RACING STARTS
- The first whistle swimmers will hear will be 3 short blasts followed by a long whistle. The referee will stretch out their arm. That signal means the swimmers are under the starter's control.
- The starter will than whistle for the swimmers to step on to the block.
- Swimmers will then be give the command “take your marks”
- At this point the swimmers must stay perfectly still on the blocks, any movement will lead to disqualification.
- Swimmers than must listen for the start signal – whistle - take your marks – beep
- At the end of the race swimmers must stay in the water until they are told to clear the water.
FRONTCRAWL SPRINTS
- Over short distances 50m or less, swimmers should limit their breathing.
- Swimmers should not breathe off the start.
- Swimmers should not breathe into the wall on the finish.
- Swimmers should increase the tempo of their arms.
BREASTSTROKE SPRINTS
- Swimmers must touch with two hands on turns or finishes
- If swimmers do not want to do a BR push and glide underwater they must do nothing but a push and glide or dive.
- A BR push and glide consists of the following
- PUSH – FLY KICK – FULL PULL – KICK TO SURFACE
- One fly kick - One BR pull – one BR kick only
GENERAL TIPS
- All swimmers must be silent at the start of the race
- Swimmers must never walk past the starter at the beginning or end of a race.
- All swimmers must be wear FINA approved racing costumes – two strapped goggles are recommended.
- Swimmers need to pack and prepare their own swimming bags.
- Warm club clothing.
- Spare kit is very important at gala
- Focusing on the block is very important, listen to start instructions carefully.
- Have fun and do your best.
