I know I can hold my own against these kids but am also afraid that I could discourage the younger swimmer in age group if he gets beat by an 36 yr old.
Any Thoughts?
Greg
Former Member
Greg,
Go for it! USA Swimming is for all ages.
Over the past two years, I've swam in several USA meets including 3 Sectional meets, several Texas Senior Circuit meets and even in the USA meets that I've meet directed. Like the VCM swimmers, I train with our local USA team (the one my kids swim for) and therefore I travel and swim in their meets. Swimming these meets has been a real bonding experience for me and my kids.
The response from parents, swimmers, coaches, officials... has been nothing but positive for me. If anything, your presence will show the young swimmers that competitive swimming can be a lifetime thing. You will not believe how many young swimmers do not know that Masters Swimming even exists!
Swimming in a USA meet is a great way to tune up for Zones or Nationals. The officials will quickly point out any of your illegal start, stroke and turn infractions. Also, the meets are usually in top notch facilities, are seriously competitive and are very professionally run.
Here are some things to consider when attending your first USA meet:
1) USA meets run fast. The time interval between heats can be as little as 15 seconds. When the second whistle blows, get your feet set quickly on the block and be ready to take your mark! Also, some meets run "over under" and "chase start" formats---read the invitation.
2) Some USA meets that deck seed use a "scratch deadline" procedure. In these meets you are entered by default, unless you scratch. Some meets impose $$ fines for missing your swims--some will even suspend you from the remainder of the meet.
3) Some meets require "proof of time" and accept times from USA swims only. If you can't find the results from the last USS meet you swam 15 years ago, enter at "no time", if required.
4) Be prepared for some staring from the kids. It's not because you forgot to put your suit on or that you grew an extra head, but it's more that some kids can't associate physical fitness with grown-ups.
5) Don't be affraid to enter at your current best times (if proof of time isn't required). The best thing about swimming USA is the competition. Race those kids! I think you will find that you are a much smarter swimmer now---lots of kids swim their races mindlessly.
Relax and enjoy...let us know how you do!
Quite a few Masters Swimmers in Texas over the past few years swan in age group meets. Always, with great success, support and heartfelt respect from the age group community. The overwhelming attitude from all involved was.” if you have the horse power”....step up to the starting gate...Gosh, how could it be anything but a very positive demonstration for the kids to see us OLD FOLKS demonstrate that fitness in embraced and carried on throughout life...Heck, one of my son Matt's coaches swam a 50 point 100 free in a meet a few years ago in a drag suit...and he was 35 years old...Trust me...the kids went wild! They loved it and were seriously motivated by it.
Go for it!
Kindest regards,
Tom Ellison
