All amateur swimmers 18 and over should be required to swim at least one masters meet per year. This would help with the transition into adult life, and really show the younger generation the value of masters swimming. Adults who continue to love the sport, that's a great networking tool and a positive way to stay involved with people of similar interests.
Actually, I listened to my parents, or rather my mother. She was of the opinion that if I didn't make money it wasn't worth doing. There was no way they were going to put another penny into my swimming. How could I argue, the year before they spent over $30,000 just so I could compete at an international level.
So at 18 I was a wreck.
The thing is, the year before at 17 I was the fastest in all history for the 100 free in my province for 15-17, #1 in Canada that year, and 9th in the World for 17 and under. Yet, I couldn't pay rent. So now I'm of the opinion that there should be age-group carding, and I'll spend the rest of my life working towards making that a reality. If you're top 8 in the country in 11-12,13-14, or 15-17 you should have financial support.
Interesting thought. We spent no where near that amount, but it is quite expensive to have a child or two or three in swimming, not just money, but time as well. How do you pay for that financial support? By raising everyone's membership fees? Also, I wonder if this might make it worse for the "pushed" 12 year old. I saw too many of those in my day.
Incidently, my son asked where the pool schedule for open swims was yesterday. Does not mean he will go, but does look like he might be interested. I think we need a pool that is open all night though, he is very much a night owl!
Actually, I listened to my parents, or rather my mother. She was of the opinion that if I didn't make money it wasn't worth doing. There was no way they were going to put another penny into my swimming. How could I argue, the year before they spent over $30,000 just so I could compete at an international level.
So at 18 I was a wreck.
The thing is, the year before at 17 I was the fastest in all history for the 100 free in my province for 15-17, #1 in Canada that year, and 9th in the World for 17 and under. Yet, I couldn't pay rent. So now I'm of the opinion that there should be age-group carding, and I'll spend the rest of my life working towards making that a reality. If you're top 8 in the country in 11-12,13-14, or 15-17 you should have financial support.
Interesting thought. We spent no where near that amount, but it is quite expensive to have a child or two or three in swimming, not just money, but time as well. How do you pay for that financial support? By raising everyone's membership fees? Also, I wonder if this might make it worse for the "pushed" 12 year old. I saw too many of those in my day.
Incidently, my son asked where the pool schedule for open swims was yesterday. Does not mean he will go, but does look like he might be interested. I think we need a pool that is open all night though, he is very much a night owl!
