If the pool is then yes (with the caveat that you can't measure to that accuracy, so if the pool is infinitesimally too short it will still measure OK), but most meets use automatic timing that involves touch pads. Take the pad out and you gain 1/4 inch right there. Of course then you need three timers per lane, but it makes the pool valid.
So three hand timers, with human reflexes and nerve transmission speeds from the visual and auditory parts of the brain, are considered (when averaged) more reliable for accuracy that a pool that uses electronic timing but is 1/4" longer?
I'd take the hand timers any time! Back in the day, our coaches used to tell us how to splash at the finish to get a better time.
This is what I mean about rules being overly picayune.
Chris, I do agree with you that there has to be some lines that shouldn't be crossed.
And Alan, assuming your calculations are correct, a hundredth of a second (in what, a 50, 100, or longer?) probably is getting close to that point. I suppose I wouldn't argue that pools within a centimeter shouldn't count, though I would be more comfortable making it an inch (most were built with some extra length for this purpose, but at least around here, most were also built before electronic timing, plus there are underground settling effects that can take place.)
I guess my biggest point would be to err on the side of making it easier, not harder, for people to compete and get a pittance of credit for their accomplishments, if they earn it.
I don't see the need for USMS to be stricter than FINA in any circumstances. This, to me, is absurd. If it's good enough for the Olympics, it should be good enough for USMS.
I also do think it would be good for USMS to publish an easy to read checklist of what is required for a competition swim to "count"--not the fancy stuff (split requests or time trials or other esoterica.) Just what a swimmer needs to know if he or she pays money to go to swim a meet in the hopes of making a TT time--but doesn't want to read the entire USMS rule book and parse each codicil.
Do you think Phelps is fluent in the FINA rule book? I mean, I am sure he knows what can get him disqualified in a race. But I would be surprised if he knows all the ins and outs about pool measurement, bulkhead placement, time submissions, etc. Why should we addled old geriatrics be expected to know more about our organization's rules than the world's best swimmers know about theirs?
If the pool is then yes (with the caveat that you can't measure to that accuracy, so if the pool is infinitesimally too short it will still measure OK), but most meets use automatic timing that involves touch pads. Take the pad out and you gain 1/4 inch right there. Of course then you need three timers per lane, but it makes the pool valid.
So three hand timers, with human reflexes and nerve transmission speeds from the visual and auditory parts of the brain, are considered (when averaged) more reliable for accuracy that a pool that uses electronic timing but is 1/4" longer?
I'd take the hand timers any time! Back in the day, our coaches used to tell us how to splash at the finish to get a better time.
This is what I mean about rules being overly picayune.
Chris, I do agree with you that there has to be some lines that shouldn't be crossed.
And Alan, assuming your calculations are correct, a hundredth of a second (in what, a 50, 100, or longer?) probably is getting close to that point. I suppose I wouldn't argue that pools within a centimeter shouldn't count, though I would be more comfortable making it an inch (most were built with some extra length for this purpose, but at least around here, most were also built before electronic timing, plus there are underground settling effects that can take place.)
I guess my biggest point would be to err on the side of making it easier, not harder, for people to compete and get a pittance of credit for their accomplishments, if they earn it.
I don't see the need for USMS to be stricter than FINA in any circumstances. This, to me, is absurd. If it's good enough for the Olympics, it should be good enough for USMS.
I also do think it would be good for USMS to publish an easy to read checklist of what is required for a competition swim to "count"--not the fancy stuff (split requests or time trials or other esoterica.) Just what a swimmer needs to know if he or she pays money to go to swim a meet in the hopes of making a TT time--but doesn't want to read the entire USMS rule book and parse each codicil.
Do you think Phelps is fluent in the FINA rule book? I mean, I am sure he knows what can get him disqualified in a race. But I would be surprised if he knows all the ins and outs about pool measurement, bulkhead placement, time submissions, etc. Why should we addled old geriatrics be expected to know more about our organization's rules than the world's best swimmers know about theirs?
