Just to add my two cents,
I have only been coaching a short while, but I worry about the affect of dividing into two divisions. There are sailors on my team that can compete in the large regattas and should be given that chance. There are also sailors on my team who are new and should not be sent to these events. If the lottery system is used well in deciding which events to choose, based not just on status but on the level of competition, coaches can use it effectively to place good sailors in good events and get less experienced sailors into events that will allow them to grow. The problem is that many just try and get into the big events without thinking about the level of competition. In the past, W&M has always had a goal of qualify for Nationals (or now the regional qualifier). While that still is in the back of our minds, our focused goal is do the best we can in the fall at the Club Championships. Then see about qualifying in the spring. So, do we need to sail at St. Mary's in the fall qualif! ie! ! r (South #1)? No, but there were no other good (& local) options that weekend and we needed the experience. One issue is that many of these smaller teams do not have coaches to help asses experience and make these decisions. Since I have come on board at W&M, we have not been a "no - show" and have been much better at picking our events. Maybe this is where MAISA can help these teams? So, where and when do the less experienced teams (and sailors) get to sail and become more competitive? I agree with Dan that what we need more small regional regattas that are supported by MAISA. The Webb at CNU and our Colony Cup at W&M have earned reputations as a chance for good local varsity teams to send their young sailors to get experience. In addition, many of the club teams come because it is a chance for them to do well and learn. We only have ten boats at W&M, so the fleets are small. If we put a little more effort into events like these (i.e., some shore clinics or on the water training by a group of coaches), they would become even better. This would also improve the management of these events and train the teams who host these events to do a better job. I fear that if we divide up MAISA, smaller teams like us would get shut out of large local events (in which we may very well be competitive) and end up traveling much father to sail. With meager travel budgets and kids who are not varsity athletes (so leaving early on Fridays can be an issue), we need to be able to sail in local events big or small. Two Suggestions: Could the small teams that do not have coaches get some help from MAISA in picking which regattas they should do? Those coaches that go to each event and see these teams sail should be able to help them match their experience with the right events. This should be a building experience, not seen as a punishment for poor performance. Could we add more small regional regattas. We host a spring event, and could easily do a fall regatta or clinic in which other coaches come as well to help build the younger sailors on all of our teams. These "training" regattas could be done in several regions in the fall (which is a longer season and a chance to asses new sailors) and should be a good chance for local coaches to interact and local teams to improve. Just some thoughts.... John Griffin Coach, William and Mary Sailing Director, Program in Neuroscience Associate Professor of Biology College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA 23187 757-221-2257 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _________________________________________________ maisa mailing list [email protected] http://www.collegesailing.org/mailman/?listname=maisa
