I just posted,slightly tongue in cheek,that changing the breaststroke rule so ones head can go underwater was the best change ever.It got me thinking what was the best rule change.(someone else can do a worst change poll.)
Aren't most rules changes made to make judging events less subjective? I attended the mandatory parent/player meeting for my son's high school hockey team the other day. One of the presenters was a long-time hockey ref. I certainly got the impression that most/all rules changes in hockey are to reduce the subjectivity of calls (make it easier for the ref to make the right call in a fast-paced environment).
That said, the Kitajima rule seems to fit in that category. Some amount of dolphin kick is natural during the pull. Allowing it means there's no gray area. I'm not so sure about the backstroke flip turn. That seems like it would be harder for the judge to call (there are more elements to a correct flip turn) than the previous rule (touch on your back, leave on your back).
Comments?
Skip Montanaro
Aren't most rules changes made to make judging events less subjective? I attended the mandatory parent/player meeting for my son's high school hockey team the other day. One of the presenters was a long-time hockey ref. I certainly got the impression that most/all rules changes in hockey are to reduce the subjectivity of calls (make it easier for the ref to make the right call in a fast-paced environment).
That said, the Kitajima rule seems to fit in that category. Some amount of dolphin kick is natural during the pull. Allowing it means there's no gray area. I'm not so sure about the backstroke flip turn. That seems like it would be harder for the judge to call (there are more elements to a correct flip turn) than the previous rule (touch on your back, leave on your back).
Comments?
Skip Montanaro
