So i was at a swim meet this weekend and a guy was using a towel on the starting blocks because there was zero traction on the tops. The offical came over right before the heat started and told the guy he couldnt use the towel because it was an artifical surface and it gave him an unfair advantage (i was in the lane next to him and i overheard the conversation). I was bored between events and looked at the rules and didnt see anything about this. Was the official right? If not, im bringing a towel next time too!
It depends on which official it was. If it was anyone besides the referee, then it would be incorrect. If it was the referee, then it is within the referee’s jurisdiction to make the call.
If the decision was a correct call, I’ll leave this to the Rules Committee. However if the blocks had “zero traction on the tops”, then these blocks should have been not used for starts. USMS 107.11.3 “… The entire surface of the platform shall be faced with permanent nonslip material” is mandatory for all sanctioned events. Any lane with a block without nonslip material should not be used or if the lane is used the swimmers should only be allowed to start from the wall or in the water.
You are within your right to respectfully ask the official to cite the reference.
It depends on which official it was. If it was anyone besides the referee, then it would be incorrect. If it was the referee, then it is within the referee’s jurisdiction to make the call.
If the decision was a correct call, I’ll leave this to the Rules Committee. However if the blocks had “zero traction on the tops”, then these blocks should have been not used for starts. USMS 107.11.3 “… The entire surface of the platform shall be faced with permanent nonslip material” is mandatory for all sanctioned events. Any lane with a block without nonslip material should not be used or if the lane is used the swimmers should only be allowed to start from the wall or in the water.
You are within your right to respectfully ask the official to cite the reference.
