Several swim meets in Texas, in order to save time, will the swim the 200’s as “choice”. You pick to swim either fly, back, *** or IM and the heats can have different swimmers doing different strokes. When SCY Top Ten came out, I had two swims that weren’t listed. It turns out that the meet wasn’t submitted (a different issue). But in the course of my e-mails with TT, I learned that “choice” swims are not permissible for inclusion.
Are others aware of this rule? I checked the USMS Rule Book and, at a quick scan, could find nothing referring to this. I’ve never seen a meet entry that stated that 200s conducted in this manner are not TT eligible so I’m suspecting that some meet directors don’t know about it either.
Seems a bit weird. As a backstroker, I can guarantee that no advantage is gained having swimmers diving in next to you on the start or having the adjacent lane swimming fly. The swimmer is still swimming a verified time in a measured course. The only rationale I could come up with is the stroke and turn judges having difficulty keeping track of different types of swims.
Not worried about the TT times. They’re not the first, and probably not the last, that won’t get counted. And I guess you can always learn something new. I’m been racing USMS over 20 years and never knew about the “choice” event exclusion. But it would be interesting if someone could shed some light on this. I do know I won’t opt for a “choice” event again if I’m trying for a TT time.
Are "choice" events common at meets elsewhere? Any insights on this exclusion rule?
Are others aware of this rule? I checked the USMS Rule Book and, at a quick scan, could find nothing referring to this. Check 202.1.1.F(3)
Sanctioned events may include nonconforming swimming events so long as they are conducted in a safe manner. Nonconforming swimming events are events not defined in article 102.5 … USMS records and Top 10 times shall not be maintained in nonconforming events…
200 Choice is not defined in 102.5. A 200 choice could include fins, paddles, pull buoys or starting next year full body tech suits.
As stated before, one way to legally accomplish this is by having each event on the entry form and then allow the referee to combine events in accordance with 102.10.1.B
Age groups, genders and events of the same distance 200 yards or longer may be combined so that no swimmer has to swim alone and lanes may be filled.
It accomplishes the same end and it is compliant with our rules.
Are others aware of this rule? I checked the USMS Rule Book and, at a quick scan, could find nothing referring to this. Check 202.1.1.F(3)
Sanctioned events may include nonconforming swimming events so long as they are conducted in a safe manner. Nonconforming swimming events are events not defined in article 102.5 … USMS records and Top 10 times shall not be maintained in nonconforming events…
200 Choice is not defined in 102.5. A 200 choice could include fins, paddles, pull buoys or starting next year full body tech suits.
As stated before, one way to legally accomplish this is by having each event on the entry form and then allow the referee to combine events in accordance with 102.10.1.B
Age groups, genders and events of the same distance 200 yards or longer may be combined so that no swimmer has to swim alone and lanes may be filled.
It accomplishes the same end and it is compliant with our rules.
