Are backstroke pool flags same distance from wall?

Former Member
Former Member
Is there some standard distance from the walls where the backstroke flags are strung up?
  • Of course at some pools they tie the flags to lifeguard chairs, fence posts, lamp posts, or worst of all, poles held in place by buckets of cement, which seem to get placed at a different (and incorrect) location every day! Then there is this hotel pool: www.comfortinn.com/.../MD185C1.JPG (2541 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Grantsville, MD)
  • And don't forget pools that can be BOTH SCY & LCM....the flags magically never seem to move. Is the USMS & USA-S rule the same?
  • Yes. USA-S 103.15 is the exact language of USMS 107.13 and is referenced on page 47 of the 2014 USA-S Rule Book.
  • 107.13 Backstroke Flags and Lines 107.13.1 Design—At least three triangular pennants 6 to 12 inches in width at the base and 12 to 18 inches in vertical length, of two or more alternating and contrasting colors, shall be suspended on a firmly stretched line over each lane for all backstroke, individual medley, and medley relay events. 107.13.2 Location A Long course and short course meters—5 meters (16 feet, 5 inches) from each end of the course, a minimum of 1.8 meters (5 feet, 11 inches) to a maximum of 2.5 meters (8 feet, 3 inches) above the water surface. B Short course yards—15 feet (4.57 meters) from each end of the course, 7 feet (2.13 meters) above the water surface. C Measurement—Height shall be measured to the horizontal line from which the pennants are suspended.
  • Rob has the exact rules above. Some pools for practice use the "old"flags that droop down in the middle so as to look closer that normal.
  • Where are the "Olympic " starting blocks??
  • Then there is this hotel pool: www.comfortinn.com/.../MD185C1.JPG (2541 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Grantsville, MD) They probably advertise it as being "Olympic-size." :)
  • Are backstroke flags mandatory during workouts?, or is it up to the facility? define "workout" :D
  • Are backstroke flags mandatory during workouts?, or is it up to the facility?
  • They probably advertise it as being "Olympic-size." :) I am always baffled at how others define an "Olympic" pool. :confused: A 25 yard pool is "Olympic" to most non-swimmers. :rolleyes: They seem to forget how big a REAL Olympic pool is and that the U.S.A. is one of the only countries measuring pools in "yards." They move the deck chairs up to the edge of the pool, of course. :lmao:
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