Does anyone know if there are any rules on pacing? I tried to find information on it but couldn't. The question was raised at our meet yesturday when one of the swimmers had someone swim next to her just to pace her on her 500. Is this legal?
The swimmer next to her was seeded but was done solely to help her. He swam a few laps with her then he would stop to rest and when she came back he would go for a few more laps. I swim the 500 all the time and I have to depend soley on myself to keep a pace that is good for me. To have someone lead you out every few laps like that seems to be an unfair advantage.
Technically, that is legal. However, it wouldn't surprise me if a referee disqualified the pacer on the grounds of 'unsportsmanlike conduct'. I.e., that is failure to put forth a good faith effort in the race. I know the pacer wouldn't care if they were disqualified.
This is why you should seed yourself correctly, so that you are surrounded by people who are the same speed as you, and you can RACE them. Don't get me started on seed times!
-Rick
The swimmer next to her was seeded but was done solely to help her. He swam a few laps with her then he would stop to rest and when she came back he would go for a few more laps. I swim the 500 all the time and I have to depend soley on myself to keep a pace that is good for me. To have someone lead you out every few laps like that seems to be an unfair advantage.
Technically, that is legal. However, it wouldn't surprise me if a referee disqualified the pacer on the grounds of 'unsportsmanlike conduct'. I.e., that is failure to put forth a good faith effort in the race. I know the pacer wouldn't care if they were disqualified.
This is why you should seed yourself correctly, so that you are surrounded by people who are the same speed as you, and you can RACE them. Don't get me started on seed times!
-Rick
