I started diving off of starting blocks when I was eight years old. I am now 51, and train at the Y, almost always alone, as there is no Masters program in the county where I live, or in any of the immediately adjacent counties. (There are several age group programs.) I want to work on my starts, but none of the Y's where I swim will let me use the blocks - saying that a national Y policy prohibits anyone from using the blocks unless a team/club coach is on the deck.
I have never heard of anyone suing a YMCA because of an accident on a starting block.
Yes, perhaps a coach would be valuable to me in this regard, but I'm not looking for a coach - I need and want a cooperative facility. The age groups' program schedules are not conducive to my schedule, and besides, the age group coaches already have enough on their hands during those times with lanes full of kids working their programs. I also am not excited about having to dodge those kids to do the work I need to do.
Anyone find a way to conquer this litigation-fear-induced insanity yet? Thank you.
Parents
Former Member
I join the ranks of ConnieKat, aquageek, and he-who-shall-not-be-named and posts three consecutive messages to an almost-flame thread.
Perhaps the problem is that it may seem unfair for someone to receive a 'windfall' for acting dumb and getting hurt. Perhaps you will agree that sometimes corporations act irresponsibly. If so, would you prefer that some faceless organization 'committee for responsible corporate practices' perhaps, take on the task of enforcing social norms and collecting punitive punishments? Or the church? Or the insurance companies? Or the government?
Not for me, I know how quickly and universally these types of organizations get co-opted. I prefer the chaotic, uncontrolled, and somewhat 'unmanipulated by the powers that be' system that we have. That is, individuals, institutions, and lawyers acting from faith, inspiration, ethics, jealousy, selfishness, and avarice. The combination is much better than the alternative.
I join the ranks of ConnieKat, aquageek, and he-who-shall-not-be-named and posts three consecutive messages to an almost-flame thread.
Perhaps the problem is that it may seem unfair for someone to receive a 'windfall' for acting dumb and getting hurt. Perhaps you will agree that sometimes corporations act irresponsibly. If so, would you prefer that some faceless organization 'committee for responsible corporate practices' perhaps, take on the task of enforcing social norms and collecting punitive punishments? Or the church? Or the insurance companies? Or the government?
Not for me, I know how quickly and universally these types of organizations get co-opted. I prefer the chaotic, uncontrolled, and somewhat 'unmanipulated by the powers that be' system that we have. That is, individuals, institutions, and lawyers acting from faith, inspiration, ethics, jealousy, selfishness, and avarice. The combination is much better than the alternative.
