I've been following the postings here for a while and I'd like to find out how people feel about the YMCA Nationals. I've participated in the Y-Nationals for years and one thing really bugs me. Every year there are "Ringers" - swimmers who don't actually belong to or swim with a YMCA. They shop around for a Y willing to give them a cheap deal, all so they can swim at the meet. Y-Nationals is supposed to be an event for YMCA members and YMCA's who sponser a team.
I don't undersatnd why a YMCA would sign all the forms for these swimmers and I don't understand why these swimmers feel the need to pretend they are YMCA members.
Does anybody else think this is cheating?
Thanks,
a real YMCA swimmer.
Parents
Former Member
I suspect that the "ringers" are just looking for an opportunity to compete. As Masters swimmers, our work schedules and geography limit the number of meets we can enter. I'm planning to go to long course nationals in Savannah because it's close and I can combine it with a family vacation. I doubt these swimmers are going to that much trouble just to pick up medals. And if their local YMCA is sponsoring them, I don't see the problem.
I suspect that the "ringers" are just looking for an opportunity to compete. As Masters swimmers, our work schedules and geography limit the number of meets we can enter. I'm planning to go to long course nationals in Savannah because it's close and I can combine it with a family vacation. I doubt these swimmers are going to that much trouble just to pick up medals. And if their local YMCA is sponsoring them, I don't see the problem.
