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.
I can understand that there is come confusion about this since we did make a mistake in getting the rule book out this year.
Last July, USA-Swimming changed their rule to add to the equivalent of our 102.15.9 the word "pace" after speed. They did this to be in compliance with FINA rules. At the same time, they indicated that their interpretation of this rule would include writst watches among other devices such as radios that communicate with coaches. The USMS Rules committee voted and chose to follow the USA-Swimming change and their interpretation. So wearing a wrist watch in a meet is not permitted. This does NOT apply to open water swimming.
The communication from both USA-Swimming and USMS indicated that officials should approach this rule such that they should warn competitors and ask them to remove the watch rather than sit silently by and then DQ someone.
I will ask that the on-line version of the rules be updated to reflect the correct wording of the rule.
Sorry for the confusion.
Leo
I can understand that there is come confusion about this since we did make a mistake in getting the rule book out this year.
Last July, USA-Swimming changed their rule to add to the equivalent of our 102.15.9 the word "pace" after speed. They did this to be in compliance with FINA rules. At the same time, they indicated that their interpretation of this rule would include writst watches among other devices such as radios that communicate with coaches. The USMS Rules committee voted and chose to follow the USA-Swimming change and their interpretation. So wearing a wrist watch in a meet is not permitted. This does NOT apply to open water swimming.
The communication from both USA-Swimming and USMS indicated that officials should approach this rule such that they should warn competitors and ask them to remove the watch rather than sit silently by and then DQ someone.
I will ask that the on-line version of the rules be updated to reflect the correct wording of the rule.
Sorry for the confusion.
Leo
