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FALSE STARTS:
Some clarification is required of what is and what is not a
"false" start. If the swimmer on the starting block 'flinches',
'twitches', rocks back or moves a hand before or as the starting signal is
given, some Starters have been inclined to declare this a "false"
start and disqualify the swimmer involved. This is an incorrect call. TSR1.4,
the applicable rule, states: "Any swimmer starting
before the starting signal has been given shall be disqualified".
Accordingly, unless the swimmer is leaving the starting block or has left the
starting block before the starting signal is given, a false start should
not be called. It is best for the Starter to either (1) stand all of the swimmers
up and let the Referee blow the long whistle again before repeating the "Take
Your Marks" command or (2) wait (but not too long) until all swimmers are motionless
before giving the starting signal.
BACKSTROKE
TURNS #1:
Problems frequently arise regarding Turn Judges' interpretation and
application of Technical Swimming Rule TSR3.4 which permits swimmers to kick
while executing the backstroke flip turn. Some Turn Judges are incorrectly
writing up DQ's on the basis that the swimmer kicked into the wall, without
observing the swimmer's actions in total. We must remember that there are two
constituent elements to the backstroke turning rule. Firstly, the rule provides
that "During the turn the shoulders may be turned over the vertical to the
breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous double arm pull
may be used to initiate the turn." Once the swimmer turns onto the stomach,
the Turn Judge should be observing for a continuous single or double arm pull
that initiates the turn, no matter how rapidly or how slowly it is executed.
Secondly, the rule continues "Once the body has left the position on the
back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action".
Kicking while turning is permissible so long as it is part of the continuous
turning action which incorporates the continuous single or double arm pull used
to initiate the turn. Judges cannot separate one action (kicking) without also
observing the other (arm pull). Kicking while on the stomach or just plain
'gliding' to make up distance to the wall, preceded or followed by the arm
pull and then the flip turn, is not a "continuous turning action". BACKSTROKE
TURNS #2:
The swimmer in your lane turns over onto his or her stomach to execute a
backstroke flip turn, changes their mind and, instead, touches the wall with
both hands, pushes off on the back and resumes swimming the backstroke. You, as
the Turn Judge for that lane, reach for your DQ pad and begin writing up a DQ
for non-continuous turning action. Hold it! This is not a rule violation. So
long as the swimmer "must have returned to the position on the back upon
leaving the wall", there is no infraction under TSR3.4. BREASTSTROKE
STARTS AND TURNS:
Now that FINA has (from 20th September, 2005) legalised the use of a "Dolphin Kick"
before the first arm pull after the dive start and following each turn in
the breaststroke, the controversy for swimmers and Judges surrounding this
action should be lessened. An illegal dolphin kick in breaststroke
is a deliberate downward kicking motion or thrust of both feet and legs that is
used to generate additional propulsion. For this reason, Turn Judges nonetheless must take
up a position where they can best see all movements of the swimmer while
underwater until he or she surfaces following the breakout. This is often
difficult due to glare and water turbulence following the dive start or the
turn. However, the "flutter" or "scissors" kick in the breaststroke is still
illegal. Turn Judge must quickly observe the swimmer's hips,
legs and feet before the first arm pull back to the hips to observe for any
possible flutter or scissors kick since this is when it is likely to occur, if at all.
Similarly, the use of a dolphin, flutter or scissors kick after the
breakout still results in a DQ. Stroke and
Turn Judges must distinguish a dolphin kick from the natural legal undulation of
the legs as a result of a feet being turned outward during the propulsive phase
of the kick. An illegal dolphin kick is a downward kicking
motion of the legs and feet similar to the kick used in the butterfly.
JUDGING RELAY TAKEOFFS:
Question: Does the Electronic Relay
Judging Platform ever overrule a human Turn Judge who is
standing over the lane?
Answer: YES, according to TSR13.1, so long as there is no
"failure" of the equipment. Exactly what constitutes a
"failure" of the Relay Judging Platform is dependent on several things
outside of the Turn Judge's control. The Relay Judging Platform works in
coordination with the touchpad. The touchpad registers the touch time of the
incoming swimmer, and the sensor in the Relay Judging Platform indicates when the
outgoing swimmer has left
the block. The electronic timing console does the math to determine the
differential between the two times and if its .03 seconds or less, an
"early takeoff" has occurred. But if the touchpad malfunctions or
particularly if there is a “light" touch of the pad by the incoming
swimmer, the Electronic Timing System
will not record the relay takeoff. In such cases as this, the Referee, after
consulting with the Automatic Equipment Operator, will deem this as a "failure”
of the electronic timing equipment and will have to resort to the backup systems
(Relay Takeoff Judges and backup timing systems). We give you all of this to say
that notwithstanding the presence of Relay Judging Platforms, it is still the
Turn Judges responsibility to observe each and every relay exchange because the
electronic systems are not infallible.
STROKE AND TURN
DUTIES During BACKSTROKE, BREASTSTROKE AND BUTTERFLY:
In Breaststroke and Butterfly events, the stroking segment of
the race begins
with the first arm stroke after the swimmer surfaces following the start and
after each turn, and ends when the swimmer touches the wall.
The turn is not judged after the touch. When the swimmer loses contact with and leaves the wall to continue
swimming, the stroking segment of the race begins again. At that time, the
rules applicable to the stroking segment of the race apply again.
In Backstroke, the stroking segment of the race
applies after the swimmer surfaces following the start and after each turn until
the swimmer's body leaves
the back and turns past 90 degrees to roll onto the stomach to initiate the turn.
No gliding is permitted at this stage, although one or both arms may be used
to initiate the turn. This is the critical point when a Judging Official determines
whether a swimmer is gliding, making up distance before turning, or involved in
an “extended layout”. That is why the Turn Judge must watch the arm pull initiating the
turn, because as long as that is taking place, it is considered a legal
“continuous turning action”. When the swimmer loses contact with and leaves the
wall to resume swimming, his or her body must
be past 90 degrees toward the back, at which point the stroking
segment of the race
continues.
BSF SWIMMING OFFICIALS CLINICS:
Check back later for updates on BSF Swimming Officials Clinics and other
news relating to Judging and Timing Officials.
BSF SWIMMING OFFICIAL APPOINTED TO CCCAN TECHNICAL
SWIMMING COMMITTEE:
Following the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El
Salvador in November, Mr. Orban Mendoza, the President of the Central American
and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation ("CCCCAN") announced the
names of the appointees to the Confederation's various Technical Committees.
Appointed to the CCCAN Technical Swimming Committee was BSF and FINA Referee,
Vincent Wallace Whitfield. Expressing his surprise over the appointment, Wallace
Whitfield told SwimBahamas.com that he was "humbled and proud to serve on
such a prestigious body as the CCCAN TSC. I will try to discharge my duties with
honour, pride and respect". The Committee's duties include promoting
swimming within the region; making recommendations on technical matters to the
CCCAN Executive; evaluation, etc., of technical swimming officials within the
region; cooperating in the technical preparations and conduct of the CAC Games
and other CCCAN Events; and, recommending regulations and bye-laws for CCCAN
Events to the CCCAN Executive. Other members of the Committee are Mr. Mario
Rodriguez of Puerto Rico, Chairperson; Mr. Tomas Haces of Cuba, Recording
Secretary; Prof. Armando Sanchez of Mexico and Mr. Eric Castro of Guatemala. The
appointment is for four years, until the next CAC Games in 2006. |
