I assume this inability to include all ages under the USMS OW sanction is due to insurance? It is more a function of our mission and jurisdiction over the sport rather than insurance.
USMS’s mission is “To promote health, wellness, fitness and competition for adults through swimming.” Allowing members under the age of 18 does not fit our mission and it encroaches on USA Swimming.
Requirements for participating in sanctioned events have to do with membership and not age. Albeit, people can’t be members until age 18, so age is an issue. If we changed our mission and removed the age restrictions then participation of minors would not be a problem for us. It might be a problem with our fellow NGB, USA Swimming.
I have heard rumors that it is even harder to get USAS sanctioning for an OW event. I’m not sure I’d say it’s harder to get a USA Swimming open water sanction and run a dual sanctioned event. USA Swimming has different rules and regulations and the event host must comply with the requirements of both organizations. But, I was involved in getting a race dual sanctioned last year and I found both organizations very willing to help make the race happen. The safety plan and race officials required for USA Swimming events are different (harder?) than USMS, but you also have a larger pool of volunteers to pull from. And as a race director, a more comprehensive safety plan and more volunteers are always appreciated.
I love, love, love events where my kids and I can swim I agree, swimming with your kids is great. However after a 25K race a few years back, I don’t think my son agrees with me.
I assume this inability to include all ages under the USMS OW sanction is due to insurance? It is more a function of our mission and jurisdiction over the sport rather than insurance.
USMS’s mission is “To promote health, wellness, fitness and competition for adults through swimming.” Allowing members under the age of 18 does not fit our mission and it encroaches on USA Swimming.
Requirements for participating in sanctioned events have to do with membership and not age. Albeit, people can’t be members until age 18, so age is an issue. If we changed our mission and removed the age restrictions then participation of minors would not be a problem for us. It might be a problem with our fellow NGB, USA Swimming.
I have heard rumors that it is even harder to get USAS sanctioning for an OW event. I’m not sure I’d say it’s harder to get a USA Swimming open water sanction and run a dual sanctioned event. USA Swimming has different rules and regulations and the event host must comply with the requirements of both organizations. But, I was involved in getting a race dual sanctioned last year and I found both organizations very willing to help make the race happen. The safety plan and race officials required for USA Swimming events are different (harder?) than USMS, but you also have a larger pool of volunteers to pull from. And as a race director, a more comprehensive safety plan and more volunteers are always appreciated.
I love, love, love events where my kids and I can swim I agree, swimming with your kids is great. However after a 25K race a few years back, I don’t think my son agrees with me.
