2010 DAM Member Survey Results

If you recall, Davis Aquatic Masters recently conducted a survey of members about the swim program.

Reflecting an exceptional response, 191 members completed the survey, which has provided the Board of Directors with meaningful insight for planning for the future.

Survey respondents represented all the workouts, which gave the directors confidence that the response accurately reflected the entire team.

Here are the results:

Would you change your workout time to Arroyo at 7 a.m. if it were available?

22.1%, yes.

77.9%, no.

Although most said no, enough participants said they would be willing to change their workout time and insure full pool if the opportunity to open another workout availed itself. The biggest area for improvement for the club is to alleviate the crowded conditions.

Which of the following best characterizes your primary motivation for swimming with DAM?

87% said fitness.

9%, competition.

3%, mental health.

1% , physical therapy

Less than 1%, social club

This question helps us determine the mindset of the swimmers as serious and dedicated athletes seeking continuous improvement

To what degree do the workouts meet your needs?

47%, most of the time.

43%, all of the time.

8%, half of the time.

2%, sometimes

Conclusion: 90% of the swimming population is satisfied with their workouts. The narrative feedback included positive comments about the balance of the workout, while some complained that there were too many drills and not enough long distance sets. We also received strong complements for pushing "non freestyle" strokes, while others felt "backstroke should be banned." We could not find any trends for improvement in this area.

How effective is the coaching toward meeting your primary swimming goals?

85%, effective or very effective.

14%, somewhat effective.

1%, not effective.

The overall result is good, especially since the board's focus was to invest the time and energy to get strong coaching onboard. Responses overwhelmingly complemented Stu and Mary on their coaching, enthusiasm and dedication. Some felt the opportunity for improvement is to insure the attention and individual coaching is spread evenly among all the swimmers.

How helpful is the feedback you receive on your strokes?

49%, very helpful.

31%, crucial to my performance.

10%, somewhat helpful.

9%, no feedback received.

1%, not effective.

Almost universally, the swimmers appreciate the feedback they receive and act on it. The primary concern is that the feedback is not enough or spread evenly among all the lanes.

Do the coaches appropriately balance the lane groups by similar capability?

78%, appropriately or very appropriately

22%, somewhat appropriately

Most of the constructive feedback received on this question was directed more toward the swimmers rather than the coaches. The coaches were praised for trying to accommodate everyone, but frustration develops when swimmers come late and get into the wrong lane, do not abide by the workout, or do not practice courtesy when being lapped.

Are DAM social events are important to you?

40%, events are somewhat important.

23%, don't attend events.

19%, events are not important.

16%, events are important or very important.

Most of the feedback regarding the social events was favorable. Responses usually cited "lack of available" time regarding their ability to participate, but like the idea that DAM sponsors the events.

Do you visit the DAM website?

84%, yes.

16%, no.

We received a lot of kudos the website and the recent improvements this last year.

Do you read the newsletter?

97%, yes.

3%, no.

Again, a lot of complements on the newsletter, its structure, stories and information. Primary critiques focused on it being too lengthy.

Do you feel it is important for DAM to promote meets and events as a team?

91%, yes.

9%, no.

Obviously, the response was very positive. Respondents caution that DAM should not put too much pressure on those who are non-competitive. 

What are the aspects that you like, or what can be improved (narrative only feedback)?

The big pluses are:

Active positive coaching from Stu and Mary;

Wide range of options for practice times;

Camaraderie within the club.

Two trends where we can improve:

Perception that certain lanes get a lot of coaching, while others seem to be neglected. Swimmers understand and appreciate the value of coaching and having the coach notice and provide that positive reinforcement. Responses show that they definitely notice when one lane gets more attention than the other. 

Pools lanes are noticeably crowded and more workout times would be appreciated (e.g. 8 a.m., 3 p.m., Sunday workout etc).  Some people are requesting the enforcement of a priority system. The board will focus on expanding workout times and options.

Note: Many thanks to DAM Board Member Mark Lutkenhouse for writing, overseeing administering and analyzing the results of the member survey.

 

P.O. Box 921, Davis, CA. 95617 530-757-7946 E-mail: admin@damfast.org

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