There is nothing more challenging for an official than having to DQ a swimmer for a false start: either a dual confirmation done after the heat has been started or for the lone swimmer who goes in all by themselves.
It is a shame that starting early and only gaining, at most, .5 seconds results in the entire race being nullified. I would hate to be the 400 IMer or the 1650 swimmer if that were to happen.
So, instead of nullifying the entire swim, consider a time penalty assessed for a False Start. In either situation that I mentioned in the first paragraph, the swimmer incurs a 5 seconds penalty when the False Start is dual confirmed. The swimmer gets the benefit of the race, albeit with a time penalty.
This could be managed quite easier with a software change in Meet Manager or whatever meet software is being used.
Paul
Hi Mollie -
I do not have the 2018 rule book yet. My only reference is the 2017 rule book that Mary Beth has. :)
Paul
For Paul, and anyone else interested, the 2018 Rule Book can be found in an electronic format at http://www.usms.org/rules/
Hi Mollie -
I do not have the 2018 rule book yet. My only reference is the 2017 rule book that Mary Beth has. :)
Paul
For Paul, and anyone else interested, the 2018 Rule Book can be found in an electronic format at http://www.usms.org/rules/
