Swimming World ran a story about a new block that Omega was trying to get approved in time for the Olympics (as was mentioned by knelson). The block pictured here looks similar to the description (by the way, thanks for posting the picture--I'd been meaning to get a look at it!).
To determine whether these blocks are legal, we need to look at the appropriate FINA rule, FINA FR 2.7:
FR 2.7 Starting Platforms shall be firm and give no springing effect. The height of the platform above the water surface shall be from 0.5 metre to 0.75 metre. The surface area shall be at least 0.5 metre x 0.5 metre and covered with non-slip material. Maximum slope shall not be more than 10°. The platform shall be constructed so as to permit the gripping of the platform by the swimmer in the forward start at the front and the sides; it is recommended that, if the thickness of the starting platform exceeds 0.04 metre, grips of at least 0.1 metre width on each side and 0.4 metre width in the front be cut out to 0.03 metre from the surface of the platform. Handgrips for the forward start may be installed on the sides of the starting platforms. Handgrips for backstroke starts shall be placed within 0.3 metre to 0.6 metre above the water surface both horizontally and vertically. They shall be parallel to the surface of the end wall, and must not protrude beyond the end wall. The water depth from a distance of 1.0 metre to 6.0 metres from the end wall must be at least 1.35 metres where starting platforms are installed. Electronic read-out boards may be installed under the blocks. Flashing is not allowed. Figures must not move during a Backstroke start.
So the relevant issues for me would be:
*Are the blocks firm and without "springing effect"?
*Does the backstop affect the slope calculation and increase it beyond 10 degrees?
The fact that the backstop is there does not seem to be in and of itself illegal. My feeling is that these blocks probably pass the two questions I have, although starting blocks aren't my specialty!
I'm not thrilled with the idea personally, but this kind of innovation is going to happen whether we like it or not.
Patrick King
Swimming World ran a story about a new block that Omega was trying to get approved in time for the Olympics (as was mentioned by knelson). The block pictured here looks similar to the description (by the way, thanks for posting the picture--I'd been meaning to get a look at it!).
To determine whether these blocks are legal, we need to look at the appropriate FINA rule, FINA FR 2.7:
FR 2.7 Starting Platforms shall be firm and give no springing effect. The height of the platform above the water surface shall be from 0.5 metre to 0.75 metre. The surface area shall be at least 0.5 metre x 0.5 metre and covered with non-slip material. Maximum slope shall not be more than 10°. The platform shall be constructed so as to permit the gripping of the platform by the swimmer in the forward start at the front and the sides; it is recommended that, if the thickness of the starting platform exceeds 0.04 metre, grips of at least 0.1 metre width on each side and 0.4 metre width in the front be cut out to 0.03 metre from the surface of the platform. Handgrips for the forward start may be installed on the sides of the starting platforms. Handgrips for backstroke starts shall be placed within 0.3 metre to 0.6 metre above the water surface both horizontally and vertically. They shall be parallel to the surface of the end wall, and must not protrude beyond the end wall. The water depth from a distance of 1.0 metre to 6.0 metres from the end wall must be at least 1.35 metres where starting platforms are installed. Electronic read-out boards may be installed under the blocks. Flashing is not allowed. Figures must not move during a Backstroke start.
So the relevant issues for me would be:
*Are the blocks firm and without "springing effect"?
*Does the backstop affect the slope calculation and increase it beyond 10 degrees?
The fact that the backstop is there does not seem to be in and of itself illegal. My feeling is that these blocks probably pass the two questions I have, although starting blocks aren't my specialty!
I'm not thrilled with the idea personally, but this kind of innovation is going to happen whether we like it or not.
Patrick King
