Dear posters--
My boys swim on a YMCA swim team. Unfortunately the aquatics director is a clueless fool who is hostile to youth swimming. We have a great coach, but the team's ability to grow is severely handicapped because the aquatics director will only allow three lanes in the afternoon for the team. Apparently the Y has a policy to always keep lanes open for lap swimmers. Worse, the YMCA in the neighboring town had to shut down their pool, which left over a hundred boys and girls with no place to swim. Believe it or not, my YMCA (which is independent of Y national) refused to expand its team to accommodate these kids. I am working on a letter to the board of my YMCA asking them to change their policy. I'd like to bring up points related to:
--the benefits of youth swimming
--what's unique about youth swimming compared to other sports
--why a small team (25) diminishes the team experience (relays, etc.)
--any other thoughts
The whole situation is ridiculous and hopefully we can make a persuasive case to the board to change its policy. Thanks so much.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, no, my Y does not have any organized masters swimming program.
Parents
Former Member
At least with swimming the kids come home clean.
Ain't that the truth.
The tech suit expense is new for me (I swam competively from '72-'84). A season of ice hockey ranges from $7-10,000 (including travel costs) at the level my son is playing. We are in San Diego so travel is a necessity. That amount, by the way, is what other parents tell me they spend. My husband and I prefer to not add up the expenses. We just fork over the cash and keep our heads in the ground.
The benefits are the same regarding team bonding, friendships, life lessons, etc. Except as far as I know, swimmers don't brawl in the middle of the pool.
Regardless of the cost, it really is fun to watch your kid enjoy a sport (or any event, really), that s/he has fun at and has a passion for.
At least with swimming the kids come home clean.
Ain't that the truth.
The tech suit expense is new for me (I swam competively from '72-'84). A season of ice hockey ranges from $7-10,000 (including travel costs) at the level my son is playing. We are in San Diego so travel is a necessity. That amount, by the way, is what other parents tell me they spend. My husband and I prefer to not add up the expenses. We just fork over the cash and keep our heads in the ground.
The benefits are the same regarding team bonding, friendships, life lessons, etc. Except as far as I know, swimmers don't brawl in the middle of the pool.
Regardless of the cost, it really is fun to watch your kid enjoy a sport (or any event, really), that s/he has fun at and has a passion for.
