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
According to the YMCA guidelines - Nationals are open to ANYONE who is a full time member of their YMCA as of 1/16/04. They define a full time member as anyone with a FULL ANNUAL membership and all the rights and privileges of membership. Please join my YMCA; we need more swimmers and your money. We need one more male swimmer in the 35+ bracket to field some relays and a couple of more female swimmers.
Here is my two cents.
1) If you join the YMCA on or before Jan 15th and you pay your dues up through Nationals – Come swim. Have a great time at one of the best meets in the country.
2) I will take issue the YMCA that sells a “special” membership or cuts a deal for a group of swimmers just so they can swim at Nationals. That clearly violates the intent and spirit of the meet. I think that is what the “fuss” is all about.
See you in Fort Lauderdale,
Michael
According to the YMCA guidelines - Nationals are open to ANYONE who is a full time member of their YMCA as of 1/16/04. They define a full time member as anyone with a FULL ANNUAL membership and all the rights and privileges of membership. Please join my YMCA; we need more swimmers and your money. We need one more male swimmer in the 35+ bracket to field some relays and a couple of more female swimmers.
Here is my two cents.
1) If you join the YMCA on or before Jan 15th and you pay your dues up through Nationals – Come swim. Have a great time at one of the best meets in the country.
2) I will take issue the YMCA that sells a “special” membership or cuts a deal for a group of swimmers just so they can swim at Nationals. That clearly violates the intent and spirit of the meet. I think that is what the “fuss” is all about.
See you in Fort Lauderdale,
Michael
