I recently heard that a woman swimmer, unnamed, on the elite level, has been known to spit in her opponent's lane before a sprint race.
Is this just ill-mannered pscyhing or something more sinister? I read on one of Gary Hall Jr.'s race club blogs that this might be a technique for getting a competitor to test positive for steroids or other drugs.
This has a somewhat Urban Legend quality to it that causes my spider sense to tingle. Nevertheless, I am wondering if the more knowledgable folks on the forum might have an explanation for the strategic use of spittle.
Parents
Former Member
This weekend for example, I was at a high school state regional meet, and a swimmer I DQed for a nonsimultaneous touch asked me about it between prelims and finals. I explained to him what I saw, and the conversation ended. His coach however apologized to me afterwards, and said she was disappointed by his speaking with me. I explained that I didn't have a problem with it.
Patrick King
Very interesting example. Never heard of a coach not wanting their swimmer to speak with the judge as to why the DQ - much less have the coach be disappointed in their swimmer for taking that initiative! I always encouraged swimmers to ask the why behind the DQ. Was this coach very green? In most cases, I think the swimmers want to understand what they did wrong so they can learn from it and correct it in the future. Very few are looking for a John McEnroe-type encounter.
I'm very familiar with the DQ slips. It's not 100% self explanatory - particularly to a young swimmer. If it were me, I'd also like to hear it from the official, provided they have the time to briefly explain the infraction.
I think it was excellent that you took the time to explain the infraction.
Thank you for officiating. It's an incredibly challenging job. I say this from a past coach and current swimmer perspective. You guys work your tails off. :notworthy::notworthy:
This weekend for example, I was at a high school state regional meet, and a swimmer I DQed for a nonsimultaneous touch asked me about it between prelims and finals. I explained to him what I saw, and the conversation ended. His coach however apologized to me afterwards, and said she was disappointed by his speaking with me. I explained that I didn't have a problem with it.
Patrick King
Very interesting example. Never heard of a coach not wanting their swimmer to speak with the judge as to why the DQ - much less have the coach be disappointed in their swimmer for taking that initiative! I always encouraged swimmers to ask the why behind the DQ. Was this coach very green? In most cases, I think the swimmers want to understand what they did wrong so they can learn from it and correct it in the future. Very few are looking for a John McEnroe-type encounter.
I'm very familiar with the DQ slips. It's not 100% self explanatory - particularly to a young swimmer. If it were me, I'd also like to hear it from the official, provided they have the time to briefly explain the infraction.
I think it was excellent that you took the time to explain the infraction.
Thank you for officiating. It's an incredibly challenging job. I say this from a past coach and current swimmer perspective. You guys work your tails off. :notworthy::notworthy:
