Hey all,
Does anyone know what the current USMS rules are regarding drafting? Is this the same as the FINA rules?
Thanks! :coffee:
http://www.usms.org/rules/
According to the USMS rules, drafting off of another competitor is specifically discussed as grounds for disqualification only in long distance pool events.
For open water events, drafting is discussed only as it pertains to drafting off of an escort vessel.
Based on the FINA rules that DQ'd Hackett, they are pretty hot on interferring with another swimmmer.
Drafting IMO is not interfering but then again, 'Open Water' is a bit of a misnomer at least in terms of the Olympic venue. The 'Open Water' races are being conducted on the same course as the rowing events. Seems like they could take the lanes out of the pool and get as much turbulance. How about some wind, waves, current & navigation challenges?
Tree
Hi Kim,
Welcome to USMS! I assume you are asking because most of your races swimmers have been behind you and using your hard work to keep up!
Over the years USMS has relaxed its stance on drafting which is very hard to enforce in ow events. Any interference or impeding another swimmer and their progress is not allowed.
Swim fast in Key West.....
Hey Kim,
You can draft off me in Key West. What the hell, everyone else does! Just use me up & then go on your way to the finish. Been told its like swimmimg behind the Queen Mary, you just get sucked along :drown:
I like the “unknown” of open water swimming which as Tree indicates forces the swimmers to strategize. I’ve seen many races won and lost by decisions out on the course during the event –and this is one of the beauties of open water….too often it seems swimmers want to sanitize the course with flat waters, lane lines, and a line on the bottom…..
Our open water swims aren't sanctioned by USMS or FINA. I've heard of people who draft, but I avoid doing that because it doesn't give my true performance. I make sure that others don't do it off me either.
