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.
Not entirely accurate, unless you will only swim at meets with QTs and prelim/finals formats. True, not many masters show up at USA meets. But last time I did, I had fun, didn't get clobbered and I'm way older than you. The meet I'm swimming in this weekend is masters sanctioned. Personally, I vastly prefer masters meets for the social aspect, but there aren't nearly as many masters meets. If just depends on how much you want to race and how important convenience is to you. For me, convenience and timing are everything or very nearly.
Jonathan:
It's easy for you to say there's no pressure at a masters meet. But for those who didn't swim competitively as youths, it can still be stressful. Masters meets are inclusive and there's a lot of support, but still, many hold little interest for fitness swimmers or busy people with other priorities. And, for newbies and relative newbies, just getting up on a block and worrying about your goggles and turns can cause some anxiety. I had goggles issues for a year, and am still start impaired. It's not as easy as you imply. :P
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.
Not entirely accurate, unless you will only swim at meets with QTs and prelim/finals formats. True, not many masters show up at USA meets. But last time I did, I had fun, didn't get clobbered and I'm way older than you. The meet I'm swimming in this weekend is masters sanctioned. Personally, I vastly prefer masters meets for the social aspect, but there aren't nearly as many masters meets. If just depends on how much you want to race and how important convenience is to you. For me, convenience and timing are everything or very nearly.
Jonathan:
It's easy for you to say there's no pressure at a masters meet. But for those who didn't swim competitively as youths, it can still be stressful. Masters meets are inclusive and there's a lot of support, but still, many hold little interest for fitness swimmers or busy people with other priorities. And, for newbies and relative newbies, just getting up on a block and worrying about your goggles and turns can cause some anxiety. I had goggles issues for a year, and am still start impaired. It's not as easy as you imply. :P
