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?
3) For future reference, what options does one have when running into trouble on the block? When the starter said 'take your mark' and my feet started sliding in, do I have the option of saying 'hey, wait a minute, please, I'm falling in' or do I just have to go with it and hope no one notices the movement?
It's up to the official to decide to stand up the heat. You could try to stand up and hope they don't send the heat, but it's really up to the official. My advice centers on checking the conditions prior to getting on the block for the race. During warmups, you should do a couple starts off the blocks so you're familiar with them. Switch to flat starts if there's a problem or dry off the blocks with a towel before your race.
3) For future reference, what options does one have when running into trouble on the block? When the starter said 'take your mark' and my feet started sliding in, do I have the option of saying 'hey, wait a minute, please, I'm falling in' or do I just have to go with it and hope no one notices the movement?
It's up to the official to decide to stand up the heat. You could try to stand up and hope they don't send the heat, but it's really up to the official. My advice centers on checking the conditions prior to getting on the block for the race. During warmups, you should do a couple starts off the blocks so you're familiar with them. Switch to flat starts if there's a problem or dry off the blocks with a towel before your race.
