Swimming JOs - really is too bad we can’t have 1 spectator per athlete

[Anonymous]

I think the facilities can charge the same amount to the teams and it is easier for them with less people there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's a JO?

junior olympics

[Anonymous]

Feb 5 is a high school meet - WMPSSDL - and Feb 6 are two relocated PVS meets at UMD.

In my understanding, it is at this point pool policies that usually govern what is allowed in terms of spectators. Many pools still have capacity limits so first and foremost PVS must make sure that they can get all the athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials in under that number. This is not easy to do way in advance so that then they can decide if spectators will fit and then to decide who gets to be there if they only have 25 spots (for example)!! UMD is not allowing anyone in the spectator area for swim meets (not the high school or small PVS meets) or at any time. That's a UMD call and PVS can't override a facilities rules. There aren't many pools the size of UMD's where they can run two courses concurrently plus have a cool down/warm up pool. Most facilities only have a 50m pool and that is what makes UMD so desirable to run the bigger meets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it live streamed?

Yes, live-streaming is a Safe Sport requirement if spectators are not allowed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Feb 5 is a high school meet - WMPSSDL - and Feb 6 are two relocated PVS meets at UMD.

In my understanding, it is at this point pool policies that usually govern what is allowed in terms of spectators. Many pools still have capacity limits so first and foremost PVS must make sure that they can get all the athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials in under that number. This is not easy to do way in advance so that then they can decide if spectators will fit and then to decide who gets to be there if they only have 25 spots (for example)!! UMD is not allowing anyone in the spectator area for swim meets (not the high school or small PVS meets) or at any time. That's a UMD call and PVS can't override a facilities rules. There aren't many pools the size of UMD's where they can run two courses concurrently plus have a cool down/warm up pool. Most facilities only have a 50m pool and that is what makes UMD so desirable to run the bigger meets.

This is true and I would also say that it is true that facilities can make different rules for different patrons. Seems unfair/annoying and such, but they can make an argument that an event with many younger children is different than one with a college population that is known to be vaccinated. There are layers of policies at all the facilities to keep in mind.

While I don't love the idea of many drives to a place I cannot enter, I am happy to play by whatever rules keep the kids swimming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And before someone says maybe you should volunteer, the spots are hard to come by for JOs. Of course I will try.

I really think they should restrict families to one volunteer slot in the first few days the sign up is out (by all means, fill it up as the meet gets close!). There is a group of parents who jump on and take spots at every single session, sometimes both parents, and I think that is quite rude in these circumstances. However, if the alternative is not getting volunteers, it’s hard to complain.

Those parents should be embarrassed. Everyone can see who they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And before someone says maybe you should volunteer, the spots are hard to come by for JOs. Of course I will try.

I really think they should restrict families to one volunteer slot in the first few days the sign up is out (by all means, fill it up as the meet gets close!). There is a group of parents who jump on and take spots at every single session, sometimes both parents, and I think that is quite rude in these circumstances. However, if the alternative is not getting volunteers, it’s hard to complain.

Those parents should be embarrassed. Everyone can see who they are.

What about the families that sneak in? My kid tells me that she will see a few parents sitting with their kid in the stands. Space is limited for the team, so generally that parent is taking someone's seat.

[Anonymous]

Oh Lordy Machine is hosting JOs.....Turkey Clause was a disaster, not enough officials, last minute changes...they never did hand out medals like the meet announcement said they would and look, I get it, life is full of disappointment it's good for the kid to learn blah blah blah- but here's the thing: The meet is organized by adults who have been doing it for a while. It's not like they're reinventing the wheel. And yes, I have volunteered a over 40 hours this season already so don't start with the "are you doing your part." Yes, I am. I just want Machine to do their part if they are going to charge us for these meets. With no spectators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh Lordy Machine is hosting JOs.....Turkey Clause was a disaster, not enough officials, last minute changes...they never did hand out medals like the meet announcement said they would and look, I get it, life is full of disappointment it's good for the kid to learn blah blah blah- but here's the thing: The meet is organized by adults who have been doing it for a while. It's not like they're reinventing the wheel. And yes, I have volunteered a over 40 hours this season already so don't start with the "are you doing your part." Yes, I am. I just want Machine to do their part if they are going to charge us for these meets. With no spectators.

This is not a volunteer issue as you pointed out (thank you for the 40 hours - no snark here). The problem they have is leadership/management. It is a particular skill set to be organized and plan ahead so that meets run smoothly. Not everyone has it. But they should try to find some people that do have it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh Lordy Machine is hosting JOs.....Turkey Clause was a disaster, not enough officials, last minute changes...they never did hand out medals like the meet announcement said they would and look, I get it, life is full of disappointment it's good for the kid to learn blah blah blah- but here's the thing: The meet is organized by adults who have been doing it for a while. It's not like they're reinventing the wheel. And yes, I have volunteered a over 40 hours this season already so don't start with the "are you doing your part." Yes, I am. I just want Machine to do their part if they are going to charge us for these meets. With no spectators.

This is not a volunteer issue as you pointed out (thank you for the 40 hours - no snark here). The problem they have is leadership/management. It is a particular skill set to be organized and plan ahead so that meets run smoothly. Not everyone has it. But they should try to find some people that do have it.

We’ve been spoiled. Clubs like RMSC, OCCS, and NCAP know how to run a well organized meet. They’re like a well oiled machine, unfortunately Machine isn’t.

[Anonymous]

I understand that facilities have different rules for diffent patrons but this is starting to be a bit much. My child made their first JO age 10 and that was cancelled. Aged up since last year’s JO was moved back a few weeks and couldn’t make the 12 year old cuts. So this year will be the first one. The child is so proud to be there and it sucks that we can’t share in this moment after years of disappointments.

Anecdotally it seems like the swim community is super vaccinated and has no issue with masking so I would be shocked if there was any kind of outbreak if they allowed a support person to watch.

Most other sports have opened to spectators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh Lordy Machine is hosting JOs.....Turkey Clause was a disaster, not enough officials, last minute changes...they never did hand out medals like the meet announcement said they would and look, I get it, life is full of disappointment it's good for the kid to learn blah blah blah- but here's the thing: The meet is organized by adults who have been doing it for a while. It's not like they're reinventing the wheel. And yes, I have volunteered a over 40 hours this season already so don't start with the "are you doing your part." Yes, I am. I just want Machine to do their part if they are going to charge us for these meets. With no spectators.

It's not up to Machine whether there are spectators --it's UMD's rule. There's a simple solution for all the parents complaining: become an official. You can then kill two birds w/ one stone. Machine will have enough officials to run the meet and you get to see your 10 year old (or however old they are) swim. There you go: problem solved!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that facilities have different rules for diffent patrons but this is starting to be a bit much. My child made their first JO age 10 and that was cancelled. Aged up since last year’s JO was moved back a few weeks and couldn’t make the 12 year old cuts. So this year will be the first one. The child is so proud to be there and it sucks that we can’t share in this moment after years of disappointments.

Anecdotally it seems like the swim community is super vaccinated and has no issue with masking so I would be shocked if there was any kind of outbreak if they allowed a support person to watch.

Most other sports have opened to spectators.

Your child is 12...assuming s/he keeps swimming (which is a huge assumption given tons of kids quit between 13-15), you'll have many years ahead of you to sweat it out in an uncomfortable pool and watch your kid swim. Everyone should be happy that JOs is back to a normal format (i.e., not split between sites like last year) at an excellent facility. Please stop complaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here’s what annoys me about the no spectators rule: I was at GMU recently and there was a college invitational meet going on. So multiple teams there, tons of swimmer coaches etc on the pool deck. And the stands were packed shoulder to shoulder with spectators. Why is it ok for college meets to have spectators when a kids’ meet at the same pool doesn’t even let you in the building? It’s getting really old to have to try to explain to my young kid how to navigate a building they’ve never been in before to find their team area, where to go when it’s time to leave, etc. Does Covid not visit NCAA meets? I hate when policies lack common sense.

No, Covid does not frequent NCAA meets. It knows better. Just like at restaurants and bars....it's only strikes when you are standing/walking around, but the moment you sit and open your mouth (to eat or drink), it knows to avoid you. Same thing with schools. At nap times, lunch, etc. covid knows it cannot strike, and thus must lay in waiting until instruction starts back up, when it can then seek out the weak. It's also aware of state lines, which is why you'll find masks are required to keep it at bay at some states, but the moment you cross that line, you're safe again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand that facilities have different rules for diffent patrons but this is starting to be a bit much. My child made their first JO age 10 and that was cancelled. Aged up since last year’s JO was moved back a few weeks and couldn’t make the 12 year old cuts. So this year will be the first one. The child is so proud to be there and it sucks that we can’t share in this moment after years of disappointments.

Anecdotally it seems like the swim community is super vaccinated and has no issue with masking so I would be shocked if there was any kind of outbreak if they allowed a support person to watch.

Most other sports have opened to spectators.

Your child is 12...assuming s/he keeps swimming (which is a huge assumption given tons of kids quit between 13-15), you'll have many years ahead of you to sweat it out in an uncomfortable pool and watch your kid swim. Everyone should be happy that JOs is back to a normal format (i.e., not split between sites like last year) at an excellent facility. Please stop complaining.

DP, but you really need to STFU. Some of us don’t “sweat it out” at the pool and enjoy watching our kids compete, particularly at a meet that is a recognition of the hard work that kid has put in. The sanctimony of some people is ridiculous.