I have seen many of the posts made here from master swimmers from all over the USA, Canada and the World.
It has me wondering about the state of master swimming.
1. Which State has the most swim meets.
2. Which State has the most master swimmers registered.
3. How many master swimmers registered are in the USA
While population density surely drives participation, pool access has to be an overwhelming factor.
To be honest, when I struggle to find pools and teams in some parts of the country (New Jersey!), I'm surprised we have any masters' swimmers in some places.
Big numbers of swimmers paying for programs would not only keep existing pools open, but would drive communities to approve new pools to be built.
But as long as clubs show measly regular participation numbers, it isn't going to happen.
I believe USMS and USA-Swimming have the tools to create great programs and benefits for members. But their strength is not signing up new members.
Motivated coaches on deck and working out in their communities do it (recruiting) best locally. They have incentive. It's their career.
Or it could be if they had the numbers for a substantial sized club.
Make registration free. Make swimming huge.
While population density surely drives participation, pool access has to be an overwhelming factor.
To be honest, when I struggle to find pools and teams in some parts of the country (New Jersey!), I'm surprised we have any masters' swimmers in some places.
Big numbers of swimmers paying for programs would not only keep existing pools open, but would drive communities to approve new pools to be built.
But as long as clubs show measly regular participation numbers, it isn't going to happen.
I believe USMS and USA-Swimming have the tools to create great programs and benefits for members. But their strength is not signing up new members.
Motivated coaches on deck and working out in their communities do it (recruiting) best locally. They have incentive. It's their career.
Or it could be if they had the numbers for a substantial sized club.
Make registration free. Make swimming huge.
