Rules on Pacing

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.

What about at a meet where the end lanes are used for warm up/down. Suppose I make a deal with someone to get in one of those and pace the last 200 of a 500? It would be interesting to see someone swim a 1:05 pace, or whatever, in the warm up lane around the 5 other people doing lazy backstroke. LOL.

rabbits are used all the time in running to pace and lead out races. Bottom line is you really don't know what pace the rabbit is running. Don't coaches signal swimmers when pace is to fast or slow? Is that legal?

The following from the USMS Swimming Rules for Competition... Under rule: 102.14 SWIMWEAR FOR POOL COMPETITION 102.14.1 Design SubPoint E: E No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or substance to enhance speed, pace, buoyancy or endurance during a race (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Goggles may be worn, and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the referee. Also Under rule: 102.15 DISQUALIFICATIONS 102.15.9 No swimmers are permitted to wear or use any device or substance to enhance speed, pace, buoyancy or endurance during a race (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Goggles may be worn, and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the referee. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the referee.

Isn't part of swimming long distance is being able to pace yourself? Yes, I think it is. But the question was whether having someone pace you is legal, and I believe the answer to that question is yes. The fact the pacer was stopping periodically certainly makes it a little more slimy, but as far as I can tell not illegal.

I believe that helping or being helped by another swimmer through pacing in a race is legal. I could be wrong. I also believe that it is a completly ethical and pretty nice thing to do. This type of pacing is like the sticking a carrot out in front of a rabbit to make it move faster...just the idea of chasing someone makes me swim faster. It's tough when you have to do it all on your own, believe me. :bliss:

This type of pacing is like the sticking a carrot out in front of a rabbit to make it move faster...just the idea of chasing someone makes me swim faster. It's tough when you have to do it all on your own, believe me. :bliss: I totally agree. I'd rather be the slowest swimmer in a heat than the fastest.

How were you disadvantaged in the least? It could have benefited you or, alternatively, you could have paid absolutely no attention and swam your own race. I always swim my own race. Thank you. That's why I don't need a pacer. First I wasn't in the same heat. Second, she is in my age group. Third, if she did do it to get a top 10 time or something like that, do you really think that is fair? Also, let it be known that the pacer never finished his laps. He quit when she was done.

I see your point, but on the other hand this swimmer still had to swim the race and keep up with the other swimmer who was pacing her. To me it's fair. On the other hand I think everyone should learn how to swim their own race. Isn't part of swimming long distance is being able to pace yourself?

I believe that helping or being helped by another swimmer through pacing in a race is legal. I could be wrong. I also believe that it is a completly ethical and pretty nice thing to do.