Rules Corner

RULES CORNER #1 Breaststroke January 30, 2006 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair There have been questions about when the dolphin kick may be taken during the breaststroke and also about the order of the kick and pull of the breaststroke. The single dolphin kick may be taken during or at the end of the first arm pull-down after the start and after each turn. The official interpretation is as follows: “…during, or at the end of the arm pull-down of the first stroke after the start and after each turn, a single downward butterfly kick is allowed, but not required, followed by a breaststroke kick. During the pull-down, if a downward butterfly kick is taken, it must be followed by a breaststroke kick. It is not permissible to take only a downward butterfly kick without then taking a normal breaststroke kick. The downward butterfly kick is not permissible prior to the arm pull-down.” This quote is from Bruce Stratton, Chair of the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee, and is part of the official interpretation published regarding the recent rule changes for breaststroke and backstroke. The full text can be accessed at usaswimming.org, click on volunteers, click on officials, click on rules and regulations, and click on the link to the interpretations in the 2nd paragraph on that page. The breaststroke must begin with an arm stroke; “…the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order.” (101.2.2, 3rd sentence, p. 16 of the 2006 USMS Rule Book). For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair at rules@usms.org.

RULES CORNER # 2 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair May 16, 2006 Proposed Rule Changes: This is a “Rules Year”. Proposed amendments can be passed by a majority vote of the House of Delegates if the amendments are recommended by the Rules Committee. Information about submitting proposed amendments to Part 1: Swimming Rules and the Glossary can be found in Article 601, pages 101 – 103 of the 2006 USMS Rule Book. More detailed information, including examples and a template for your use, can be found in the LMSC Handbook, “Convention” section, pages 2 – 6, at www.usms.org/admin/lmschb/. LMSCs wishing to submit proposals must do so in writing (email, fax, or mail) by July 10 to Kathy Casey, rules@usms.org, or (253)589-8321 (fax), or 11114 – 111th St. SW, Tacoma, WA, 98498. FINA World Swimming Championships at Stanford USMS competitors will not be swimming according to USMS rules. The meet will be conducted according to FINA masters swimming rules. For information about the differences between FINA rules and USMS rules see pages 141 – 143 of the 2006 USMS Rule Book. Where is that rule? If you have trouble finding a rule reference, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Occasionally a rule will not be where you expect to find it. For example, where is the rule allowing a sanctioned event to be conducted in a short pool? Try 107.1.3 on page 51 of the 2006 USMS Rule Book. For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

RULES CORNER #3 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair July 28, 2006 There are currently eight Proposed Rule Changes. Following is a brief synopsis of each: R1 - 102.5, p. 20; Add 25-yard events for 75 and older swimmers. R2 - 103.13.4, p.38; Add minimum-pool-length rule to “Official Time”. R3 - 104.4.2, p. 40; Give $3-per-swimmer back to national championship meet host, instead of $2-and-an-extra-$1-per-swimmer for outstanding performance. R4 – 104.5.2A, p. 42; Six championship meet schedules from which delegates will select three schedules for national championship meets. R5 - 104.5.4A(1), p. 44; Allow swimmers who will be 18 by the day prior to the start of the national championship meet to enter the meet by the entry deadline but register with USMS at the meet venue on the warm-up day (day prior to the start of competition). R6 - 104.5.4B(2), p. 44; Publish the national championship meet entry form and information on the USMS website as soon as the information is available or five months prior to the meet. R7 - 104.5.5B(3), p. 46; Allow the seeding of men and women together in the 400 IM at national championship meets. R8 - 105.1.5, p. 48; Change the title from “Publication of Records” to “Acceptable Times”. Note that standing committees can still propose rule changes. Can’t find that rule? Where is that rule that grants exceptions to USMS rules for FINA World Championship meets? Try 202.1.1F(2) on page 63 of the 2006 USMS Rule Book. Since that rule is in Part Two, it is actually under the jurisdiction of the Legislation Committee. For any questions about rules (Part 1: Swimming Rules) contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

RULES CORNER #4 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair October 28, 2006 Major Changes to “Part 1: Swimming Rules” as Passed at Convention: 1. Three new meet schedules for national championship meets were approved. 2. At national championship meets, competitors of the same gender may be required to swim two-to-a-lane in freestyle events over 200 meters if only one course is available and the meet day is projected to last longer than 12 hours. 3. At national championship meets, the two timers per lane will each use a backup button and at least one timer will use a stop watch (instead of each using a stop watch and at least one using a backup button). 4. For national championship meets, an 18-year-old may register for USMS membership at the championship venue but must have entered the meet by the entry deadline and must be 18 at least by the day prior to the beginning of competition. (A 17-year-old can enter the meet by the entry deadline and can then register for USMS membership upon turning 18. The swimmer must be 18 by the day before the meet starts and that is the last day an 18-year-old can register for USMS and still compete at the national championship meet.) Regarding disqualifications for wearing a watch during competition: USA Swimming has issued the following interpretation regarding watches, “Watches are not necessarily pacing devices and each case must be decided on its own merits.” For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

RULES CORNER #5 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair January 25, 2007 The 2007 USMS Rule Book is now available for you reading pleasure. Order yours from the USMS National Office, P.O. Box 185, Londonderry, NH 03053-0185 ($9 per book). Mini rule books are also available ($3 each). The rule book is also available for viewing, downloading, or purchase at www.usms.org. All rule numbers below reference the 2007 USMS Rule Book. Question: “If I swim the 50 free and just miss the record, can I ask to reswim it later in the meet in another attempt to break the record?” Answer: No. Except for postponement (102.13.3, pages 12-13) there are no provisions for reswimming a race. A swimmer would have an opportunity to swim the 50 free again by swimming the leadoff leg of a relay. Record attempts can also be made during initial distances of longer events (105.3.7, page 38) as can official times for Top 10 (105.2.2, page 38) and official times for all purposes (103.13.1, .2, and .3, pages 24-25). Required Officials at a Meet: The minimum number of officials required at a meet is: one referee, one starter, two stroke and turn judges, and two timers per lane if automatic timing is not being used (one timer per lane if automatic timing is used). (103.1, page 15) One official may serve two positions as follows: The referee may also serve as a stroke and turn judge but not as a starter. The starter may also serve as a stroke and turn judge but not as a referee (103.1.1, page 15). The referee at each meet shall be certified: as a referee, a starter, or a stroke and turn judge. If, among the officiating crew on deck, there is only one official who is certified, that official must be the referee (103.2, page 15). Note that national championship meet requirements are more stringent and require more officials who are certified (104.5.10, page 36). Pool Measurement: Your times will not count for Top 10, Records, or any official purpose unless the pool has been measured and it’s long enough (103.13.4, page 25 and 105.1.5, .6, and .7, page 37). If a pool with a moveable bulkhead already has a pool length certification for all lanes on file with USMS or USA Swimming, then measurement of the two outside lanes and a middle lane must be confirmed at the end of each session of the meet (105.1.7C, page 37). For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

ALERT REGARDING USA SWIMMING EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE, EFFECTIVE 02/15/07 USA Swimming has changed their water depth rule for TEACHING racing starts from 5 feet to 6 feet deep (see the USA-S text below). This rule change by USA Swimming does not dictate an automatic, emergency change in USMS rules. USMS does not have the same TEACHING rule in its facilities standards (Article 107), and USMS does not automatically adopt changes to USA Swimming Article 103, “Facilities Standards” (see USMS 601.4.6B, page 101). However, USMS clubs/members that share facilities with USA Swimming clubs will be impacted by this rule change. You may be asked by USMS members about this rule change if they train at the same facility as a USA Swimming club. Tell them that, yes, USA Swimming made that rule change but USMS has not. USMS members who train at the same facilities as USA-S swimmers will likely find themselves following the new USA-S rule for TEACHING racing starts. A facility may also decide to apply that 6-foot-water-depth rule for teaching racing starts to all teams and lessons using their pool(s). Facilities can have stricter rules so again, USMS members may find themselves following the new 6-foot water-depth rule for TEACHING racing starts. For any questions about this emergency rule change by USA Swimming and its impact on USMS swimming contact: Kathy Casey, Chair USMS Rules Committee rules@usms.org The following is the text of the notice from USA Swimming regarding the emergency rule change: Special Notice to Members of the USA Swimming House of Delegates & All USA Swimming Clubs: Pursuant to USA Swimming Rule 504.8, the USA Swimming Board of Directors has decided to amend Rule 103.2.2 (page 43 of the 2007 Rules & Regulations) which specifically applies to teaching racing starts to provide as follows: 103.2 WATER DEPTH – .2 /M/ Teaching Racing Starts – Minimum water depth for teaching racing starts in any setting from any height starting block or the deck shall be 6 feet (1.84 meters) measured for a distance of 3 feet 31/2 inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the end wall. This decision has been made with the advice and consent of the Safety Education Committee, the Rules and Regulations Committee, and legal counsel. The purpose of this action is to further protect novice swimmers from accidental bottom strikes while they are learning to execute racing starts. This change is effective immediately. Here ends the text of the notice from USA Swimming. The water depth rule for racing starts in USMS rules is 107.2.3, pages 40 and 41 of the 2007 USMS Rule Book and includes the following text: 107.2.3—Water Depth A Starting end—Minimum water depth for racing starts, as measured for a distance of 3 feet, 3½ inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet, 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the end wall, during either competition or practice shall be as follows: (1) In pools with water depth less than 3 feet, 6 inches (1.07 meters) at the starting end, the swimmer must start within the water. (2) In pools with water depth 3 feet, 6 inches (1.07 meters) to less than 4 feet (1.22 meters) at the starting end, the swimmer must start from the deck or from within the water. (3) In pools with water depth 4 feet (1.22 meters) or more at the starting end, platforms shall meet the height requirements of article 107.11.1. Again, for any questions contact: Kathy Casey, Chair USMS Rules Committee rules@usms.org

RULES CORNER #6 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair April 27, 2007 Nationals Short Course Nationals will be in Federal Way, May 17-20, and Long Course Nationals will be in The Woodlands, August 10-13. Following are questions regarding national meets: Question 1. When did I have to swim the qualifying times for nationals? Answer: In the past two years (p. 32, 104.5.3C, 2007 USMS Rule Book). Question 2. Where in the rule book are the rules governing relays at nationals? Answer: In the order that they appear in the 2007 USMS Rule Book: p. 31, 104.5.3B and p. 33, 104.5.4B(3) and (6) and 104.5.4C(2). Additionally, other general rules regarding relays can be found on: pp. 4 – 5, 101.7; p. 6, 102.3.2; pp. 7 – 8, 102.9; p. 19, 103.10.5; p. 24, 103.13.1B, C, and D; p. 25, 103.13.3; p. 37, 105.1.4; p. 38, 105.2.2A, C, D, and E and 105.3.7A, C, D, and E; and p. 39, 105.4.2. Clarification and questions: 1. Late request for a split time: After I got home from the meet, I discovered that my 100 split time on the 200 fly was a record/Top 10 time. Can I still request that split for official purposes? Answer: No. Splits must be requested in writing to the meet referee by the end of the meet for freestyle, butterfly, and breaststroke. All backstroke splits and relay leadoff splits must be requested by the swimmer in writing (to the referee) prior to the swim (page 24, 103.13.1B and and page 38, 105.2.2B and C and 105.3.7B and C). 2. Relay disqualification: If my relay gets DQed, can my leadoff split still count for an official time? Answer: No. All swimmers must complete the relay without being disqualified in order for the relay leadoff split to count as an official time (p. 24, 103.13.1C and p. 38, 105.2.2D and 105.3.7D). 3. Relay leadoff split request: Why do I have to request a relay leadoff split in writing to the referee before I swim the relay? Answer: The officials have to watch to make sure that the second swimmer does not start in the water, risking interference with the timing pad (p. 24, 103.13.1D and p. 38, 105.2.2E and 105.3.7E). 4. Other strokes during freestyle: If I swim the 200 IM during the 200 free, can I set a record in the IM? Answer: No. All strokes swum during the freestyle events count only as freestyle times (p. 24, 103.13.2). For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

RULES CORNER #7 by Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair July 25, 2007 Quiz: Try to answer this question without looking at the rule book: If a recall rope is used, it shall be placed…(where?)…in short course facilities. (The answer is at the end of this article.) Questions and Clarifications: Question 1: During the backstroke, can I turn over past vertical and do an open backstroke turn? Answer: Yes, as long as it meets the following criteria: “The swimmer who turns past vertical and, in a continuous motion, grabs the wall before pushing off with the feet while on the back is considered to have executed a ‘continuous turning action.’” (101.4.3, Note, page 3) Question 2: Why do I have to request an initial backstroke split in writing to the referee before I swim the race? Answer: The officials have to watch to make sure that you do a legal finish rather than a turn at the initial distance requested (103.13.1B&, page 24; 105.2.2C&D, page 38; and 105.3.7C&D, page 38). Question 3: Can I get an official time for a 50 meter relay leadoff split with three watches? Answer: Only for world records. Split times will be considered for USMS official times if recorded by fully automatic timing equipment (103.13.3, page 25 and 105.2.2A and 105.3.7A, page 38). Question 4: If the two watch or button times for a swim are 1:20.09 and 1:20.10, what is the official time? Answer: 1:20.09; “the time shall be the average of those two button or watch times. The digits representing thousandths of a second shall be dropped with no rounding.” (103.12.4B, page 22) Question 5: Which is the better timing quality, 3 watches or 2 semi-automatic buttons? Answer: Three watches, according to 103.13.3, page 25. Three watches or three semi-automatic buttons will count for World records, USMS national records, and USMS Top 10 times. Two watches or two semi-automatic buttons will only count for USMS Top 10 times. Question 6: What do I do if there is an unresolved rules question/issue at a meet? Answer: Email the Rules Chair at rules@usms.org immediately or as soon as practical with the rules question. If it’s the first day of a two-day meet, you could have an answer for the second day of the meet. Clarification 1: Averaging two times: Check the electronic timing system at your pool for rounding up or truncating (dropping the thousandths digit) when averaging two button times. There are still a few systems that have not been changed over to truncating. Both USA Swimming and USMS drop the thousandths digit when averaging two times (see question #4 above). Clarification 2. Choosing primary and secondary timing systems for a meet: “A secondary system of precedence equal to or lower than the primary system shall be used.” (103.12.2B, page 21) Don’t back up the primary system with a system of higher precedence because, “The primary system shall determine the official time of each swimmer unless a comparison of the primary with secondary and/or tertiary system times indicates a malfunction of the primary system.” (103.12.2A, page 21) For example, three watches would not be the secondary system to a two-button semi-automatic primary system because three watches are considered a superior timing method. If at all possible and particularly if world or national records could be set at a meet, choose a primary timing system that will give the official timing level required for world and national records (3 buttons, 3 watches, or automatic timing; see 103.13.3 on page 25). Clarification 3. “Choice” events: If swimmers will only be allowed to enter one 400 event due to time constraints at a meet and they will be allowed to choose the event (free or IM), announce such in the meet information including how the combining of events and the seeding of stroke choices will be done (so it's easier for officials to judge). Events 200 yards or longer may be combined (102.10.1B, page 8). Do not call the event 400 freestyle. If it’s called freestyle, any event chosen would count only as freestyle, not as the event chosen by the swimmer (103.13.2, page 24). For example the entry form could list “Event #14 400 meters (choose one) free or IM” and the swimmer would choose one. Clarification 4. Event limit per day: If two sanctioned events are offered in one day as part of a meet, the event limit is still 5 individual events per day (102.6, “Event Limit”, page 7). For example, if time trials are offered in conjunction with a meet, and the meet and the time trials have separate sanctions, a swimmer can not exceed 5 individual events per day regardless of the separate sanctions. Hosting two sanctioned events in one day does not change the individual event limit because the rule states that the limit is 5 individual events per day not 5 per sanctioned event. Another rule book reference for trials/finals is 102.10.1, page 8. Answer to quiz question: It goes at the backstroke flags at the turn end of the pool. “If a recall rope is used, it shall be placed …at the turn end backstroke flags in short course facilities” (107.15, p. 44). To quote one official upon hearing the correct answer to this quiz question (to date, no one has answered it correctly), “Well, it goes to show you, you should never work without a net.” In this case that “net” is the rule book. Even the Rules Chair was surprised by the correct placement for a recall rope, if one is used, in short course pools (yards and meters). So, by all means, read that rule book and keep it handy at all meets! For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair, rules@usms.org.

Quiz: Try to answer this question without looking at the rule book: If a recall rope is used, it shall be placed…(where?)…in short course facilities. (The answer is at the end of this article.) OK I certainly guessed wrongly, but the correct answer to the quiz leaves me asking - with the plethora of USMS officials at Nationals, why wasn't the recall rope correctly placed in at Nationals in Federal Way? I'm sure Anthony Ervin would like to redo his 50 back.

In answer to the question from Blackbeard's Peg, “with the plethora of USMS officials at Nationals, why wasn't the recall rope correctly placed in at Nationals in Federal Way? I'm sure Anthony Ervin would like to redo his 50 back.” Not only did we have a “plethora of USMS officials at nationals”, we also had the Rules Chair (that would be me)! The poles for the recall rope were placed in the sleeves provided at that facility. On rare occasions, a rule change affecting the use of a device that is no longer required fades into the deep recesses of our memories, and that is exactly what happened here. The sleeves for the recall rope were placed in the deck according to the old rule. The Anthony Ervin story prompted us to get out our rule books and check the placement of that rope. We corrected that error. Regarding the Anthony Ervin story; he was not DQd in the 50 back for rolling over at the recall rope instead of the flags (if that’s what you heard; he actually got 3rd place). The Meet Referee checked the DQ slips and found that another swimmer was DQd in that heat. The referee talked to that swimmer who said he knew he turned over at the wrong place. Prior to the no-false-start rule, the recall rope was placed 11 meters from the starting end for short course and 15 meters from the starting end for long course (you may notice two sets of sleeves on pool decks for the recall rope). Interestingly enough, FINA meets place the false start rope 15 meters from the starting end for both long course and short course (meters). Kathy Casey, Chair USMS Rules Committee