For the first 5 years of our program our team was very competitive. I really think this was due to the fact that most of us were competitive swimmers in high school and college. Realizing that we needed to enhance our program by getting the more recreational/fitness swimmer involved, we have now become a team of "tile counters" that rarely if ever test themselves at our masters swim meets or postal events. I realize that every doesn't need to compete, nor do I want to force anyone to compete. I'm just looking for some creative ideas or examples of how any of you were able to get people to participate in masters competitions. I would appreciate any help...
Parents
Former Member
I think its hard to get people to swim in meets. Many of them are shy and they also have kids that they take to sports like soccer too. But maybe with the beginners, we can tell them that many of the master swimmers seem to start as adults. And even some that swam as kids are not as good as childhood. Also, the meets are tough to do on a regular basis. I know it takes a lot of energy out. As for master teams, the local teams here seem to have many people swim in the local meets or meets in the state. Also, a few like myself swim unattached. Another means of picking people up. Unlike USA swimming, swimming or working out with a club is not necessary.
I think its hard to get people to swim in meets. Many of them are shy and they also have kids that they take to sports like soccer too. But maybe with the beginners, we can tell them that many of the master swimmers seem to start as adults. And even some that swam as kids are not as good as childhood. Also, the meets are tough to do on a regular basis. I know it takes a lot of energy out. As for master teams, the local teams here seem to have many people swim in the local meets or meets in the state. Also, a few like myself swim unattached. Another means of picking people up. Unlike USA swimming, swimming or working out with a club is not necessary.
