Preparing for the 100 IM at Masters Nationals in May has lead me to think about the exchange between Backstroke and Breastroke. How can USA Swimming (and Masters) further bend over to pressure in the sport for additional speed and record breaking.
I propose that one be allowed to flip from back to *** on an IM by rolling over on to your stomach (like a normal backstroke turn or freestyle turn) and push off on your stomach for your pullout without touching the wall (with your hand).
This could cut as much as a half second off the race. I mean whats the point in touching the wall anymore? We don't do it on backstroke.
Besides, aren't rules made to be broken if its in favor of making the sport faster and breaking records..... :-)
John Smith
Parents
Former Member
I don't know if age group swimming allows in the water starts, but masters do and the USMS rules seem to me to allow a backstroke start as an in the water start:
Those starting in the water must have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting block.
The freestyle rule has been discussed before, the consensus was that you can be disqualified for breaststroke if your style is such that you completely submerge:
Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.
Perhaps Kathy Casey will provide a authoritative answer on behalf of the rules committee?
I don't know if age group swimming allows in the water starts, but masters do and the USMS rules seem to me to allow a backstroke start as an in the water start:
Those starting in the water must have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting block.
The freestyle rule has been discussed before, the consensus was that you can be disqualified for breaststroke if your style is such that you completely submerge:
Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.
Perhaps Kathy Casey will provide a authoritative answer on behalf of the rules committee?
