I attended an open water swim competition this past weekend and about 80% of the swimmers were wearing wrist watches. This meet was USMS sanctioned/recognized as all competitors had to be registered USMS members. None of the approximately 550 swimmers were disqualified for wearing wrist watches. I thought timing devices were not allowed but couldn't find wrist watches specifically mentioned in the open-water swimming rules. Could someone clarify this and/or point me in the right direction as to where this is addressed in the rules.
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by Mary
Thanks for posting the rule-- There was a sign up at Colonies Zones indicating that watches could not be worn during competition. I don't wear one when I swim so I didn't look at the sign too closely but I do remember seeing it.
Nope that's what the sign said. They were also going around and telling people they will be DQed if they wear a watch during the swim. I still don't see the point, you can still have some one else time you and tell you what's going on. Plus you can, at least at the Zones, read the boards and know your splits.
Originally posted by Mary
Thanks for posting the rule-- There was a sign up at Colonies Zones indicating that watches could not be worn during competition. I don't wear one when I swim so I didn't look at the sign too closely but I do remember seeing it.
Nope that's what the sign said. They were also going around and telling people they will be DQed if they wear a watch during the swim. I still don't see the point, you can still have some one else time you and tell you what's going on. Plus you can, at least at the Zones, read the boards and know your splits.
