Off the Deck

In an attempt to keep my thoughts organized and thus hopefully readable, yesterday I vented about fall out that occurs sans head coach. Today, we look at the state of administration…

1) Everyone makes admin-type mistakes. I had at least two typos in yesterday’s blog. But a steady stream of mistakes means either one of two things: you don’t know swimming or you just don’t care. Take this past weekend’s State Meet program. Swimmers were double entered in events. The event order was wrong. The scoring information, as well as the start times were wrong. Entry times were wrong (i.e. 1:19/200 free, or how about 14:35 for the 1650?). The most insulting part? The correct meet information had been posted on line for ages. And these examples are just a few concerning only the meet program.

2) The lack of communication, never great to begin with, is steadily declining. Seeding distance events in the program, then declaring positive check-in for the same events is mandatory, is bound to confuse some swimmers. And it did — many missed their distance heat by following the program, not the heat sheets posted on deck after the positive check-in deadline. Again, this is just one example from the State Meet, a time when the host facility and its home team should shine. Don’t even get me started on examples from day-to-day “team” management.

3) Coaching is supposed to be part of the masters program bargin at our facility. But wait — we haven’t had a head coach for 6+ months, and this year we also lost coaching on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. Yes, a coached noon practice was added to the schedule, but come on now — can that many adults, most of whom have job, family and other demands, attend weekday noon practice regularly? Last Monday I was able to go to the noon practice, my first this entire quarter. I was looking forward to an extended coached-practice. Except that there wasn’t a coach available — the workout was written on the board. Oh, and it was the exact same workout we did two days prior on Saturday.

The really depressing aspect? It doesn’t have to be this way. Swimmers know swimming. And as masters, we are used to volunteering to make teams and meets work. What would it hurt to ask us for our input, to work with us? Just a few ideas off the top of my head that would go a long way to mend the current rift include:

–Why not ask a local, savvy swimmer to review the guide? It probably would take less than an hour to check it and submit corrections.

–Even better, why don’t we look into on-line meet entry? It would save everyone time, money and reduce errors.

–Yes, we understand that we aren’t the only ones who want regular practice time. But instead of applying black or white thinking (i.e. “There’s an age group meet. Cancel masters practice!) can’t we switch to grey and let “team” members come in on their own after the meet is over that day? This would be especially helpful when meets are scheduled right when many masters are trying to get those last few taper workouts in before leaving for Nationals.

Call me naive, but aren’t we paying members of the facility? Where’s the “customer service” in this case? Are all programs getting the shaft? Perhaps I am overly sensative and protective of swimming, but it seems like a waste and just plain crazy not to seek our input to resolve some of these issues. At the very least, a brainstorming session could produce a ton of ideas…

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

More than a half year ago, it became apparent (rather than by official announcement) that our masters team would not be getting a replacement head coach.

At the time, I didn’t think that this concept would work, but I was still willing to at least try it out (i.e. not complain viciously right away).

Well, now that our State meet has concluded, I think it’s safe to say: we need a head coach.

To support my statement, I could (unfortunately) choose among a mutlitude of points. Instead, I will highlight a few, but key ones today:

1) Low entry number of swimmers: In between heats, just to amuse myself, I decided to see how many teammates I could think of off the top of my head that did not sign up this year for the State meet. I stopped after five minutes with a total of 30. It was too depressing to continue. Absolutely, as in years past, some swimmers were not available (i.e. “delivering first baby”) but most were simply “not motivated.”

2) Overall standing: Our team has won the State title several times. Sure, it’s been close a few years, but I think it’s still safe to say that we used to be the “powerhouse” team of the state. This year we finished third, separated from the fourth-place team by only a scant 25 points.

3) Lack of guidance and morale: A coach does many things. Not only do they show up on deck to lead a practice, but they motivate their members to strive for their personal best, to keep challenging themselves. They create seasonal training plans so their swimmers are conditioned and mentally prepared for meets. Coaches keep their members informed about such things as rule changes to prevent completely avoidable DQs over issues such as keeping your toes under the water during a back stroke start. They are on top things; they know swimming.

What happens when you don’t have a coach? Posting random previously written workouts does not cover your bases. People register under different teams despite training at our facility. Swimmers have to remind “management” that relays need to be formed, and even worse, scramble to submit after missing out on the first relay of the meet because they have not been entered. No one on deck is there to relate the big picture to the team: is it crucial that we win this relay? Who needs extra support this race to capture an individual high point award? Who is on the verge of setting a record?

I could go on, and I may another day soon, but for now I will close with this key point: Yes, we are adults. Thus, we are expected to ultimately manage ourselves: choose appropriate training, enter events, find motivation, learn the rules among many other examples. So today I finally ask “management:” don’t hold our team hostage anymore. We understand we may not be a priority for you, a big money-maker, or even an interest. But we’re still training and competing as adults because we love swimming. We know the sport inside and out. And you know what? We have some of the best adult swimmers in the world on our “team” — world record holders, All-Americans, National Champions and distinguished open water swimmers (multiple English Channel crossers for one!). Either work with us and earn the right to call us a “team” again or let us manage it.

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist

In a recent post, I wrote about my collapsing team situation and how it’s driven me to seek other training options. Today however, I am pleased to report on a positive trend I’ve witnessed over the past week: assistant coaches stepping up.

I suspect that this phenomenon occurs in other vacuums — some people step up to fill the void. In any case, it was great to witness such behavior concerning my team over the past week:

1) Shout out to Mike Mann: Our team morale has been low lately. Thank you for thinking of and organizing a fun social — attending the last university dual meet and heading to dinner afterwards.

2) Shout out to Ken Classen: You brought the “team workout” concept back last weekend. Thank you for spotting the rare opportunity to use more lanes than usual, which allowed us to spread out and do an entire sprint workout on a shared interval. Your enthusiasm on deck (using the whistle, calling out repeat times, and more) was inspiring.

Until next time,
Rebecca, swim evangelist