Does anyone know the rationale behind USMS rule 103.13.1(B)(1)? Specifically, this says that in order for an initial distance split to count as an "official time" (and thus, eligible for records, top-ten, etc.), the swimmer must notify the meet referee in writing before the end of the meet.
Does anyone know why we insist on this level of administrivia? This means that, technically, even as a meet director... if I notice that someone's 1000 split on their 1650 would be a new record... it's not a new record unless I remind the swimmer him/herself to write down on a piece of paper "Please make my split time count", and hand it to the referee. Before they leave the pool at the end of the meet.
In USA Swimming, the paperwork isn't necessary. Your 1000 split counts, without any paperwork, as long as it's valid, you finished the event, etc., etc. But you don't need silly paperwork.
So why do we insist on this paperwork in USMS? This seems like something that is doing us all a massive disservice as I'm sure many many potential records and top ten performances are being missed. If you swim a 1650, and your initial 1000 was a certain time... then your initial 1000 was that time, regardless of any paperwork you submit by the end of the meet.
(This is separate from setting up an expectation that these splits will be automatically submitted. That's a separate issue. My only issue is that if the swimmer does not write something down on a post-it note, that the window of opportunity closes, and there is no way to un-close the window the way the rulebook is written.)
I suppose the solution is to amend the disclaimer/waiver language for our meet entries to include a sentence "I HEREBY REQUEST TO THE REFEREE THAT EVERY INITIAL DISTANCE OF EVERY EVENT THAT I SWIM BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFICIAL TIME.", and then that part of the rule is satisfied. If the USMS Rules Committee insists, I can photocopy all of our entry forms, and hand them to the Referee before the end of the meet.
-Rick
In short, many Nationals are now doing "automatic split requests" for initial split distances. Meaning the swimmer doesn't have to specifically request the split times be submitted. Backstroke events still need to be submitted because the official needs to verify they had an official finish at the specified distance (even though it would be slower for most to flip and touch with their feet, the rule is what it is that you have to finish while on your back) and that is why backstroke requires the request in advance. For relay lead-offs, all split times will get submitted unless the second swimmer starts in the water - in those cases the officials will note the relay so that split time is not recorded.
The irony is when this subject was being discussed a couple years ago, one swimmer voiced displeasure with this because they didn't want their initial distance splits recorded in case they should show up for Top Ten because they would be "slow and embarrassing!"
I know your next question will be can this be done locally at the discretion of a meet director. After all, if it is done at Nationals there must be a provision for it to be legal, right? I don't know the answer but will find out. I believe it is a question for the Rules Committee. I think each Nationals' Meet Director makes the request in advance to Rules if they want to do this or not - so perhaps it would be the same procedure for a local meet director. But don't quote me on this yet - I'm still new in my position and don't know all of the procedures.
Jeff Roddin
USMS Championship Committee Chair
PS. Walt Reid, USMS Records Administrator, has automatically processed reports of all splits for seven championship meets:
1. FINA Worlds at Stanford (August, 2006),
2. SCY Nationals at Federal Way (May, 2007),
3. FINA Worlds at Perth (April, 2008),
4. SCY Nationals at Austin (May, 2008), and
5. LC Nationals at Mt. Hood (August, 2008).
6. SCY Nationals at Clovis, CA (May, 2009)
7. LC Nationals at Indianapolis, IN (August, 2009)
In short, many Nationals are now doing "automatic split requests" for initial split distances. Meaning the swimmer doesn't have to specifically request the split times be submitted. Backstroke events still need to be submitted because the official needs to verify they had an official finish at the specified distance (even though it would be slower for most to flip and touch with their feet, the rule is what it is that you have to finish while on your back) and that is why backstroke requires the request in advance. For relay lead-offs, all split times will get submitted unless the second swimmer starts in the water - in those cases the officials will note the relay so that split time is not recorded.
The irony is when this subject was being discussed a couple years ago, one swimmer voiced displeasure with this because they didn't want their initial distance splits recorded in case they should show up for Top Ten because they would be "slow and embarrassing!"
I know your next question will be can this be done locally at the discretion of a meet director. After all, if it is done at Nationals there must be a provision for it to be legal, right? I don't know the answer but will find out. I believe it is a question for the Rules Committee. I think each Nationals' Meet Director makes the request in advance to Rules if they want to do this or not - so perhaps it would be the same procedure for a local meet director. But don't quote me on this yet - I'm still new in my position and don't know all of the procedures.
Jeff Roddin
USMS Championship Committee Chair
PS. Walt Reid, USMS Records Administrator, has automatically processed reports of all splits for seven championship meets:
1. FINA Worlds at Stanford (August, 2006),
2. SCY Nationals at Federal Way (May, 2007),
3. FINA Worlds at Perth (April, 2008),
4. SCY Nationals at Austin (May, 2008), and
5. LC Nationals at Mt. Hood (August, 2008).
6. SCY Nationals at Clovis, CA (May, 2009)
7. LC Nationals at Indianapolis, IN (August, 2009)
