SW 10.15 No pace-making shall be permitted, nor may any device be used or plan adopted which has that effect.
The topic of having someone give you feedback on your pacing during a race came up in the 1500 Test Set thread. My impression is that pace-making is very common and the rule against it largely unenforceable, but that the rule is there and quite clear. Swimmers may not use devices which help them pace their race and they may not adopt a plan that allows someone on deck or in another lane to help them pace their race.
In the other thread an interpretation was posted, my interpretation of the interpretation was that it dealt specifically with using devices, but that it didn't say pace-making was ok if it didn't involve a device (watch or radio).
Outside of using a device, has anyone ever been DQed for pace-making? If having someone else give you pacing feedback is ok, what is wrong with using a device? Should the whole rule be thrown out?
I am not in any way intending to criticize anyone who has had pacing help, I would love it if it turned out that this was legal, I mean who really wants to swim 60 lengths at what one thought was goal pace only to find out that one has swum a stinky time?
Parents
Former Member
You might want to point out that the rule you reference is the Fina rule.
Here are the rules from the USMS site.
102.10.6—Counters
A A swimmer in any individual event of 16 lengths or more, except the individual
medley, may appoint one counter to call lengths or indicate lengths by visual
sign.
B Verbal counters shall be limited to one per swimmer and shall be stationed
at the end of the course opposite the starting end. They may use watches and
signal intermediate times to the swimmer.
C If visual counters are used, they may be stationed at the end or either side
of the pool beyond the halfway point toward the end of the course opposite
the starting end. Visual counters may be lowered into the water at the end of
the swimmer’s lane, provided that, in the opinion of the referee, they neither
physically aid the swimmer or interfere with another competitor or present any
safety hazard.
D The count may be in ascending or descending order.
E In the event of official or counter error, it is the responsibility of the swimmer
to complete the prescribed distance.
Also
102.15.9—Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance
to help their speed, pace or buoyancy during a race. Goggles may be worn and
rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee.
Reply
Former Member
You might want to point out that the rule you reference is the Fina rule.
Here are the rules from the USMS site.
102.10.6—Counters
A A swimmer in any individual event of 16 lengths or more, except the individual
medley, may appoint one counter to call lengths or indicate lengths by visual
sign.
B Verbal counters shall be limited to one per swimmer and shall be stationed
at the end of the course opposite the starting end. They may use watches and
signal intermediate times to the swimmer.
C If visual counters are used, they may be stationed at the end or either side
of the pool beyond the halfway point toward the end of the course opposite
the starting end. Visual counters may be lowered into the water at the end of
the swimmer’s lane, provided that, in the opinion of the referee, they neither
physically aid the swimmer or interfere with another competitor or present any
safety hazard.
D The count may be in ascending or descending order.
E In the event of official or counter error, it is the responsibility of the swimmer
to complete the prescribed distance.
Also
102.15.9—Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance
to help their speed, pace or buoyancy during a race. Goggles may be worn and
rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee.
