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.)
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With the old rule there was frequently someone who would try to jump just before the beep to get an unfair advantage.
That was called (in Egypt, at least) "stealing" the start. Some swimmers were very good at anticipating the starters' signals and managed to get a jump on the others while still staying within the rules of the time, i.e., feet in contact with the block up to the whistle or gun. I believe even this aspect of the rule has been changed now, i.e., body must not be "moving" when the start signal is given.
With the old rule there was frequently someone who would try to jump just before the beep to get an unfair advantage.
That was called (in Egypt, at least) "stealing" the start. Some swimmers were very good at anticipating the starters' signals and managed to get a jump on the others while still staying within the rules of the time, i.e., feet in contact with the block up to the whistle or gun. I believe even this aspect of the rule has been changed now, i.e., body must not be "moving" when the start signal is given.
