have been trying to locate a rule book for open water swimming but figure I would just post my question... its been about 3 years since my last open water swim and I remember that it is totally legal to run as far as you can into the water to start and even do dolphin dives if possible.
My question is: if for some reason there is a point on the course where we can touch, is it legal to touch the bottom and even do some dolphin dives?
(i know some of you might see this as cheating but i really just want to know if its legal according to USMS).
In USMS sanctioned events it is up to the race director to determine what contact with the bottom is legal. There is no rule prohibiting using the bottom to advantage, but many races disallow or limit this.
In dual sanctioned USA Swimming /USMS events or FINA events the FINA/USA Swimming rule prohibiting touching the bottom (except sometimes at the start and finish) prevail.
In USMS sanctioned events it is up to the race director to determine what contact with the bottom is legal. There is no rule prohibiting using the bottom to advantage, but many races disallow or limit this.
In dual sanctioned USA Swimming /USMS events or FINA events the FINA/USA Swimming rule prohibiting touching the bottom (except sometimes at the start and finish) prevail.
