Community via Competition

Community via Competition - Discuss how pool meets, open water events, virtual national championships, and informal competition during workouts or elsewhere can help build community.

  • Speakers: Karyn Austin (SWAG), Ed Tzusuki (NJ), Bob Bruce (OR)
  • Here are the notes from the Breakout Session discussions during the presentation:

    Best of (each group picked their best idea to share)

    Massage school students

    Families / shorter meets

    College community timers

    Recognition for participation in multiple meets

    Cap trading with other local teams

    Volunteers get a coupon for free coffee

    Food Drive

    Personalized thank you notes

    Officials vote for spirit award

     

    1. Swimmers that swim with the host club

    o       Buddy system

    o       Get non-competetitive swimmers to volunteer & provide recognition

    o       Free membership to volunteers

    o       Team breakfasts (on site or go out)

    o       Unique caps / seasonal caps / birthday caps

    o       Swim outlet sales / dollar store

    o       Food drive / charity functions

    o       friendsgiving

    1. Swimmers that swim with other clubs

    o       Guest swimmer program

    o       Relays with visitors

    o       Encourage team to welcome guests

    o       Team cheer contest

    o       Relay meet

    1. Families of swimmers

    o       Shorter meets

    o       Give something fun to do

    o       Have family members volunteer as lap counters or cheer leaders

    o       Feed them

    o       Family member relays

    o       Holiday parties for families

    o       Dress up

    o       Coffee fund

    1. Officials & timers

    o       Stipend for nationals (hotel / travel)

    o       Hand written thank you car

    o       Gift cards

    o       High schoolers / support them back

    o       Massage session

    1. Volunteers

    o       Reach out to local schools for volunteers that want to do community service

    o       Communicaite

    o       Thank yous

    1. Sponsors & partners

    o       Put sponsor’s logo on swag

    o       Allow sponsor/vendor to setup a table at event

    o       Have triathletes help at meets / swimmers help at triathlons

    o       Massage school students

    o      

    1. Vendors

    o       Have a local swim shop on site

    o       Food truck

    o       Boyscouts/girlscouts