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
If you are satisfied with the validity of split time, why can't your LSMC (or whatever "region" you are concerned about) simply make it a policy to accept split times for LMSC records?
Because then we would be in violation of USMS rules! We might as well institute a rule that says we will recognize LMSC records in the butterfly, even if you got DQed for a 1-hand touch. How could a LMSC have a rule to recognize times that USMS won't recognize as valid?
LMSC records -- where I am using the term "LMSC record " to refer to records for LMSCs, workout groups, clubs, pools, meets, or zones -- are not recognized as such by USMS. Nor does USMS require that such records be kept, nor does it police their accuracy.
An LMSC can decide, for example, to have a record in a 150 fly and count (unrequested) initial splits in the 200 fly, or hold it as a separate (unofficial) event in a fun meet. Same thing for 25s. Or 50 kick events. Or a "40-under" 100 freestyle. Or a 400 backstroke. (Whether it is wise to do these things is up to your LMSC/workout group/club/Zone/etc.)
If your LMSC governing body is satisfied that an initial split is accurate and the swim was otherwise legit (ie, not illegal by the rules of competition), then they may decide that you are free to use it for your LMSC records. There is nothing in the Rule Book to prevent that. If there is, please point it out to me.
What you can't do is use that (unrequested) split for a USMS or FINA Top Ten submission, or to apply for a USMS or FINA record.
If you are satisfied with the validity of split time, why can't your LSMC (or whatever "region" you are concerned about) simply make it a policy to accept split times for LMSC records?
Because then we would be in violation of USMS rules! We might as well institute a rule that says we will recognize LMSC records in the butterfly, even if you got DQed for a 1-hand touch. How could a LMSC have a rule to recognize times that USMS won't recognize as valid?
LMSC records -- where I am using the term "LMSC record " to refer to records for LMSCs, workout groups, clubs, pools, meets, or zones -- are not recognized as such by USMS. Nor does USMS require that such records be kept, nor does it police their accuracy.
An LMSC can decide, for example, to have a record in a 150 fly and count (unrequested) initial splits in the 200 fly, or hold it as a separate (unofficial) event in a fun meet. Same thing for 25s. Or 50 kick events. Or a "40-under" 100 freestyle. Or a 400 backstroke. (Whether it is wise to do these things is up to your LMSC/workout group/club/Zone/etc.)
If your LMSC governing body is satisfied that an initial split is accurate and the swim was otherwise legit (ie, not illegal by the rules of competition), then they may decide that you are free to use it for your LMSC records. There is nothing in the Rule Book to prevent that. If there is, please point it out to me.
What you can't do is use that (unrequested) split for a USMS or FINA Top Ten submission, or to apply for a USMS or FINA record.
