Is there really a division between masters swimmers? i.e. one camp allied to a more low key fitness oriented approach with low membership growth vs. a meet oriented competitive (elite) camp?
This sounds ridiculous to me. I don't think I've ever run into anyone that acknowledged this debate on a pool deck.
What spawns this rift in Masters swimming? Is this an old guard vs. younger member phenonmenon?
Are there different motivations that exist that create this conflict in terms of the future of USMS? Why can't both coexist?
I say we poll some people out there and find out what they support.
John Smith
john,
you are up to your old rabble rowsing ways
Your flawed assumption is
Elite swimmers = high growth in masters swimming
I believe there are many more fitness swimmers and triathletes than swimmers who want to compete.
Masters teams grow locally,
How a masters teams grow depends on a fuzzy formula with combinations of the following factors:
+ location,
+ training times,
+ facility, (changing areas and swim pool)
(pool space, # of swimmers per lane, slow lanes can fit more swimmers, pool temp and chlorine levels)
+ lane training partners, (people to race or misery loves company)
+ friends (outside the pool activities)
+ coaches, (knowledge, fun, challenge, likability) and
+ cost
What else?
I'm lucky that I'm spoiled with the program and facility.
Ande
john,
you are up to your old rabble rowsing ways
Your flawed assumption is
Elite swimmers = high growth in masters swimming
I believe there are many more fitness swimmers and triathletes than swimmers who want to compete.
Masters teams grow locally,
How a masters teams grow depends on a fuzzy formula with combinations of the following factors:
+ location,
+ training times,
+ facility, (changing areas and swim pool)
(pool space, # of swimmers per lane, slow lanes can fit more swimmers, pool temp and chlorine levels)
+ lane training partners, (people to race or misery loves company)
+ friends (outside the pool activities)
+ coaches, (knowledge, fun, challenge, likability) and
+ cost
What else?
I'm lucky that I'm spoiled with the program and facility.
Ande
