I recently posted a question about racing and received a lot of great answers so here is another question. I am about to participate in my first race (in a pool) and I am worried about being disqualified now. What are some of the common mistakes I need to be aware of? Turns maybe?
In freestyle, you just have to not move at all before the start ...
This is key. When the ref says, "Take your mark", get into position quickly, and DON'T MOVE. I got DQ'd once in a freestyle race for flinching. Yes, it was 1000 free, and yes, they let me swim the whole race. Don't let it happen to you!
Also ... when you finish the race, stay in your own lane until all the other swimmers have finished. If you want to get out before everyone else is done, get out at the end of your own lane. Do not swim across anyone else's lane to get to a ladder or something.
In freestyle, you just have to not move at all before the start ...
This is key. When the ref says, "Take your mark", get into position quickly, and DON'T MOVE. I got DQ'd once in a freestyle race for flinching. Yes, it was 1000 free, and yes, they let me swim the whole race. Don't let it happen to you!
Also ... when you finish the race, stay in your own lane until all the other swimmers have finished. If you want to get out before everyone else is done, get out at the end of your own lane. Do not swim across anyone else's lane to get to a ladder or something.
