Ed

NBS

500 switching strokes

5/5/2004

I read somewhere in the newspaper once that some individual was swimming the 500 free. In the middle of the swim, she switched to butterfly. Is that possible?

Thank you Ed for your question. The short answer is yes, and it is legal! In the individual freestyle events rule 101.4.2 states that "In an event designated freestyle the swimmer may swim any style ..." Therefore, any swimmer in the 500 Freestyle may swim any stroke or combination of strokes they choose. It is "all" considered freestyle.

Sara

TS

Turn

4/18/2004

Would you be disqualified if you do your turn then push off on your back and then turn over to your stomach?

Sara, thank you for your freestyle turn question. If you have touched the wall with any part of your body during any part of the turn, there would be no disqualification. Rule 101.4.2 states "... the swimmer may swim any style ...". Also, rule 101.4.3 states that during the turn "... the swimmer must touch the wall." In individual freestyle events you may swim with any technique and touch the wall in any manner.

Amanda

TS

Freestyle disqualification

2/16/2004

How can a swimmer be disqualified in freestyle?

Amanda, thank you for your question. There are actually five different ways a swimmer may be DQed during a freestyle event. They are for a false start, pushing off the bottom of the pool, pulling on the lane lines, failing to touch the wall at the end of each length, and not starting and finishing in the same lane. This answer assumes that the swimmer has reported to their seeded lane, steps up on the long whistle, and does not commit any unsportsman like conduct during the race.

Corey

UVA

Continuous turns

2/5/2004

What defines the continuous nature of a backstroke turn?

THE RULE: Rule 101.3.3 states that upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to execute the turn. Once the body has left the position on the back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall. THE INTERPRETATION: Once the swimmer's body has turned from the back to the breast, the single or douple simultaneous arm pull defines the continuous nature of the turn. The stroking arm or arms must keep moving. Once the stroking arm or arms stop and/or get even with the swimmer's hip, the swimmer must be in the flip turn. If the stroking arm or arms have stopped, while the swimmer is towards their breast and has not begun to flip, the Official must DQ the swimmer for a "non-continuous turn".

Kristen

Long Island Express

Up and down

10/5/2006

What happends if you touch the wall with two hands but one is over the water and one is under is that a DQ?

No. The touch must be simultaneous. The hands are not required to be on the same level.

Glenn

VAC

New kick rule

10/2/2005

The new rule now contains that all movement of the legs to be "in the same horizontal plane and without alternating movement". Does this mean exactly paralel to the surface of the water?

Dear Glenn, The wording you cite is not what is new in the rule. Actions being in the same horizontal plane have been required all along. A violation of this position needs to be clearly seen in order to be called an infraction. So your use of the word "exactly" is a bit more harsh than the reality. Officials are always guided to "Give the benefit of the doubt to the swimmer." A blatant violation of this part of the rule would probably be the result of improper body position and so the arm movements would also be in violation. In that case, if the infraction is clearly observable, it would be subject to disqualification. The position of the body on the breast must be achieved before the first armpull takes place, so an infraction by the leg motion would probably be the second, if not third item observed to be illegal.

Kristen

Metro

Turn

8/10/2005

What would happen if your ankles and/or legs crossed in the middle of your breastroke streamline (after coming off of your turn)? Would this be a DQ? Thanks.

Dear Kristen, The feet and/or ankles being crossed as you streamline off the wall in Breaststroke is not subject to disqualification. What officials observe is whether MOTIONS conform to the rules as far as the feet and legs are concerned For efficiency of your streamline, ask your coach to help you on it.

Samantha

LBA

DQ

2/26/2005

Today I had first place winning time in 10 & Under 50 yard breastroke in the JOs but I was disqualified, because I wobbled before I dove in. Why did I get disqualified; I didn't false start?

Samantha, thank you for your question and efforts at the recent Metro JOs. The rule book says that a swimmer must be completely still at the moment of the start signal for each race. If you were "wobbling" at the moment of the start, that is grounds to enforce a false start. Additionally, a false start can only be enforced if the Starter AND Referee indenpendantly agree that there was movement at the start.

Sam

SDA

Breaststroke turns

4/12/2004

Are you allowed to come off the wall on your back (in breaststroke), turn over onto your stomach, and then do your pulldown?

Thank you Sam for your breaststroke question. Rule 101.4 clearly states that "... Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired. The shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall and the form prescribed in .2 above must be attained from the beginning of the first arm stroke." Rule 101.2 begins "From the beginning of the first armstroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast." Therefore, when your feet leave the wall your body must be towards the breast (not the back) and when you begin to pull you must be on your breast. The situation you describe would be illegal and result in a disqualification.

Uller

YMID

Two hand touch

3/7/2004

If a swimmer is coming into a turn or finish, brings both hands forward legally and touches with one hand on top of the other (for example, the palm of the right is on top of, and touching the top of the left hand), is this a legal touch?

No, this is not a legal touch at a turn or finish. This rule is very clear (101.1.4). The rule states, At each turn, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously... Therefore, both hands must touch the all at the same time. There is no "electicity" in swimming rules!

Diane

Pennsbury-MA

Feet position

4/4/2006

My daughter was DQed on the 100 fly becuase of a "alternating feet position" We asked our coach to get a clarifciation and the Judge said that although her feet were together at the ankles, and they were kicking simultaneously, one was deeper into the water than the other! Is this legit ?

I am sorry to hear that an official had an incorrect understanding of the rule. The rules state that the kick may not be alternating. It has never been a violation to have one foot higher than the other as long as they remain that way. Even if the feet do alter their relative position, the CHANGE must be observed. In other words, if the left foot was above for a while and all of a sudden the official sees that the right one is uppermost, the call cannot be made. The change was not observed when it took place. It is good that you have asked this question and want to be familiar with the rules. You can find more information on the USA Swimming website under Officials.

A finish or turn

11/8/2005

When you get to a wall, is it legal to have your hands seperated as long as they touch the wall at the same time, I wasn't sure. Some people I ask say that it is legal and other people say that it is not.

In touching the wall, the hands are permitted to be separated, the touch itself must be simultaneous. Some swimmers try to keep their hands together in order to make sure that they touch simultaneously.

LIAC

Backstroke to breastroke turns

8/3/2005

Is it okay to do the backstroke to breastroke a special way by touching the wall and doing a flip and then pushing off underwater. Or does it only have to be a touch and go turn?

In the transition from Back to Breast, the shoulders may not go past verticle until the touch is made. So, a swimmer may reach back for the wall, have one shoulder higher than the other, then touch and turn "in any manner." The key is to touch the wall. If it is then comfortable for you to flip from that point, it is perfectly legal.

Bryan

Turn

8/19/2004

I have been watching the Olympics and in the 200 IM they do a flip turn from back to breast are we allowed to this in our meets?

In the Individual Medley, a swimmer must finish the backstroke according to the finish rules related to backstroke. That simply means on their back. If a swimmer, after touching the wall on their back, flips and comes off the wall on their breast, this is a legal turn. So, Yes Bryan, it is legal for you to do this turn also!

Mike

Blue Arrow

Relay starts

2/28/2005

How long can you wait after the previous swimmer hits the wall before you dive in?

Thank you for your question Mike. The rule book says that the swimmer on the blocks must remain in contact with the blocks until the teammate in the water touches the wall. Therefore, you can begin moving prior to your teammate touching the wall, as long as your feet do not leave the block prior to your teammate touching on his finish.

Mike

Blue Arrow

Medley relay

2/28/2005

In the freestyle leg of a medley relay....are you alowed to do another stroke besides freestyle ?

Mike, the rule book says that you can swim any technique that you like EXCEPT backstroke, butterfly or breaststroke during the freestyle portion of the medley relay. Good luck!

John

Badger

Starting blocks

3/14/2005

Is it legal to place a towel on a starting block in order to improve a swimmer's footing for thier start?

YES it is! It has been determined that only one thickness may be used, however. In otherwords, the towel cannot be rolled or wadded to create a chock such as is used in track.

Francis Corcoran

Aces

DQ

1/18/2005

My Daughter, a 10 year old, was on the blocks today at a Metro meet with two pools running events. They were up on the blocks when the starter from the other pool set of all the other swimmers in my daughters race. They went, she stayed. Then the official told her to go. They were not called back. Upon completing the race (her best time ever!), she was informed she was DQ'q -- thus not having a time and not able to advance to Silvers. I am unclear as to how a swimmer can be DQ'd for not starting at the gun. She did not start before the gun -- but after it. She did not step down of the blocks. She stood up and then went as directed by the official. Is there a reason I am missing why she was DQ'd on her start? I am very impressed by all the officials, however, I am stumped on this. Also, is there a way to rectify this if in fact it was incorrect? Thanks, FTC Thanks Officials

You have presented an easy question that is, however, not easy to answer. The simple answer is that there can be no penalty on the swimmer for a slow start. HOWEVER, I am relying on the events as you understand them. It is possible that there were circumstances that you and/or your swimmer are not aware. It is possible that the DQ resulted from the swim and not the start. It is also possible that your swimmer stepped up after the referee raised their arm to the starter. This action would close entry to the heat for any additional swimmers. It is also possible that a mistake was made. However, in order for a swimmer to be disqualified for a false start, both the referee and the starter must independently agree. As for a suggested course off action, I would always suggest to a parent to talk to your swimmer's coach in an appropriate manner and time. The coach may have additional information. If not, the coach will know what other action can be done to investigate and/or protest the enforcement of the rules.

Lizzy

SDA

Freestyle Turns

11/21/2004

When swimming a freestyle event, can you (after your flip turn) do a mixture of both dolphin and free kick during your streamline?

Thank you Lizzy for your question. The short answer is, YES you can. In any freestyle event, excluding the freestyle leg of the IM and Medley Relay, there is no requirement of any specific arm stroke or leg kick. Therefore, you may use any combination you would like. I recommend that you follow the advise of your coach.

Ryan

BASC

Starts

11/1/2004

How far out after a start / turn can you do dolphin kick?

Thank you Ryan for you question. The dolphin kick may be done throughout the entire butterfly, backstroke and/or freestyle events. If your question is ... how long can you do an under the water dolphin kick? ... the answer would be for a distance not to exceed 15 meters, in any of the three strokes. Although, the dolphin kick is most often associated with the butterfly, it is also legal in the backstroke and freestyle.

Talya

NBS

Flinching on the block

10/25/2004

Can you be disqualified for just flinching on the block? Like after they take your mark, if you move at all, even just tighten your arms around the block can you be DQed, or do you have to false start or fall in?

Good question Talya. A false start refers to ANY movement at the moment of the start. If you flinch, twich, itch, move, groove or fall competely into the pool, you have committed a false start. However, do not foreget that both the starter and referee must agree on exactly what happened.

MSC

Movement at start by official

10/7/2004

At a recent meet, the starter set the swimmers. Before the start of the race, the Stroke & Turns Judge was moving to get in position and tripped directly behind the starter causing a distraction. Potentially due to the movement/distraction created by the official, the swimmer in lane 4 flinched at the left shoulder but otherwise remained in the set position. the swimmer was disqualified. Was this the correct call? Or should the race have been restarted?

Good question. To begin, I was not at the meet you discribe. There may have been circumstances that we are not aware of. However, USA Swimming Officials should not DQ a swimmer for a situation that has been caused / created by one or more officials. The situation you describe could have resulted in a recall and restart without any DQs.

Kelly

YMID

Disqualification

7/26/2004

When the starter says,"Take your marks" but then he says "stand up", what would happen if someone fell in the water once he said "stand up"? Would they be automatically disqualified or would they still be eligible to swim thier race?

Kelly, it depends. If the starter saw the swimmer in lane 5 moving prior to the start, the starter will tell the heat to stand. If the swimmer in lane 3 goes into the water, this swimmer would not be DQed. However, if the swimmer in lane 5 falls into the water, the starter must then talk with the referee. If both the starter and referee agree that lane 5 was moving prior to the start, this swimmer must be DQed.

Andrew

BASC

Kicking

7/26/2004

Can you do a combination of kicks at the start of a free, back or fly event?

Andrew, thanks for your question. According to the technical rules for the free and backstroke, a swimmer my use ANY type of kick or combination of kicks. HOWEVER, the butterfly rules require a kicking motion that does not allow the feet and/or legs to cross. We commonly call this kind of kick a dolphin kick.

Dan

LIE

National Times Database / CHSAA Meets

11/18/2005

This past weekend the Catholic High School Athletic Association held their womens swimming championship / state qualifying meet at the Goodwill pool. The girls asked the officials present if their times would be reported to the National Times Database for USA Swimming, if there was some form to be filled out, or if there were any special requirments to be taken care of by their coaches. The officials said they were not aware of any requirements and seemed not to know anything about getting times reported. As I look over the Metro website I see that the public high school champs and state qualifying time are reported on the USA database. What do the Catholic High School girls have to do to get their times recorded?

Dear Dan, Any meet that does not have a USA Swimming, (in our case Metro) sanction, needs to go through a process to request 'Observation'. This request must be submitted by meet management at least two weeks beforehand to the area NTV person - Mary Ann Senecal or Monique Grayson. The meet must be a Championship with prelims and finals, or a qualifying meet leading to a Championship - ie State Qualifying Meet. It cannot be assumed that officials from one segment of our sport are also USA Swim certified. Therefore, it is required that there be at least one USA Swimming certified official at each end of the racing course. These officials are assigned or approved by the NTV person. Once 'Observation' has been arranged, either the whole meet or individual swims are to be observed. If observation is on a swimmer- by-swimmer basis, a form requesting observation must be submitted in advance to the officials doing the observing. Once the meet is concluded, a full set of results must go to the NTV person for consideration of acceptance into the SWIMS database. Many HS and college leagues, etc. are not familiar with this process and, as a result, there are instances when a swimmer's time is not acceptable for USA Swimming purposes. If Coaches, parents and swimmers would request a representative of the meet host to put in for 'Observation', it can be easily accomplished for the sake of our swimmers. Thank you for asking this very important question.

Kris

TVSC

DQ's

10/26/2005

Is an official required to inform the swimmer or coach of the reason for a DQ or is it just a guessing game when you have an inexperienced swimmer in a 100 IM?

Dear Kris, Officials are required to make a REASONABLE effort to notify the swimmer or coach of an infraction. In many meets, there is just not the possibility of finding and telling the swimmer. A report of an infraction is made to the station where the times and results are recorded so that the official results will reflect any DQs, 'no shows', DNFs, etc. Most meet hosts post the results soon after the event is complete and one can find out then if there was a DQ. The swimmer can then ask the coach to ask the Referee what the infraction was. Only a Coach is allowed to make this request, and it must be directed to the Referee, not another official.

Andrew

BASC

On deck

10/24/2004

If a swimmer falls in the pool while a race is going on but the swimmer doesnt hit anybody, what will happen?

Andrew, what happens next is solely up to the Referee. You have described an illegal entry. If the Referee judges this to be an illegal entry, the swimmer could then be disqualified from their next event. However, if the Referee judges that there was also unsportsmanlike conduct, the swimmer could be out of the rest of the session. Finally, the Referee could, also, decide that the fall was incidental and enforce no penalty on the swimmer. My best advice is to not let this happen to you!

John

NBS

Different meet practices

5/24/2004

A meet I recently attended, utilized some techniques to shorten the length of the meet. Are each of these techniques legal? Would they affect the legality of a swim for a time standard? What about interference (and legality of swim altered by the opposing swimmer in the same lane)? And what about the safety issues? 1) Fly-overs - where a swimmer from a previous heat remains in the water while the next heat is starting. (This technique could distract the swimmer on the block by the actions or words of the swimmer in the water) 2) 'Catch-up' - (lack of a better term) - where Odd and Even heats are started from opposite ends of the pool and the next heat is started before the previous heat finishes the last length of the race. With the latter heat is 'catching-up' to the previous heat. The finishing swimmer is expected to exit the water quickly to give the 'chasing swimmer' an open wall (not always successful). 3) 'Cross-over' - where swimmers in a lane are asked to remain on a specific side of the lane during their race and share the lane with another swimmer from the opposite end of the pool. (Wow!)

Thank you John for your question related to alternate competition formats. Your question requires answers on several different levels. To begin, all of these alternative formats are legal and are used by many LSCs (local swim committees) throughout the USA. The one thing that all of these alternative formats have in common is that each modification allows the host team to accept more swimmer entries and still stay within the time limits of any single session. The advantage of this is that more swimmers, on all levels of ability, get a chance to swim and compete. This is good for the individual swimmer, teams of all sizes that might otherwise be cut from the meet and the availilbility of participation within the LSC. However, it should be noted that the meet format is required to be included in the host team's meet information. As a result, a swimmer, coach or entire team can decided prior to the competition whether they choose to commit to a specific format. All of these alternative formats conform to the requirements for legal reportable times. All issues related to interference will be decided by the Referee. This will not change in any format or modification and is supported by rules 102.10.6, 102.10.7 and 102.10.9. Finally, it is always the responsibility of the Meet Director, Meet Referee, Deck Referees and the Meet Marshalls to maintain a safe enviroment at all times on the pool deck. This will not change when any of these alternative formats are in use.

Keith

BAD

Individual entries per session

3/11/2004

What happens when a swimmer swims more than the number of allowed individual entries per session in a Metropolitan LSC sanctioned meet?

Thank you, Keith, for your question related to meet operations. Rule 102.3.2 states that "In a preliminaries and finals meet a swimmer may compete in not more than three (3) individual events per day." Rule 102.3.3 states that "In a timed finals meet a swimmer may compete in not more than five (5) individual events per day." If a swimmer competes in more than the allowed number of events, the swimmer must be disqualified in the event(s) exceding 3 in a prelim/finals meet and 5 in a timed finals meet. It is legal for a swimmer to enter more than the legal number of events prior to the competition. However, the swimmer/coach must legally sctrach out of the number of events in excess of the legal number permitted. It is the responsilbility of the swimmer, coach and administrative referee to abide by and enforce these rules.

Nader

Condors

Coaching

8/12/2009

As a volunteer timer, there are numerous times that coaches will come over and talk to their swimmer who is on deck (next person to get in the water), for an extended time. Is this allowed, and are they interfering with the timers duties.

Thanks for the question and thanks for being a volunteer - a most important cog in the wheel of a successful competition. This falls into the discretion of the referee category. While it is advisable to keep the heavy traffic area behind the blocks as clear as possible, coaches certainly have the right to be back there to talk with their athletes. If the situation were to develop into a logistics problem, the timer could always politely and respectfully ask the coach to please step back from the area. If further problematic, the timer should ask to speak to the host meet director who will monitor the situation and if necessary get the referee involved to alleviate any potential difficulty. I hope that answers your question. These situations call for joint cooperation for the best interest of all involved.

Lance

GST

Order of finish / official time

7/28/2009

At a recent Westchester swim conference dual meet, the order of finish was determined by the one official. The manual timers (2) had a different 1st place finisher. What, if any rule would be protestable. I have not been able to find anything written regarding order of finish other than the usa rules, which I don't believe are necessarily applicable.

Hi Lance - this site is for USA inquiries only. However, since I am the Metro Rules interpreter for USA and the Westchester HS leagues, I will answer your question. The summer conference utilizes only the referees run down to determine the order of finish for point awarding events. The times are for informational purposes only for use by coaches and parents. judgement calls by an official are not protestable. If there seems to be a wide discrepancy between the times and the officials order of finish, it should be brought to the attention of the ref via the coach as soon as possible. The ref would review the situation and that ref is the only person who could change the results. I hope that helps.

Andrea

WSSC

Officials back ground check

3/23/2009

Just yesterday I "officially" became an official, completing all requirements. One of the coaches on deck asked, "Did you get your background check completed?" Is this a current or future requirement?

Congratulations on finishing your certification and I look forward to working on deck with you sometime in the future. Coaches are required to go through the background check process. This requirement hasn't been imposed on officials as yet. Once again congratulations and I'm sure the athletes and coaches that experience your officiating in the future will be most appreciative of your volunteerism.

Maureen

Islip Aquatics / Babylon High School

Can a swimmer from a "B" final take a medal away from "A" Finalist ?

11/23/2008

Hello - my daughter recently returned from the NYS Public High School State Meet in Buffalo. In the State Meet they have 2 medal ceremonies #1 ceremony they include Catholic Schools in the awards then ceremony #2 they take out the Catholic school. My question is when you make top 8 - the lowest award you can get is 8th and usually when you make a "B" final the higest you can get is 9th place even if you break the world record in that "B" final so how come when they took out the scoring of the Catholic School girls they leapfrogged someone who was in a "B" final to 3rd place? I think that a mistake was made. Am I crazy? The specific event that brought this to my attenion was the 200 FREE. I'm sure it happened in other events but I did not research it. Thank you for your time.

Thanks for the question Maureen. While high school meets don't normally fall within this USA realm, I can answer your question as a high school official. In other sports like basketball, there is an additional championship round the week after the public HS state championship to crown Federation Champions. This didn't work for swimming and so at the Girl's state meet there is in effect 2 meets going on at once which necessitates the double medal ceremony. The NYSPHSAA has their meet set up to award the Federation (includes Catholic, Private and NYC PSAL teams) medals based on overall finishing results. Then they take out the non public HS swimmers and award medals to the top 8 public school finishers which could easily reach into the consolation finals to comprise top 8 finishers. While not perfect, this is the agreed to format set by the state committee. Thanks again for the inquiry.

Andy

Lifeguards

8/7/2008

I go to many, many meets as I have 2 children who swim. I often observe the lifeguards and I see many who are not concentrating on the pool. At the most recent event I attended Metro JOs, the lifeguard was wearing headphones that were plugged into his IPOD. When he started text messaging, I complained to an official. The lifeguard stopped texting, but he continued to use his IPOD. Perhaps some of the officials can monitor the lifeguards. Does lifeguard training focus on being attentive to the pool? Do these young adults know the importance of their responsibility? Thanks, Andy

Sorry for the delay in responding to this sincere and important message. We have incorporated this subject into our officials recertification clinics held this fall and agree that the attentiveness of lifeguards is paramount to insuring a safely run event. Thanks for the heads up.

Anna

TVSC

DQs

3/26/2008

If a swimmer is disqualified in an event, and the coaches believe the offical made a mistake, is it possible for the coach to talk to the offical about it, and overrule the disqualification? For example, at a big meet a few months ago, I achieved a AAA time, something I was trying all season for. But I was disqualified for something my coaches said I did not do (I had 4 coaches watching me ans all said I should not have bin DQed). Was it possible for them to talk to the officals? and get me "unDQed"? Thank you.

Sorry for the delay in responding. Your coach can always ask the referee for an explanation and if there is an inconsistency in the DQ call, the Ref has the ability to overturn the call.

Larry

NDAC

Boys and Girls in same heat

1/4/2008

A question I was asked by a parent on our team is "Why do you have to have a empty lane separting a boy from a girl in the same heat?" I looked everywhere and cannot find the answer in the rulebook. Can you help out please?

Hi larry: First of all thanks for taking the time toask this questiona and i apologize for the delay in answering. I have taken over this function of the website and have only been up and running on it for a few weeks. I'm attaching the section of the rulebook that should answer your question. if you need any other info please contact me. 102.8 CHANGE OF PROGRAM AND POSTPONEMENT .1 The order of events, as stated in the meet announcement, shall not be changed. The announced arrangement of heats in any event shall not be added to or altered, except by the authority of the Referee, to the extent of consolidating the heats. .2 At the Meet Referee’s discretion, events may be combined by age, gender, distance, and/or stroke provided there is at least one empty lane between such combined events.

Fred

North Shore

Conversions

11/20/2006

What is the conversion from a meter pool to a yard pool?

Dear Fred, Over time, various 'close estimates' have been developed. HOWEVER, none has ever been accepted as a method to establish an OFFICIAL time. Once in a while, conversions are used for seeding purposes only. The entry qualifying must have been met in the course length designated. Conversions are used by coaches to get a very rough idea as to how a swimmer is progressing in an event. In other words, a converted time is only a tool used for personal information.

MW Marlins

Senior Mets

11/14/2005

Does a Senior Mets Time standard count if it was achieved at a Section 9 or States competition? Thank you Denise

Times achieved at other than USA Swimming sanctioned events must have been swum under observation of at least two USA Swimming certified officials. The organization hosting the meet must have applied for "Observation" before the meet was held. In the case of High School States held in Buffalo, that meet is an "Observed Meet". You would have to ask your school coach if any other Championship, such as a sectional one, was an observed meet. If the swim met the criterion of being observed, then the time would be admissable for any USA Swimming qualifying times as long as it also falls within the competition date requirements.

Mike

Stopwatch lessons

10/31/2005

I would be thankful if you can give me information towards the use of the stopwatch for swimming practice & competition. I have several parents that would like to learn & I would like to give them lessons. Thank you.

Dear Mike, Any parent who would like to volunteer at a swim meet as a timer will be welcomed with open arms. A well run meet will include instruction for the timers as well as being paired with a veteran timer. As to helping time at practices, a parent should not really be on deck without being a coach member of USA Swimming. If there is a way that the parents can time from off the deck and record their times for you to go over later, that would be fine. If you're holding a team time trial kind of event to give you an idea of how the swimmers are doing, then the parents could be on deck as volunteer timers ONLY. They would perform as they would in a swim meet. If you would like an official to come to a parent meeting/training session, I would suggest you look at the section of the Metro website that gives the Area Officials' Chair information and make your request to that person. It should be relatively easy to arrange.

Karen

GAEL

Scholastic All-American

10/21/2005

How does one apply to be a scholatic all-american? What age group does this apply to? What are the requirements?

Dear Karen, Scholastic All American is administered by a committee of USA Swimming. The application and instructions are on the USA Swimming website - check under "Swimmers". Good luck with this!

Denise

MW Marlins

Non-Athlete Registration

10/17/2005

What does the box OTHER mean and what privileges (if any) comes with a parent signing up as a member?

Dear Denise, Anyone registering as a non-athlete falls into one of three general catagories: Coach - is most comprehensive because there are various requirements that must be met, such as First Aid and CPR certification being current. Official - seems pretty obvious, but also includes Meet Directors and Meet Marshalls. Other - covers many instances, such as volunteers who serve on the Metro Board of Directors, Club Board Members who wish to be under the USA Swimming insurance umbrella, people who are contemplating becoming one of these, etc. Privileges include receiving the Magazine "Splash" and the annual issue of the Rules and Regulations, the right to participate in any Metro House of Delegates meeting, among other things. I hope this has helped clarify the situation for you.

Alex

Dolphin

Entries

4/18/2005

How do I organize and send the Entries for each meet? what does Hy-tek means?

For USA / Metro sanctioned meets you will find all of the meet entry information included in the host team meet info packet. You can find this info on the Metro website by going to the calendar section and clicking on the posted file for the specific meet. You may also contact the host meet director directly. "Hy-tek" is a brand of computer software that is widely used by teams to organize their team info, meet entries and the meet process. This program is required to be used to submit entries for any Metro Sanctioned meet. If you have specific user related question about using the software, I recommend that you contact Maryann Senacal or Monique Grayson. Contact info for both individuals can be found on the Metro website.

Kiera

TS

Blocks

4/12/2005

Is it possible for the offials to wait for a swimmer to get on the blocks if they are putting on their cap, goggles, etc...?

Kiera, thank you for your question. A well trained Starter and/or Referee Official will notice a swimmer that needs a few more seconds to get ready for the heat. It is common that the official will wait for the swimmer. HOWEVER, the USA rulebook does require each swimmer to be in position and ready to swim when their heat is called by the Referee (that is when the ref blows the long whistle). It is your responsibility to be ready to swim where seeded. So, just remember that next time when the ref waits for you, he or she is doing you a favor.

Tricia

Gael

Eligibility

3/10/2005

When a swimmer leaves one USS team for another during the season, can that swimmer immediately represent his/her new team at a meet, or are there rules in place where the athlete is unable to represent his/her new team for a certain amount of time (as is the case with the NCAA and NY state high school athletic association) to prevent swimmers from being recruited or following coaches?

Any time a USA Swimming athlete transferes to a new team there are a couple of rules that apply. First, the athlete MUST obtain an financial release from the original team. This is a specific form from USA Swimming. This form MUST be presented to the new team. At this point, the athlete may train with the new team. However, the athlete may not represent the new team at a USA sanctioned meet for a period of 120 days from their last meet with the previous team. They may enter and compete in meets during this time period as an UNATTACHED swimmer. As an unattached swimmer, you can not score points for any team and you may not be a relay member for any team. Tricia I hope this clears things up. Thank you for your question.

El

Parents on deck / bleachers

2/6/2005

Can you please specify the rule if one exists that prohibits parent / guardians from sitting in the spectator area / bleachers during practice. Is there a USS Reg for this?

It is a valid USA Swimming policy that only individuals who are currently registered and certified with / by USA Swimming are allowed on deck during any USA Swimming activity. Also, each USA Swimming member team may set policies in addition to the minimum requirement enforced by USA Swimming.

George

Lindenhurst Swim Club

Being on deck

12/9/2004

I am a card carrying Non-Athlete Board Member of our team. Am I allowed on deck to help the coach with the kids.

Only USA Swimming registered athletes and non-athletes are allowed on deck during a sanctioned USA swim meet. However, there are several different kinds of non-athlete registrations. A coach registration requires the completion of several courses involving first aid & safety, training methods and lifeguard techniques. In addition to USA Swim requirements, each club may have requirements above and beyond USA Swimming of their coaching staff. The wording is specific in stating that "anyone acting in a coaching capacity - -". As a club Board Member, you might be assigned duties such as getting parent signatures on permission slips, handing out team equipment to the swimmers, receiving monthly payments, taking attendance, receiving confirmation of intent to attend a team function, etc, etc. These are more in the nature of administration and do not involve the type of contact that would be likely to compromise a swimmer's safety. Therefore, they would be permissable.

Gael

BASC

Time Trials

12/6/2004

If a swimmer wants to get a time for an event that is not offered at meets they have attended during the short course season for their age group (i.e.200 Back 11-12 during short course season), can they do a time trial at Silvers to obtain such a qualifying time? Will this time be a valid time for JO and Zone qualifying?

The availability of time trails at any given meet is the cooperative decision of the Meet Referee, Administrative Referee and the Meet Director. A time trial at Silvers could be used as a qualifying time if the time is submitted according to the deadline of a given meet.

Ron

Aqua Gems

No-Shows for their event

11/23/2004

Where can I find Metro's policy in writing concerning the No-show rule during a regular U.S.A Meet? Are they allowed to swim the next event? Are they out of the next event? Are they out of the rest of the session? The Day? I know the policy for Championship meets. I have looked high and low for the answer in the US handbook. I feel it is important to instill the standing DQ behind the blocks for swims not being swum. Sometimes the little ones are off in la la land and miss their events. Is this up to the referee as to how they would like to hande the situation case by case?

You are refering the the Metropolitan scratch/no show/delay of meet policy that is included in the meet information for the Senior Metropolitan Swimming Championships. You may download this information for your reference. This same policy is adopted for "regular" metro sanctioned meets. The delay of meet penalty results in the swimmer being out of all the events during that session in a timed final meet and the entire day of a trial and final meet. Your question also mentions a standing DQ. This is a reference to an Administrative Disqualification. This type of DQ is granted by the referee only when there is a compelling medical reason. It is not for the swimmer, of any age, who was/is in "la la land." All officials at a swim meet are responsible for the FAIR and EQUITABLE conduct of the competition. Is it fair and equitable to the other five swimmers who are ready and waiting at their seeded positions not to enforce the rules? Following the rules and enforcing consequences are central to any important educational experience.

Seahawks

Winter zones

10/2/2004

If your birthday is 1 month before winter zones can you swim in your current age catagory or do you age up?

Good question from the Seahawks. The USA Swimming rule related to a swimmer's age group is very clear. You must swim your age on the first day of the meet. Therefore, if you age up prior to the first day of zones, you must qualify and compete in the older age group.

Ben

TTY-Orcas

About USS registration

9/28/2004

If a swimer registers for the first time for 2005 season, would the swimmer be allowed to swim in any 2004 USS meet?

Ben, a 2004 registration is good until December 31, 2004. As of September 1, the 2005 registration will begin. So a registration submitted any time after September first is good until December 31 of the FOLLOWING year. You must have a 2004 or 2005 USA Swimming registration to compete in USA meets during October, November and December.

Glenn Blackman

BBS / VAC

Officals Clinic

9/8/2004

When is the next officals clinic scheduled?

All scheduled official clinics are posted on the Metro website. From the home page, go to officials,and then click clinics. You could also contact the Metro official's Chair, the information is on the website.

Tommy

OWA

Late DQ

8/16/2004

Can you DQ a swimmer after looking at a video of race?

No you, or I, can not DQ a swimmer as a result of viewing a tape of the swim.

Tim

EESC

Photography scams at swim meets

6/10/2004

I am not sure if this a place where this issue may be addressed, but I was curious to know if any swimmers or parents were recently scammed by a photography company named SENTAURI Photographer (Virginia). We attended a meet in Hauppauge NY in March and like many others pre purchased photos that never came. We were billed and the company does not exist. No phone contact and now their website is no longer.

If you have had a similar experience you can e-mail Tim P at Timothy.Pierce@mail.co.nassau.ny.us

Celine

TVSC

Cast on arm

6/2/2004

My coach asked that I email to inquire as to whether or not I can swim at a swim meet with my cast on. It covers my knuckels and goes to the middle of my forearm below my elbow. Thank you very much,

Thank you Celine for your question. To Begin, USA Swimming has clear and comprehensive rules that apply to swimmers with a disability competing in USA swimmnig meets. However, rule 105.1 states that "Disability is defined as a permanent physical or mental impairment ...". Therefore, since your condition is temporary (???) these rules do not apply to your situation. Rule 102.10.10 states that "No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help his/her speed, pace or buoyancy during a race." If your cast does not violate rule 102.10.10 you may participate. However, there are several points that your parents, coach and yourself should consider completely before you compete. First, what is the advice of your attending Doctor? Please give primary consideration to your Doctor's opinion. Second, you will be judged by the officials to the same standard as all other swimmers with respect to the techninal rules. Third, if the decision is to compete be sure to check in with the Meet Referee during warm up. Let the ref know prior to your event. Your safety, and the safety of all the swimmers is the most important consideration at any USA swim meet, at any level of competition.

Michele

WISC

Summer zones

5/26/2004

If your birthday is on the first day of the summer zone LC competition, can you swim in your current age catagory or do you age up?

Thank you Michele for your question related to the age requirements for an age group competition, in this case the summer zone meet. Rule 205.2.1 states that "Eligbility to compete in a particular age group shall be determined by the swimmer's date of birth." In addition, rule 205.2.2 states that "Age on the first day of the meet shall determine the swimmer's age for the entire meet..." Therefore, it appears that you are required to swim and therefore qualify for the age group that will correspond with your upcoming birthday. There are two exceptions to this rule, however, they only apply if the meet is scheduled on two consecutive weekends or there are at least 2 days seperating the prelims and finals. It appears that neither of these apply in this case.

Dona

TVSC

Counties age requirement

4/8/2004

Could you please explain the rule for age requirement for the Counties meet? My son made the time needed as a 12 year old but his birthday is two weeks prior to the meet, which will make him 13 and puts him at a different time standard. His coach has told us he can not compete in the counties because of this, could you please clarify this. Thanks so much for your help

Thank you Dona for your question related to the age requirements for an age group competition. However, please take note that this answer applies only to USA Swimming, Metropolitan LSC (local swim committee) sanctioned swim meets. If this meet in question is sponsered by a summer or winter league, New York State, County or other private organization, the answer may not be the same. Rule 205.2.1 states that "Eligbility to compete in a particular age group shall be determined by the swimmer's date of birth." In addition, rule 205.2.2 states that "Age on the first day of the meet shall determine the swimmer's age for the entire meet..." Therefore, it appears that your son is eligible for 13-14 competition only for this meet. There are two exceptions to this rule, however, they only apply if the meet is scheduled on two consecutive weekends or there are at least 2 days seperating the prelims and finals. It appears that neither of these apply in this case.

Art

MSC

Becoming an Official?

2/10/2004

I have been a volunteer timer at many meets that my daughter has participated in. How can I become an Official at these meets? Is there any specific training that I must complete?

Thank you for inquiring about training to become a certified USA Swimming Official. USA Swim Officiating is a volunteer position that requires each official to complete a specific certification process. To get the process started, talk to a certified official, coach or team board member from your USA club team. Once the certification process is complete, this can take up to a year, the volunteer will be certified to work as a stroke and turn judge. The certification process includes attendance at a stroke and turn clinic, completion of a nationally administered written test, and on deck training sessions, six or more, during scheduled metro meets. There are additional requirements for the different levels of officiating(starter or referee).All of the specific requirements are posted at the officials section of the metro website.

Tina

West Point SC

Parents on deck

2/6/2004

Are parents of swimmers allowed on deck during a USA Swimming meet, sanctioned by Metro?

The only people allowed on deck at a Metropolitain LSC swim meet are swimmers, coaches, officials, meet marshalls, timers and other host team volunteers that are working to administer the meet. All of these people must have a current USA Swimming registration, whether individually or as part of their team. At no time are parents, relatives or friends of swimmers allowed on the deck.

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