Yet...... another comment on "elitism" in masters swimming. This ongoing battle of two imaginary groups....... the selfish former elite swimmers and the non elite counter parts.
Yes..... The Evil Smith and I have taken great pleasure throughout the last decade trying to secretly split USMS into these two groups. Our efforts to perpetuate this divide and fuel our intolerance for "learners" is now being undermined..... :-)
One Big Happy Family: Marcinkowski’s Masters
reachforthewall.com/.../
"Butcher, Zerkle and others say numbers have soared because Marcinkowski has tried to strip the elitism from masters swimming, often thought to be populated with former competitive stars who have little tolerance for learners."
Having said that, the tone and wording of the drop-in policy as stated at the time clearly made it seem like Curl-Burke was only for serious swimmers, which is what the coach said in the article.
Tone is easily misinterpreted in writing. But, I don't have a problem with stating a USMS workout is for serious swimmers because it is. Even our least competitive level requires very good swimming skills. I think it probably conveys that you need to be able to swim and swim well. I'm not sure how many people just drop in for a noodle splash anyway so it can't be that off-putting.
With the exception of one club, I've never had any coach discourage me from dropping in during my travels. Most have been very welcoming.
Having said that, the tone and wording of the drop-in policy as stated at the time clearly made it seem like Curl-Burke was only for serious swimmers, which is what the coach said in the article.
Tone is easily misinterpreted in writing. But, I don't have a problem with stating a USMS workout is for serious swimmers because it is. Even our least competitive level requires very good swimming skills. I think it probably conveys that you need to be able to swim and swim well. I'm not sure how many people just drop in for a noodle splash anyway so it can't be that off-putting.
With the exception of one club, I've never had any coach discourage me from dropping in during my travels. Most have been very welcoming.
