Why is it that Masters level swimmers who participate in USS sanctioned meets under a separate USS registration can't have their times automatically qualify for USMS rankings and USMS National records? What is the reason for this separation? The rules with USMS and USS seem parallel enough to allow USS swims to qualify under USMS ranking and records. Do we care if elite older swimmers in their 30's (say Gary Hall Jr.) effectively end up owning the USMS national record by default? Is USMS afraid of merging to closely with USS? Why wouldn't USMS want to recognize the true best performance by and old man/women in the pool regardless of whether their card said USS or USMS on it?
John Smith
I am all for having swimmers bridge boundaries between USMS and USAS. Why not allow more opportunities for swimmers to compete - especially in areas of the country where either USMS or USAS programs are less densely concentrated...
As for records and Top Ten, however, I belive distinctions need to be made. I have seen many examples of folks who train with and and swim in only USAS meets - yet sign up with USMS just to have their times count toward USMS top times too??
I would rather get destroyed by a regular USAS/USMS crossover (like Mr. Smith, or even Gary Hall Jr.) than by someone looking for one-time recognition. At least we know they're regular USMS competitors.
I will be the first to admit I am biased on this issue. Not only have I been shafted out of Top 10s by these folks, but I also never swam in a USS or NCAA program, which makes me take real pride in achieving Top 10-esque results.
I am all for having swimmers bridge boundaries between USMS and USAS. Why not allow more opportunities for swimmers to compete - especially in areas of the country where either USMS or USAS programs are less densely concentrated...
As for records and Top Ten, however, I belive distinctions need to be made. I have seen many examples of folks who train with and and swim in only USAS meets - yet sign up with USMS just to have their times count toward USMS top times too??
I would rather get destroyed by a regular USAS/USMS crossover (like Mr. Smith, or even Gary Hall Jr.) than by someone looking for one-time recognition. At least we know they're regular USMS competitors.
I will be the first to admit I am biased on this issue. Not only have I been shafted out of Top 10s by these folks, but I also never swam in a USS or NCAA program, which makes me take real pride in achieving Top 10-esque results.
