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.
As I am relatively young (24), and somewhat new to Master's swimming (1 year), most of my swim competition dates back to high school swimming and/or USA swimming age group competitions. One thing I don't understand is why there is not greater cooperation between the two organizations (USA Swim and USMS). Being in an area where the average time to get to an actual USMS/SPMA swim meet is two hours away, I only get to compete once or twice a year at best. There are at least 10 age group meets that take place within 30-45 minutes per year.
In general, my observation is that unless you are super fast (Olympic or Senior National Q) - you just look out of place trying to swim at a USA swimming age group meet over the age of 18.
As I am relatively young (24), and somewhat new to Master's swimming (1 year), most of my swim competition dates back to high school swimming and/or USA swimming age group competitions. One thing I don't understand is why there is not greater cooperation between the two organizations (USA Swim and USMS). Being in an area where the average time to get to an actual USMS/SPMA swim meet is two hours away, I only get to compete once or twice a year at best. There are at least 10 age group meets that take place within 30-45 minutes per year.
In general, my observation is that unless you are super fast (Olympic or Senior National Q) - you just look out of place trying to swim at a USA swimming age group meet over the age of 18.
