Hi,
I just read Doug Strong's awesome story from LC Nationals. He had mentioned a previous DQ in the meet for something he thought was very questionable. That reminds me...
Does anyone else think the latest backstroke rule is a little silly? I'm talking about the one where one glides into the wall "too long" on their stomach for the turn. To me, as I mentioned, it just seems silly. (1) I believe the rule says that you must have continuous forward motion into the turn. If you are gliding in, which by the way is not faster, then you are moving forward. I've yet to see one stop completely! And (2) there is definitely no advantage to gliding in for that "moment too long" that is the decision of the official.
I have a feeling that this rule will go by the way of some other rules and be gone in the next few years.
Just some thoughts, and a question :)
Karen
Parents
Former Member
I agree that it is actually a disadvantage to glide too long - obviously, it's slower for the swimmer, and why should you be disqualified for something that gives you an actual disadvantage?
My biggest problem with the rule is the way it's written. What does "continuous motion" mean? Does it mean that the swimmer can't stop? Does it mean that they have to begin their flip as soon as they complete their arm pull? Within a tenth of a second? Do they have to roll to their stomach and commence the flip within a certain amount of time?
If turns are going to be done as they are, maybe the rule should state that the swimmer gets one arm pull and can not kick once they've rolled off of their back. I would think that should eliminate any confusion.
But the easiest solution may just to do the turns "the old-fashioned way".
I agree that it is actually a disadvantage to glide too long - obviously, it's slower for the swimmer, and why should you be disqualified for something that gives you an actual disadvantage?
My biggest problem with the rule is the way it's written. What does "continuous motion" mean? Does it mean that the swimmer can't stop? Does it mean that they have to begin their flip as soon as they complete their arm pull? Within a tenth of a second? Do they have to roll to their stomach and commence the flip within a certain amount of time?
If turns are going to be done as they are, maybe the rule should state that the swimmer gets one arm pull and can not kick once they've rolled off of their back. I would think that should eliminate any confusion.
But the easiest solution may just to do the turns "the old-fashioned way".
