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."
How well? Numerous times newbies have posted here asking for advice, and usually at least one person will urge them to "Join a masters club". Someone new to swimming could be too intimidated to come out if the bar is set really high, and they might very well see it as elitist.
Perhaps if a masters clubs only wants very good swimmers, they should also offer an introductory program for people who don't yet come up to the standard required for their regular workouts.
Good points. I contend that it is a rare occurrence for someone with zero swimming experience to want to join a Masters team. Most true newbies will start with adult lessons before stepping up to a team setting.
While I agree all USMS clubs should be welcoming, someone who can't swim a 100 should probably take lessons first. Otherwise the coach can't coach the entire team. Most large clubs (like ours) and many Ys offer adult lessons for true adult beginners.
How well? Numerous times newbies have posted here asking for advice, and usually at least one person will urge them to "Join a masters club". Someone new to swimming could be too intimidated to come out if the bar is set really high, and they might very well see it as elitist.
Perhaps if a masters clubs only wants very good swimmers, they should also offer an introductory program for people who don't yet come up to the standard required for their regular workouts.
Good points. I contend that it is a rare occurrence for someone with zero swimming experience to want to join a Masters team. Most true newbies will start with adult lessons before stepping up to a team setting.
While I agree all USMS clubs should be welcoming, someone who can't swim a 100 should probably take lessons first. Otherwise the coach can't coach the entire team. Most large clubs (like ours) and many Ys offer adult lessons for true adult beginners.
