I just saw an article about the new FINA swim rules and I'm confused about the one relating to swimming unattached in a SCM or LCM meet. The new rule states that if a swimmer does enter a meet as unattached not only will his or her time not count for FINA top ten or a record, but that everyone in the meet will also have their times be unrecognized. Sounds a bit harsh.
Also, backstrokers can no longer finish underwater. How will that be judged? What if your entire body is submerged on the final lunge except for the toes of one foot completing a final kick?
Clarification from our rule gurus please.
What does europe have against unattached swimmers?
I have no idea. And it can be a real pain. You wind up paying ASA (similar to USAS) fees - which you have to pay through a club - AND you have to pay club dues for your affiliation. Neither of these equate to being able to actually *train* with a club, which requires not only additional fees, but also finding a club that has a Masters squad and trains at times you can actually attend (9-10pm on a Sunday night? Really?). I'm lucky that the club I found in Southampton was great and, now that I'm living 140 miles away, I can pay a nominal fee every month to maintain my affiliation, and if I can make it to a training session with them, they don't ask for extra money. However, I probably wouldn't bother doing it if it weren't for my boyfriend still living down there and also swimming for the club.
What does europe have against unattached swimmers?
I have no idea. And it can be a real pain. You wind up paying ASA (similar to USAS) fees - which you have to pay through a club - AND you have to pay club dues for your affiliation. Neither of these equate to being able to actually *train* with a club, which requires not only additional fees, but also finding a club that has a Masters squad and trains at times you can actually attend (9-10pm on a Sunday night? Really?). I'm lucky that the club I found in Southampton was great and, now that I'm living 140 miles away, I can pay a nominal fee every month to maintain my affiliation, and if I can make it to a training session with them, they don't ask for extra money. However, I probably wouldn't bother doing it if it weren't for my boyfriend still living down there and also swimming for the club.
