I basically started seriously swimming this past May at 51 y/o.....I swam five 5k's and a 10k this summer and finally hooked up with a master team to start figuring out how to really learn how to swim and learn the strokes.
Anyway, I need to swim with ear plugs, just no way around it, I've tried without and always end up with swimmers ear or an actual ear infection. I've tried jumping from the blocks, and I can't do it without losing my ear plugs.
I've been told that masters do not have to start from the blocks, but at my first meet this upcoming Sunday in Munster, IN, who do I inform that I want to start in the pool, or do I even have to? I'm trying a 500 and 1650, starting from the blocks is probably more important for the 500 than the 1650.
Any advice would be very helpful
Thanks
I'm a certified starter.
At Master's meets it's not uncommon to have folks starting from either the water or the pool deck rather than the blocks, so it shouldn't be a surprise to most experienced officials.
Some swimmers will come up to the starter or deck ref prior to their race to let us know they intend to start in the water, but it's not necessary. Others will just give a wave from their lane and point to the water during the short whistles when their heat is called.
If you want to start from the water, jump in at the long whistle when the other swimmers are stepping up on the blocks.
Remember that you need to have one hand and one foot in contact with the wall and remain motionless at the starter's "Take your mark" command.
Don't be afraid to ask the officials if you have any questions, most of them are pretty nice folks. ;)
I'm a certified starter.
At Master's meets it's not uncommon to have folks starting from either the water or the pool deck rather than the blocks, so it shouldn't be a surprise to most experienced officials.
Some swimmers will come up to the starter or deck ref prior to their race to let us know they intend to start in the water, but it's not necessary. Others will just give a wave from their lane and point to the water during the short whistles when their heat is called.
If you want to start from the water, jump in at the long whistle when the other swimmers are stepping up on the blocks.
Remember that you need to have one hand and one foot in contact with the wall and remain motionless at the starter's "Take your mark" command.
Don't be afraid to ask the officials if you have any questions, most of them are pretty nice folks. ;)
