I am 21 and going to school at a college that doesn't have a swim team. I can't afford Masters or USS (time and $$), but I want to compete again. Is there a way that I can get into meets in my area without being affiliated with a team? If I can, I plan on joining USMS...but then what how do I go about getting into meets?
Thanks!!
Yes, you can compete unattached. Just write UNAT on your USMS registration form.
I would, however, contact someone from Illinois Masters before doing so. I think you can compete for their team while practicing alone. That's what I do with Minnesota Masters, I practice alone but compete for the state team, and I'm pretty sure that since IM is so large, they do the same thing. The advantage is that you can compete on a relay sometime with other IM swimmers.
Either way, check the Illinois Masters website for upcoming meets. Depending on the meet, you will either enter ahead of time by mailing in a form, or you will just show up the day of the meet and register on deck. There is usually a small fee to compete in a meet, and you will need to provide either your USMS membership card or a copy of it.
I sympathize with being a "loner" and also being new to the USMS system and having lots of questions. I've found that the best way is to make a few local contacts where you can direct your questions, as well as staying connected to this website for more discussion and information.
Good luck! Maybe you can recruit a few others from your college to practice with you!
Yes, you can compete unattached. Just write UNAT on your USMS registration form.
I would, however, contact someone from Illinois Masters before doing so. I think you can compete for their team while practicing alone. That's what I do with Minnesota Masters, I practice alone but compete for the state team, and I'm pretty sure that since IM is so large, they do the same thing. The advantage is that you can compete on a relay sometime with other IM swimmers.
Either way, check the Illinois Masters website for upcoming meets. Depending on the meet, you will either enter ahead of time by mailing in a form, or you will just show up the day of the meet and register on deck. There is usually a small fee to compete in a meet, and you will need to provide either your USMS membership card or a copy of it.
I sympathize with being a "loner" and also being new to the USMS system and having lots of questions. I've found that the best way is to make a few local contacts where you can direct your questions, as well as staying connected to this website for more discussion and information.
Good luck! Maybe you can recruit a few others from your college to practice with you!
