I have seen on several of these discussion boards several swimmers and coaches questioning why there are so few master's swimmers out there. Here is just a few theories that could be the main cause.
1. Organization - I don't mean the Masters organization I mean the organization of the local clubs. Many of the masters clubs are very unorganized ( at least the 8 clubs that I have been on ), and younger swimmers see this before even leaving high school or college and thus are turned off to Masters before ever giving it a fair shot. Many of those that have never swam in a group setting or training setting don't witness this until its too late.
2. Coaching - Although no one is perfect Masters swimming seems to lack in the coaching area. This pulls away from those swimmers looking to keep there competitive spirit alive. Tri-athletes and others are not affected as much as it is more about the laps then the quality of workouts.
3. Consistency - Nothing is consistent unless its in the rule book and even then there are clubs that get around the rules by not seeking sanctioned meets. There is nothing wrong with non-master sanctioned events, for some its a turn off.
4. MARKETING - It seems that people who didn't grow up in the swimming world or tri-athlete world, have no clue about masters swimming. Granted the budget for high end marketing campaigns is not there and that is unfortunate.
A Resolution:
Seeing as swimming is not a highlight sport unless Phleps or Lochte, Coughlin, or some other super star is at the event, we as masters swimmers must take charge to grow the membership. We must promote the good, work to eliminate the negative, and market the organization as a whole.
We are not all a part of Master's swimming for the same reason. However if we all do not have the drive to promote the organization that we swim under, why in the world then do we donate our membership fees to it. The lack in Master's memberships is directly connected to the members themselves as they are the organization.
:blah:
I wouldn't consider the Orlando area of Florida a rural area. As for the coaching goes I believe that it is written some where that it is recommended for the USMS coach to also be USAS certified but it is not required.
I agree with your comment on Orlando, and given you have been on eight clubs, I would suspect that there would be an opportunity for some of those clubs to pool thier resources, band together, and host a meet.
When I speak of rural, think Central Illinois where other than "umbrella clubs" that allow us to band toigether in state for relays, there are few locations with actual workout groups over a hundred square miles.
As it relates to coaching quality, why just "recommend" USAS status when it could just as easily be required by the club.
In my (rural) case, as I swim solo, I have to "coach" myself, and rely on the good people of these boards to provide insight, guidance and suggestions.
I wouldn't consider the Orlando area of Florida a rural area. As for the coaching goes I believe that it is written some where that it is recommended for the USMS coach to also be USAS certified but it is not required.
I agree with your comment on Orlando, and given you have been on eight clubs, I would suspect that there would be an opportunity for some of those clubs to pool thier resources, band together, and host a meet.
When I speak of rural, think Central Illinois where other than "umbrella clubs" that allow us to band toigether in state for relays, there are few locations with actual workout groups over a hundred square miles.
As it relates to coaching quality, why just "recommend" USAS status when it could just as easily be required by the club.
In my (rural) case, as I swim solo, I have to "coach" myself, and rely on the good people of these boards to provide insight, guidance and suggestions.
