Saw one of the more interesting articles about the past, present, and future aspects of competitive swimming on SwimInfo's website the other day from Wayne Goldsmith..
www.swiminfo.com/.../7720.asp
I think it provokes a great deal of thought in this arena and specifically within this group since many of us either participate, have friends/relatives who participate, or remember participating in competitive swim meets.
I particularly appreciate the parents perspective provided in the article. While I have little children (5 and almost 3 years old), the thought of going through what my parents did with me makes me hesitate to sign up for the first set of SwimAmerica lessons or summer club swim team to introduce them to swimming. While I swam through my school age years, I didn't really consider just what my parents had to go through right along with me.. I was always thinking about what i was going through. Wow!
Check out the article and see what you think...
Rob
Parents
Former Member
I agree with many of these points but as a former "age group" swimmer and current parent of "age group" swimmer. I think many more USA swim clubs should consider dual/tri meets as an alternative to the current meet format. This is preferable to the unending heats described in the article. The team element keeps it exciting, reduces the number of participants so that the meets complete within two hours, etc.
Many other good points.
BTW, I've noticed a trend here in New England where the number of boys in the younger age groups is increasing from the lows of several years ago. In fact, boys now outnumber girls in a few 12 and under age groups at some of the larger clubs. Most cite the growing popularity of jammers as the primary reason.
I agree with many of these points but as a former "age group" swimmer and current parent of "age group" swimmer. I think many more USA swim clubs should consider dual/tri meets as an alternative to the current meet format. This is preferable to the unending heats described in the article. The team element keeps it exciting, reduces the number of participants so that the meets complete within two hours, etc.
Many other good points.
BTW, I've noticed a trend here in New England where the number of boys in the younger age groups is increasing from the lows of several years ago. In fact, boys now outnumber girls in a few 12 and under age groups at some of the larger clubs. Most cite the growing popularity of jammers as the primary reason.
