The anti-sandbag law:
"if a swimmer enters an event with a time significantly slower or faster than that swimmer's recorded time in the past two years, the meet director may, after a discussion with the swimmer, change the seeded time to a realistic time" (104.5.5.A(10)).
Concerning my Auburn nationals entry, I confess, when faced with a 7 hour 2 stop flight and 3:45 nonstop at an earlier time, I did what any warm-blooded middle-aged American swimmer with low self-esteem would do--sandbag my entry so I could catch the earlier flight, thus diminishing the possible time spent sitting next to a 400 pound Alabama slammer with sleep apnea wearing nothing but overalls and body odor. Of course, I was caught in my bold fabrication and my time was "fixed."
USMS seems to have an identity problem. Are we hard core with rigid qualifying times? It would seem not as 2 of my not-so-speedy family members were allowed to swim four events last year in Puerto Rico. If we are not hard core, why does anybody care that I sandbag? More to the point, why can one person enter a crappy time and another cannot? Just wondering.:)
Those who complain that it is taking time out of their swim meet timeline and call it selfish should look in the mirror. That complaint cuts both directions.
I don't even get this. It's analogous to someone who's always late. I guess you're saying the late person is selfish and the person that has to wait for him/her is somehow also selfish. Well OK then.
Lurking Male POV ...
I'm a big guy, and I like swimming with my own competition -- other guys. At mixed meets, I have gotten glares from women around me and heard them talk about backwash and wave action. One meet, a women got out of the pool and complained about her race being "a waste of effort." So I'm for separate seeding.
Sorry that you've gotten glares/heard comments like that. I would never act like that at a meet. The backwash can be frustrating, but the competitor in me can enjoy racing with those who are close to my speed (men or women).
:)
After reading every single reply to this thread, and deeply considering the arguments presented, I have concluded that sandbagging should be mandatory.
Female POV here...
It is very difficult to swim in lanes 1 or 6 next to a heat of guys. You boys create a lot more turbulence than the ladies. At a recent meet, I was in the 50 bk, in lane 1, swimming against all men. It was rough, I about drowned from the wake that was created. My time stunk, but I'm not blaming only the wake, others factors contributed to my bad swim, I would just like to compete in fairer waters. Hope that makes sense.
Lurking Male POV ...
I'm a big guy, and I like swimming with my own competition -- other guys. At mixed meets, I have gotten glares from women around me and heard them talk about backwash and wave action. One meet, a women got out of the pool and complained about her race being "a waste of effort." So I'm for separate seeding.
Apologies for resurrecting the thread but I was at scout camp for the last week (amazing the BSA and 10 parents would entrust one with such, per many on this forum, suspect ethics, integrity, and morals as I with their impressionable children).
Q, brilliant post. Chris and Jimby probably good but I have limited myself to 20 scientific articles per year and am currently way over my number.
One final question for the morality police: If I check in for the 400 (with my newly adjusted time) on the outside chance I can still make my flight but then need to leave is it still unsportsmanlike or am I just a scumbag for dodging competition or adversely affecting the timeline on the other end?
Apologies for resurrecting the thread but I was at scout camp for the last week (amazing the BSA and 10 parents would entrust one with such, per many on this forum, suspect ethics, integrity, and morals as I with their impressionable children).
Q, brilliant post. Chris and Jimby probably good but I have limited myself to 20 scientific articles per year and am currently way over my number.
One final question for the morality police: If I check in for the 400 (with my newly adjusted time) on the outside chance I can still make my flight but then need to leave is it still unsportsmanlike or am I just a scumbag for dodging competition or adversely affecting the timeline on the other end?
I think I speak for all those who have and will continue to sandbag this thread. Go forth and prosper with whatever strategy you have ruminated over. In the meantime, I will be thinking...
3. Does this suit make my butt look fat?
2. Should I eat something, again?
1. DO I HAVE TIME TO GO THE BATHROOM ONE MORE TIME??????
Also rans: Should I wear my flip flops, go barefoot, or my uggs? Will anyone steal my uggs? Should I use a dry towel, or save it for the victory Dry Towel After the Meet? Shoud I do as Ande says, and bring an extra cap and goggles in my parka jacket? Should I wear my parka jacket or risk getting cold? Do I care? Am I cold? Are there buggers on my face? Is my cap crooked? Should I take it all the way off or just mash it around on my head?
As you can see, whether or not someone else is and sandbagging really, really isn't important to me.....will probably ask #3 much more, in addition to....Did I bring anything to read???? And then...have my legs fallen asleep?
Mr. Dickson,
We apologize, but The Morality Police is much too busy lately to address your concern.
So it may be awhile before your relatively minor problem is addressed.
You know I think I'll just check in to the ER and see what they have to say.:)
You know I think I'll just check in to the ER
I had no idea attempted sandbagging would have such serious consequences. I wish you a speedy recovery. :bolt:
Also rans: Should I wear my flip flops, go barefoot, or my uggs? Will anyone steal my uggs?
Definitely flip flops (I'm still upset I can't call them thongs anymore without everybody chuckling).
Also, people stealing stuff behind blocks should be shot. I lost my favorite t-shirt (I think it was a cartoon Texas guy peeing on Oklahoma) that my bro gave me right behind my blocks...tragic.
