False starts and dq

[Anonymous]

As an experienced official in USA Swimming, many parents (and coaches and officials) don’t know the proper definition of a false start, which is a DQ. Falling in the water isn’t if the swimmer isn’t set. So in race 1, swimmer is set and the goes in the water prior to the start, false start. Swimmer 2 falls in never getting set, no FS/DQ. I’ve never not DQ’ed a kid because of their age because in the in, it punishes the kids who did it properly. But many 6 and younger me never truly get set, but starter will send them anyways. I have too as starter, considering I’d still be waiting for some littles to get set…you get them the best you can and send them. Benefit of the doubt goes to the swimmer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh yes. And even a twitch can create a DQ at a winter meet. DD earned one of those last year and still can't figure out why, even with video. Now we joke about "what if someone sneezes at the exact wrong moment?" (That is a good question, though - anyone know?)

I used to do competitive gymnastics, and you got a deduction if you touched your hair, pulled at your leotard, etc. But one teammate got a deduction for blowing her hair out of her eyes. We thought that was ridiculous. I don’t know if they’d deduct for a sneeze (probably not).