I propose a rule change for the championship committee. If someone misses their heat at USMS Nationals due to general stupidity and day dreaming, they should be allowed to swim in an open lane in that same event.
John Smith
(2006 psuedo champion, 50yd back)
Parents
Former Member
Well, if there were truly a lot of these of incidents happening at Masters Nationals I would have to agree with you. However, the reality is there are VERY few people out the the thousands of swims at the meet that encounter this situation. It wouldn't take much to help out in these situations and it would go a LONG way to build support for the organization when they try to "work" with its members and help them out.
As for the meet officials and workers that run USMS events. I hate to be blunt, but they are there to help conduct the meet for the dues and meet fee paying members...... not the other way around. The meet is for the benefit of the participants and helps show case USMS efforts and positive benefits as a whole. If they feel "put upon" or stressed by helping someone out at the meet in a bad situation, they need to either deal with it or not volunteer to work at the meet in the first place. I think most if not all the workers are to be commended for their efforts in running the meet. Its a series of long tiring days. The problem seems to come from the way the meet is perceived to be run.
I think the championship committee needs to consider loosening the reigns a bit. Take for example..... Rowdy Gaines lead off the 200 free relay at Indy nationas in a 21.3 and swam the fastest time for a 45 yr. old man ever. His relay split was submitted but not recognized because we failed to renumber the relay card with his name being first prior to the race.
This kind of rigid response by USMS at meets is unecessary in my opinion. After all ...... it's just masters swimming. USMS should have let him have the record for cripes sake.
Having said all this.... I will give Coral Springs high marks for a very nice facility and running the meet timely.
John Smith
Well, if there were truly a lot of these of incidents happening at Masters Nationals I would have to agree with you. However, the reality is there are VERY few people out the the thousands of swims at the meet that encounter this situation. It wouldn't take much to help out in these situations and it would go a LONG way to build support for the organization when they try to "work" with its members and help them out.
As for the meet officials and workers that run USMS events. I hate to be blunt, but they are there to help conduct the meet for the dues and meet fee paying members...... not the other way around. The meet is for the benefit of the participants and helps show case USMS efforts and positive benefits as a whole. If they feel "put upon" or stressed by helping someone out at the meet in a bad situation, they need to either deal with it or not volunteer to work at the meet in the first place. I think most if not all the workers are to be commended for their efforts in running the meet. Its a series of long tiring days. The problem seems to come from the way the meet is perceived to be run.
I think the championship committee needs to consider loosening the reigns a bit. Take for example..... Rowdy Gaines lead off the 200 free relay at Indy nationas in a 21.3 and swam the fastest time for a 45 yr. old man ever. His relay split was submitted but not recognized because we failed to renumber the relay card with his name being first prior to the race.
This kind of rigid response by USMS at meets is unecessary in my opinion. After all ...... it's just masters swimming. USMS should have let him have the record for cripes sake.
Having said all this.... I will give Coral Springs high marks for a very nice facility and running the meet timely.
John Smith
