Hi all, I remember reading a discussion here about what counted as a "lap" (one length versus a round trip), and there didn't seem to be a consensus. I'm interested to know the statistics. So please take the poll :)
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Former Member
I think verb trumps noun. And common usage outweighs technical jargon. We swimmers know a length is a length but we use the noun lap as a synonym for length, which confuses the common noodler, especially when we use the verb lapped to describe getting two lengths ahead, further supporting the two length definition.
I try to be consistent, I always write out the # of lengths of each rep to further define the yardage, and throw in the phrase "up and backs" to describe a two-length rep - which is inevitably remarked upon as "So you mean one lap?"
Brings me back to survival school, with a pass/fail swim of one mile in less than 80 mins continuously in an Olympic pool (now there's a definition with an absolute standard, right?) around 4 pylons in the corners. IIRC it was 12 laps or circuits, counterclockwise of course.
I think verb trumps noun. And common usage outweighs technical jargon. We swimmers know a length is a length but we use the noun lap as a synonym for length, which confuses the common noodler, especially when we use the verb lapped to describe getting two lengths ahead, further supporting the two length definition.
I try to be consistent, I always write out the # of lengths of each rep to further define the yardage, and throw in the phrase "up and backs" to describe a two-length rep - which is inevitably remarked upon as "So you mean one lap?"
Brings me back to survival school, with a pass/fail swim of one mile in less than 80 mins continuously in an Olympic pool (now there's a definition with an absolute standard, right?) around 4 pylons in the corners. IIRC it was 12 laps or circuits, counterclockwise of course.
