Clapping on the block

I think a rule should be written where you get DQ'd for clapping, slapping etc once you have been called on to the block. Biggest offenders are Volmer, Phelps and Cielo (though Cielo doesn't usually do it on the blocks.) Thoughts... it's part of their pre race rituals to get psyched and put themselves in IPS Slapping, Clapping ... probably fair game till the starter says. "Swimmers take your mark" The big issue is judges ought to have underwater viewing to catch cheaters. Judges have replay, but they first must call the violation. The splashing, bubbles, waves, make the water opaque and distorted, times 8 swimmers make it difficult to catch violators

Nah, I say. Let the swimmers have their rituals.

Anyone who is effected by this, is simply making excuses for their own performance or lack thereof.

Don't be silly they're psyching up! Besides I don't want a trickle down rule to USMS where I will get banned for popping the guns on the block...

Most swimmers want quiet after the whistle blows. One swimmers gets to decide if the entire heat gets it.

No.

:applaud: away I say. :bliss: Next those tennis players will need to stop grunting... :bolt:

it really bothers me when swimmers who have finished are celebrating and jumping on the lane line and splashing over the lane line, before the other swimmer has finished. it is not inconceivable they could be dq'ed for impeding the other swimmer...just keep the celebration in your own lane please! keep up the good swims team usa! :applaud:

I think it just looks like they are in the other lane because they are all so close when they finish.It seems they 1st look at the clock & place to see what they have done.

I doubt the other swimmers really even notice. You're so focused, especially at that level, on what you're going to be doing you're not really paying attention to anyone else. At least in my experience.