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
What do you think?
Paul,
I like the concept of less than DQ penalties. And I’ve seen my fair share of DQ’s as a result of non-advantageous activities (rocking back at start, toes missing wall on turn, mid-pool goggle adjustment on fly/*** with flutter kick).
My main issues are 1) I don’t see this radical change getting through FINA or USA-S in my lifetime, 2) we might see more swimmers trying to get away with stuff since the penalty isn’t as severe, 3) it adds another level of complexity to officiating, was the infraction incidental, beneficial, flagrant, unsporting, etc; instead of what was observed, 4) the DQ slip would need to be modified to accommodate changes, and 5) as you mentioned meet management software would need enhancements. Unless USA –S adopted this radical philosophy, I don’t see USA-S changing DQ slips for USMS and I don’t see Active and other meet management software vendors making the necessary enhancements.
But if we suspend reality, I like the discussion. Kind of like who would win a 400 Medley Relay between the Justice League and the Avengers.
What do you think?
Paul,
I like the concept of less than DQ penalties. And I’ve seen my fair share of DQ’s as a result of non-advantageous activities (rocking back at start, toes missing wall on turn, mid-pool goggle adjustment on fly/*** with flutter kick).
My main issues are 1) I don’t see this radical change getting through FINA or USA-S in my lifetime, 2) we might see more swimmers trying to get away with stuff since the penalty isn’t as severe, 3) it adds another level of complexity to officiating, was the infraction incidental, beneficial, flagrant, unsporting, etc; instead of what was observed, 4) the DQ slip would need to be modified to accommodate changes, and 5) as you mentioned meet management software would need enhancements. Unless USA –S adopted this radical philosophy, I don’t see USA-S changing DQ slips for USMS and I don’t see Active and other meet management software vendors making the necessary enhancements.
But if we suspend reality, I like the discussion. Kind of like who would win a 400 Medley Relay between the Justice League and the Avengers.
