Decision to not attend the Y New Englands a tough one.......

First, I too am very upset that this situation has occurred.  In fact, it is not the first time this has happened to New Englands.  The last time, if I recall correctly, the weekends were changed last minute and some teams attended and some did not.  The meet was of very poor quality and I got many complaints from parents of those that attended.  This might happen here as well.  I really do not see many teams (of quality) being able to attend due to this late schedule change.

As far as the decision our team has made.  Tara and I discussed all the possibilities.  At first, I thought at least the 8/unders could go.  Tara and I have both scheduled other things for the two week period that would be extended.  Tara has enrolled in classes and will not be able to attend any practices.  I have responsibilities to our Zone and National level swimmers and as you know the pool time that we would normally hold practices is not available because of our scheduled clinics.  I do not know of any other pool time available and my staff is also not available during that time period.  Some swimmers will be attending Zones during the weekend they are proposing to reschedule and thus our team will be split and relays will not be intact. I also will not be able to attend the meet since I am in Florida the weekend it may be rescheduled for.  Tara and I are in charge of our groups and need to make these decisions for our groups.  I believe the meet will be watered down at best and not a very competitive competition.  I really do not think it is in the best interest of our team or swimmers to attend this year.
 
With all that said, I really am opposed to any small group of swimmers and parents deciding on their own that they wish to attend the meet.  It is a coaches decision as to which competitions our team and swimmers attend, and this is an unfortunate decision to have to make.  I know how upset everyone is over this and I am sorry this situation has occurred.  If there were another alternative, we would explore it.  The Water Rats did not attend New Englands for a number of years as there was a different meet offered called the East Field Championships.  That meet was a much more competitive meet and we really enjoyed attending.  After the East Field decided to drop the meet a few years ago, we decided to again attend the New England meet. We know of no other alternative Y competitions.
 
Sorry the website statement was not very well done when first posted.  I tried to get something up there quickly and really probably should have put more thought into what was posted.
 
Please contact me if you have any other questions of concerns.
 
Bill