Is the economic downturn affecting your club in any way, such as a decrease in participation, (or even increase if swimming is seen as a cheap pastime, like movie-going and rentals?) Is your club doing anything as a result, or is it preparing for a bad economy in any way? Any drop or increase in meet participation attributed to it?
The economy is one of the reasons that I came back to swimming. I had done half-marathons and other running events for a couple of years, but when I found that I didn't have as much money to save, I cut back. It really became the difference of having to shell out $90 for shoes that last a few months plus the minimum of $70-100 to run a race versus spending $40 on a poly suit that lasts practically forever (some I have had for 2 years and they still function great!) and my monthly fee at the local ymca. If anything, the economy has helped my swimming. I just hope that other people are optimistic enough that things aren't going to be this way forever.
I would also be interested in seeing if meet attendance is up or down.
The economy is one of the reasons that I came back to swimming. I had done half-marathons and other running events for a couple of years, but when I found that I didn't have as much money to save, I cut back. It really became the difference of having to shell out $90 for shoes that last a few months plus the minimum of $70-100 to run a race versus spending $40 on a poly suit that lasts practically forever (some I have had for 2 years and they still function great!) and my monthly fee at the local ymca. If anything, the economy has helped my swimming. I just hope that other people are optimistic enough that things aren't going to be this way forever.
I would also be interested in seeing if meet attendance is up or down.
