I don't see any reason to change that rule. Most of the rule changes lately have been from things that were difficult to judge, such as allowing a single dolphin kick on the *** pullout, or allowing you to roll onto your stomach on a backstroke turn. The backstroke start rules are very clear-cut already. The start judge just needs to ensure everyone is facing the wall with their toes not showing above the surface of the water.
This rule has been changed again. Now the toes can be out of the water but they cannot curl over the gutter or pool edge.
101.1.2—Backstroke Start
A Starting commands—At the commencement of each heat, the referee shall
signal to the swimmers by a short series of whistles to remove all clothing
except for swimwear. At the referee’s first long whistle, the swimmers shall
immediately enter the water and at the second long whistle shall return without
undue delay to the starting position.
B All courses—
The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end
with both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. Standing in or on
the gutter or placing the toes over the lip of the gutter or bending the toes over
the lip of the gutter before or after the start is prohibited. A backstroke starting
block may not be used.
I don't see any reason to change that rule. Most of the rule changes lately have been from things that were difficult to judge, such as allowing a single dolphin kick on the *** pullout, or allowing you to roll onto your stomach on a backstroke turn. The backstroke start rules are very clear-cut already. The start judge just needs to ensure everyone is facing the wall with their toes not showing above the surface of the water.
This rule has been changed again. Now the toes can be out of the water but they cannot curl over the gutter or pool edge.
101.1.2—Backstroke Start
A Starting commands—At the commencement of each heat, the referee shall
signal to the swimmers by a short series of whistles to remove all clothing
except for swimwear. At the referee’s first long whistle, the swimmers shall
immediately enter the water and at the second long whistle shall return without
undue delay to the starting position.
B All courses—
The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end
with both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. Standing in or on
the gutter or placing the toes over the lip of the gutter or bending the toes over
the lip of the gutter before or after the start is prohibited. A backstroke starting
block may not be used.
