Split requests seem to be all the fashion lately. I know they're perfectly legal, though I haven't read the rule itself. I'm wondering about them though ... It seems oddly unfair, for example, that a person never (or rarely) swimming open 50s could hold world or national records or #1 rankings in those events. (I'm just saying it's odd, while recognizing it could be perfectly legal.) But, aside from that and further, what if someone really played the system. What if, for example, someone was after a 50 free record. They entered a meet in the 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 free and led off free relays and requested split requests in each event to try to set a record. Is this legitimate or legal? Would a meet director be bound to accept split requests for all these events? Is there a limit? Do meet directors have discretion to deny multiple split requests? I can see a situation where multiple attempts at a 50 might result in a better time ...
I am curious to know if USATF (track and field) allows this type of thing. Is somebody allowed to use a 400 or 800 split on the 1500? This summer, a non-swimmer type made the argument that swimmers have more opportunities for medals. Does swimming allow for more opportunites to set records than any other sport?
I will never be in the position to ask for a split as I am simply not a fast enough swimmer to be setting any records. Perhaps it is easier for me to take the position that other than leading off relay events and the actual event, splits should not allowed to be used for records. Fort makes a good argument that using longer events to get a record is akin to sandbagging.
If somebody wants to get a record and doesn't get it on the actual event or a lead-off on the relay, then he/she just needs to do a time-trial.
I am curious to know if USATF (track and field) allows this type of thing. Is somebody allowed to use a 400 or 800 split on the 1500? This summer, a non-swimmer type made the argument that swimmers have more opportunities for medals. Does swimming allow for more opportunites to set records than any other sport?
I will never be in the position to ask for a split as I am simply not a fast enough swimmer to be setting any records. Perhaps it is easier for me to take the position that other than leading off relay events and the actual event, splits should not allowed to be used for records. Fort makes a good argument that using longer events to get a record is akin to sandbagging.
If somebody wants to get a record and doesn't get it on the actual event or a lead-off on the relay, then he/she just needs to do a time-trial.
