Lap counter rule changes

C If visual counters are used, they may be stationed at the end or either side of the pool beyond the halfway point toward the end of the course opposite the starting end. Visual counters may be lowered into the water at the end of the swimmer’s lane, provided that, in the opinion of the referee, they neither physically aid the swimmer or interfere with another competitor or present any safety hazard. I've counted a few times over the years for my distance team mates along with total strangers. I was instructed to wiggle and wave the placard (while underwater) if "the guy two lanes over starts making their move". More than a few made this request. Is this what the new rule is intended to prevent? I don't think so. Wiggling and waving would not seem to constitute "physical aid" to the swimmer. The kinds of things I would think that would be targeted would be, for example, leaving the turn cards in the water and allowing the swimmer to push off of the turn cards, or using the turn cards to propel the swimmer. These kinds of actions would give a physical advantage to the swimmer. Patrick King

C If visual counters are used, they may be stationed at the end or either side of the pool beyond the halfway point toward the end of the course opposite the starting end. Visual counters may be lowered into the water at the end of the swimmer’s lane, provided that, in the opinion of the referee, they neither physically aid the swimmer or interfere with another competitor or present any safety hazard. I've counted a few times over the years for my distance team mates along with total strangers. I was instructed to wiggle and wave the placard (while underwater) if "the guy two lanes over starts making their move". More than a few made this request. Is this what the new rule is intended to prevent? I don't think so. Wiggling and waving would not seem to constitute "physical aid" to the swimmer. The kinds of things I would think that would be targeted would be, for example, leaving the turn cards in the water and allowing the swimmer to push off of the turn cards, or using the turn cards to propel the swimmer. These kinds of actions would give a physical advantage to the swimmer. Patrick King