This started out as a response to the vote about SCM Championships. As I wrote, it seemed like I had an idea that was at least thought provoking. Here it goes:
There has been a lot of noise about the sheer size of SCY Nationals... Many of the popular suggestions on how to curb this problem revolved around the concept of exclusion (each of which flirt with contradicting USMS all inclusive philosophies). Perhaps instead of restricting who can come/6th event rules/A,B,C, cutoffs etc., we should look into running a second meet (SCM Nationals) at (roughly) the same time, but in a different part of the country.
This would certainly dillute SCY Nats., but people are complaining that they are too big already... It also causes complexity at that national level which could stop this idea in its tracks, and it may make one NC a "psuedo-Championship" b/c the most elite swimmers consitently choose one format. But most of us can agree we need to do something, and most agree excluding less accomplished swimmers is not in USMS's long term interests either.
This idea certainly has its detractions, and is one I am not neccesarily advocating. But I hope it will illicit some thoughtful responses regarding why this is a better/worse idea than 6th rule or ABC cutoff's. I'll start by pointing out its strengths:
1) It may curb SCY overcrowding
2) Provides a SCM championship at the national level
3) May provide a net increase in attendance since many swimmers are more willing to travel for regional meets.
SCM and SCY could be culled from the same bidding procedure, and the sites would need to be geographically distant (not neccessarily east coast/west coast, but you certainly do not want both within the same region).
What do YOU think?
Interesting concept - different meets, same time, different venues. However the idea of swimming against a phantom turns me off a bit. The thrill of competition would certainly be diluted - at least to me.
I do like the idea of "seasonal Nationals". But then I wonder would some think one the premiere event over another? Would more weight be given to another one? Would more than one National meet really solve the problem - if it's open to "everyone" who's to say "everyone" wouldn't go? Now I'm back to the swimming against a phantom again....
I think the entire concept of a National meet should be kept pure. Forgive me here if I get way off base as I don't know who is eligible for a National meet or how the meet is structured, anyway....I can't help but think a National meet, even if it's for Masters, should be structured/designed like other major meets. It starts at the local level with the "best swimmers" then moving to a regional meet in order to qualify for regionals.
Only problem with the above mentioned idea is that it may come off a bit "elitest" and not embrace all swimmers.
Interesting concept - different meets, same time, different venues. However the idea of swimming against a phantom turns me off a bit. The thrill of competition would certainly be diluted - at least to me.
I do like the idea of "seasonal Nationals". But then I wonder would some think one the premiere event over another? Would more weight be given to another one? Would more than one National meet really solve the problem - if it's open to "everyone" who's to say "everyone" wouldn't go? Now I'm back to the swimming against a phantom again....
I think the entire concept of a National meet should be kept pure. Forgive me here if I get way off base as I don't know who is eligible for a National meet or how the meet is structured, anyway....I can't help but think a National meet, even if it's for Masters, should be structured/designed like other major meets. It starts at the local level with the "best swimmers" then moving to a regional meet in order to qualify for regionals.
Only problem with the above mentioned idea is that it may come off a bit "elitest" and not embrace all swimmers.
