I am just returning to competition swimming after a 10 year hiatus.... So I've forgotten the finer points of some of the rules. My question, is it legal to curl your toes over the end of the starting block, or do your feet have to be back farther?
Yes, your toes can curl over. In fact it's required that at least one foot must be at the front of the block (assuming you are starting from the block). Here's the text of the rule from the USMS rulebook:
Forward Start—The forward start may be taken from the starting block, the
pool deck or a push from the wall. At the commencement of each heat, the
referee shall signal to the swimmers by a short series of whistles to remove
all clothing except for swimwear, followed by a long whistle indicating
that they should take their positions with at least one foot at the front of the
starting platform, the edge of the pool or on the wall before the command
“Take your mark.” Those starting in the water must have at least one hand
in contact with the wall or starting block.
Here's a link to the swimming rules section of the rulebook:
www.usms.org/.../part1.pdf
Yes, your toes can curl over. In fact it's required that at least one foot must be at the front of the block (assuming you are starting from the block). Here's the text of the rule from the USMS rulebook:
Forward Start—The forward start may be taken from the starting block, the
pool deck or a push from the wall. At the commencement of each heat, the
referee shall signal to the swimmers by a short series of whistles to remove
all clothing except for swimwear, followed by a long whistle indicating
that they should take their positions with at least one foot at the front of the
starting platform, the edge of the pool or on the wall before the command
“Take your mark.” Those starting in the water must have at least one hand
in contact with the wall or starting block.
Here's a link to the swimming rules section of the rulebook:
www.usms.org/.../part1.pdf