Our local Y is planning on renovating the indoor pool in May. Right now the pool is 12 feet deep. Rumor has it that the plans are to make it only 5 feet at the deepest! My question is, "what is the minimum depth the pool should be to make starts from the block safe?"
Parents
Former Member
The Journal of Swimming Science Vol.13 (1998) 23-30 has an article "Biomechanical analysis of competitive swimming starts and spinal cord injuries" by Gehlsen and Wingfield. If you cannot get a copy I have one.
The USA swimming rule is Article 103 Facilities Standards.
My high school pool and masters pool Saari Stadium had 32 inch above the water starting blocks into less than 4 feet of water. I fought this for years and finally got the blocks into the 9 feet deep end. The new rules allow a starting block less than 18 inches for water 3'6'' to 4'0". Less than 3'6" they allow NO blocks!
These rules apply for practice, races and teaching!!!!! I HATE shallow pools, unfortunately many of our National championships have been at what I call shallow depth. Santa Clara is shallow to me. I would like to know the start depth at Arizona State.
Coach Wayne McCauley
ASCA Level 5 Masters
The Journal of Swimming Science Vol.13 (1998) 23-30 has an article "Biomechanical analysis of competitive swimming starts and spinal cord injuries" by Gehlsen and Wingfield. If you cannot get a copy I have one.
The USA swimming rule is Article 103 Facilities Standards.
My high school pool and masters pool Saari Stadium had 32 inch above the water starting blocks into less than 4 feet of water. I fought this for years and finally got the blocks into the 9 feet deep end. The new rules allow a starting block less than 18 inches for water 3'6'' to 4'0". Less than 3'6" they allow NO blocks!
These rules apply for practice, races and teaching!!!!! I HATE shallow pools, unfortunately many of our National championships have been at what I call shallow depth. Santa Clara is shallow to me. I would like to know the start depth at Arizona State.
Coach Wayne McCauley
ASCA Level 5 Masters
