In this issue, you will find information on upcoming swimming events and stories of interest. Consider adding this new event, the Sacramento Masters Pentathlon, happening Sunday, March 26, to your schedule. We want to support our meet hosts, and this is one more chance to race your events before the Pacific Masters SCY Championships at the Morgan Hill Aquatic Center, April 14-16.
The next Update will appear on April 3, 2023. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Stay fit,
The Pacific Masters Swimming Committee
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Sacramento Masters Sprint Pentathlon, North Natomas Aquatic Center, Sacramento, CA |
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Pacific Masters SCY Championship, Morgan Hill Dennis Kennedy Aquatic Center, Morgan Hill, CA. |
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USMS Spring Nationals, Irvine, CA |
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Coaches Appreciation Week. |
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Distance Fly Virtual Challenge. |
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USMS 5k/10k Virtual Champs. Information to follow. |
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What's Next in 2023
Sacramento Masters Sprint Short Course Yards Pentathlon, Sunday, March 26
This 50th Semi-Annual Pentathlon will be held at The Aquatic Complex in North Natomas, in a brand-new pool. Compete in 100s of each stroke, plus a 200 IM, culminating with a 200 Medley Relay. A complimentary snack bar will be provided, along with an embroidered towel for the winner of each age group, absolutely fabulous announcers, separate lanes for warm up/down and seasoned referees. Don't miss out on this first-class experience! The meet begins at 11 AM and typically concludes at 2 PM. Deck entries are available. Information and Registration
Pacific Masters Short Course Yards Championships, April 14-16, Morgan Hill
The welcoming Morgan Hill Dennis Kennedy Aquatic Center will once again be the site for our Spring SCY Championships. This competition is the reason we've done all those yards. The fun part is deciding what events best display all your talents. Looking forward to seeing you there! Information and Registration
USMS Spring Nationals, April 27-30, Irvine, California
U.S. Masters Swimming is excited to bring Spring SCY Nationals to the beautiful Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine, California. Entries are now open and will close Monday, April 3 at 11:59 p.m. PST. No late entries will be accepted. Information and Registration
Distance Butterfly Virtual Challenge, May 1-June 30
Ever wondered whether you could swim distance fly? Now’s your chance to find out!
Swim a 500, 1000, or 1650 fly for time in any SCY, LCM, or SCM pool. Step it up a notch and try all or any combination of those events. Compare your times to others throughout our LMSC and even USMS. Information and Registration
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Special Notice: New Rules Changes
Regarding the Backstroke and the Breaststroke
Pacific Masters is making the following changes to conform to World Aquatics and USA Swimming rules, effective as of now.
Backstroke: It is now legal to be completely submerged at the finish of your Backstroke race, once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5-meter mark (long course and short course meters) or 5-yard mark (short course yards) immediately prior to reaching the finish, prior to the touch. Complete Rule Description here.
Breaststroke: There is no longer a requirement for the arms, or legs, to move in the same horizontal plane during the Breaststroke. The arms and legs must still move in a simultaneous fashion. Complete Rule Description here.
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Coaches Appreciation Week
May 1-7, 2023
Where would Pacific Masters be without our dedicated coaches? Whether it is providing stroke instruction, helping us stay injury free, or just keeping us sane, our coaches are an essential element of our swimming routine and of our organization.
Despite their importance, it is easy to take our coaches for granted and forget to thank them for their efforts. For this reason, Pacific Masters Swimming established the Annual Pacific Masters Coach Appreciation Week designated as the first week in May.
While we encourage our members to regularly thank their coaches, please consider Coach Appreciation Week as an opportunity to let them know how much you value their efforts. Here are some ideas:
- A card or email telling the coach how their instruction helped you accomplish a goal
- A gift card for coffee, ice cream, a movie, or other treat
- Flowers, candy, a book, bottle of wine, or whatever you think your coach may enjoy
- A massage or spa day
- A certificate for a weekend getaway or special meal
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ALTS Instructor Certification Course
Sunday, May 21, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fresno, CA
Make a difference. Teach adults to swim.
Join us Sunday, May 21 from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM for a USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) Instructor Certification course. Check-in starts at 7:30 AM.
This is a great opportunity to gain skills under the guidance of experienced leaders specializing in teaching adults. This course will be capped at 25 registrants. Registration
We are offering a limited number of scholarships up to $150 for the clinic and reserving spots for the attendees. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please answer the following questions and email your responses to Kim Elsbach by this Thursday, March 23rd.
- How will you be using your ALTS Certification to benefit Pacific Masters Swimming?
- Have you been an ALTS Volunteer or non-certified ALTS Instructor in the past? (Please provide details)
- Do you have other experience in coaching, volunteering, or any relevant certifications?
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Why Pacific Masters has a Diversity & Inclusion Committee
A Message from Phyllis Quinn, Chair, Pacific Masters
Not only are we the largest LMSC in U.S. Masters Swimming, but we may also be the most diverse. We are also one of only six LMSCs that has a Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Learn about why we think Diversity & Inclusion is so important that we created this subcommittee here.
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee would love to hear from the Pacific LMSC membership to learn how a welcoming and safe environment has helped you enjoy Masters Swimming. Diversity includes age, ability, sex, gender, income, etc.
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Clovis Masters Spring Open
March 19, Summary and Results
Last Sunday was another rainy day in California as 32 dedicated swimmers went off the blocks in Clovis. We thank Clovis Masters for hosting a well-run, intimate affair and look forward to this being an annual event. Results can be found here.
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Coaching Opportunities
Burlingame Aquatic Club (BAC) is recruiting a part-time Head Masters Swimming Coach who will manage the operations of BAC’s Masters swimming programs. The hourly base pay range for this role is expected to be between $40-$50. Full job description here. Contact information
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Delegate Opportunity: 2023 USMS Annual Meeting
September 8-10, Houston, TX, and Virtual
Are you interested in being a Pacific Masters delegate for the 2023 USMS Annual Meeting? This year’s meeting will be held from Friday afternoon, September 8 to Sunday morning, September 10, and will again offer a virtual option. In-person delegates will travel to Houston, TX, and virtual delegates will attend via Zoom. In-person delegates will have reasonable travel expenses paid by Pacific Masters. Please contact Chris Ottati, Administrator for more information or to put your name on the list for consideration.
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World Aquatics Master Championships
August 2-11, Kyushu, Japan (Fukuoka for swimming events)
After being postponed several times, the World Aquatics Master Championships will be held this summer in Kyushu, Japan. Swimming events will be held in Fukuoka. Information and Registration.
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How Do You Handle Receiving a DQ?
You’ve just finished a race. You feel happy, and tired, and very accomplished. And then you get the news that you were disqualified. Oh, the heartbreak! It can, and has, happened to the best of us.
Our meet officials work very hard to follow the rules and keep the competitions fair for everyone. Their decisions are final. The best take-away from a disqualification is to learn from your mistake. A seasoned swimmer once commented: “You are allowed to moan and groan for five minutes. Then, you just have to let it go.”
Learn how to avoid receiving any dreaded yellow DQ slip.
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