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'm glad I read this, since I'm new to racing...As a runner, I wear my watch in races all the time..no rules as far as I know that prohibit this. I also use a watch during my swim workouts b/c I can't see the pace clock very easily--I have one that's smallish and light with a plastic/rubber watchband, so I doubt it could be a problem by way of injuries.
But come to think of it, I doubt it would be too helpful to me in a meet, since I'd then have to coordinate diving in with starting a watch, and simply entering the water correctly without my goggles falling off would be sufficient challenge without starting a watch also. :)
i'm glad I read this, since I'm new to racing...As a runner, I wear my watch in races all the time..no rules as far as I know that prohibit this. I also use a watch during my swim workouts b/c I can't see the pace clock very easily--I have one that's smallish and light with a plastic/rubber watchband, so I doubt it could be a problem by way of injuries.
But come to think of it, I doubt it would be too helpful to me in a meet, since I'd then have to coordinate diving in with starting a watch, and simply entering the water correctly without my goggles falling off would be sufficient challenge without starting a watch also. :)
