A kid swam the 500 all fly in a high school dual meet yesterday. His coach was furious and benched him for the rest of the meet. One of my lane mates this morning, who was the Starter at this meet said that was showboating and demeaning to the other competitors. I disagree. Was that any more demeaning than swimming free and lapping people? Plus, I saw the flyer ask everyone in the heat if it would bother them. Even on the blocks he said "Are you sure you guys are OK with this?"
I officiate a lot of high school meets, where it's all about scoring team points. Times are secondary and I see a lot of swimmers "shut down" once they have an insurmountable lead. Worked a meet last night where a girl who had been to Jr Nats coasted in with a 25 meter lead in the 100 fly. No one complained or thought it was unsportsmanlike.
That being said, if a swimmer gave up potential team points by swimming fly in a 500 free heat, then the coach might be justifiably upset. Rather than being offended, the opponents might be appreciative...
I officiate a lot of high school meets, where it's all about scoring team points. Times are secondary and I see a lot of swimmers "shut down" once they have an insurmountable lead. Worked a meet last night where a girl who had been to Jr Nats coasted in with a 25 meter lead in the 100 fly. No one complained or thought it was unsportsmanlike.
That being said, if a swimmer gave up potential team points by swimming fly in a 500 free heat, then the coach might be justifiably upset. Rather than being offended, the opponents might be appreciative...
