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
A couple of comments on this thread and the "morphing" of the original discussion.
- The original intent that JS was going for was to gauge whether or not registered swimmers with USMS felt the organization slanted its focus/mission to far in one direction or another. This came about from observations of people who attended the convention over the years and feeling of "us" vs. "them" seemed to permeate.....if you wanted to grow membership, have more meets, set reasonable qualifying standards, etc. you we're "elite". If on the other hand you wanted things to stay as they are and tended to be more oriented towad the fitness side of things then you we're in that camp.
- To any newbies who may feel that there is an "attitude".....having swam with dozens of teams all over the country I would say that this may be a misperception.....my wife and I find that people tend to hang together mostly because they have been in a lane/group for a long time...and often are busy chatting it up....easy to take it as elite or cliquish but I doubt its often the case.
- To the point above....in general when we are training with a new team its rare to have anyone approach us...but beacuse we are so loud and obnoxious we usually get to know people quickly....rather they want to know us or not! In fact...being a person who likes to shake things up a bit...I usually go to one of the slower lanes.....which often creates a little bit of a stir....right Brian (my coach at the Manatee's)....?! :banana:
- So....my suggestion.....don't "assume" anything unless someone outright says something rude....then go to the coach.
- As for anyone who is training and/or competing in MASTERS swimming who cops any kind of ELITIST attitude.....well all I can say is I hope someday they get a life!! :) Its MASTERS!!!!!
A couple of comments on this thread and the "morphing" of the original discussion.
- The original intent that JS was going for was to gauge whether or not registered swimmers with USMS felt the organization slanted its focus/mission to far in one direction or another. This came about from observations of people who attended the convention over the years and feeling of "us" vs. "them" seemed to permeate.....if you wanted to grow membership, have more meets, set reasonable qualifying standards, etc. you we're "elite". If on the other hand you wanted things to stay as they are and tended to be more oriented towad the fitness side of things then you we're in that camp.
- To any newbies who may feel that there is an "attitude".....having swam with dozens of teams all over the country I would say that this may be a misperception.....my wife and I find that people tend to hang together mostly because they have been in a lane/group for a long time...and often are busy chatting it up....easy to take it as elite or cliquish but I doubt its often the case.
- To the point above....in general when we are training with a new team its rare to have anyone approach us...but beacuse we are so loud and obnoxious we usually get to know people quickly....rather they want to know us or not! In fact...being a person who likes to shake things up a bit...I usually go to one of the slower lanes.....which often creates a little bit of a stir....right Brian (my coach at the Manatee's)....?! :banana:
- So....my suggestion.....don't "assume" anything unless someone outright says something rude....then go to the coach.
- As for anyone who is training and/or competing in MASTERS swimming who cops any kind of ELITIST attitude.....well all I can say is I hope someday they get a life!! :) Its MASTERS!!!!!
