Rules Discussion #4 Swimming (4.1-4.9)

Today I'll talk about the rules surrounding swimming. The swim seems to imtimidate most new triathletes but you'll see the rules make it pretty friendly.

Article IV
Swimming Conduct

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves
through the water and may tread water or float.

As noted anything goes as long as you get through the course in the time provided.

4.2 Bottom Contact and Resting. A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by
holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object.
Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain
forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a variable time
penalty, unless the Head Referee in his/her sole discretion determines that (i)
the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or (ii)
the violation constituted endangerment under Section 3.4(1).

You can and should grab objects if you need to rest while swimming. As long as you don't use them to make forward process. This rule becomes a little difficult to enforce when there is a current and swimmers are hanging onto kayaks. If the kayaker can't stop the forward progress and it's inadvertent you will probably be ok. But if you are hanging on kayaks and manage to come out of the water in the top 10 you very well may be DQ'ed. If you are unable to swim the distance without stopping and you manage to beat a significant number of swimmers it's likely that you had assistance. What the referee will do I can't be sure but if they don't act in that case the other competitors are going to be freaking out.

4.3 Emergencies. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance
shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek
assistance. A swimmer who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or
involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such
assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall
return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the
participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance.

This is important. If you swallow some water (get kicked in the face etc...) and start to freak get some assistance. As long as you aren't assisted in making forward progress and can continue you will most likely be able to. However if the guard makes the call that you cannot/should not continue you are done. They understand what's at stake but safety is paramount. If you DNF it's ok you can race again. If you drown there aren't second chances. If you need to stop racing stop for us triathlon is a HOBBY relax and enjoy it.

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit
without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a
water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is
greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group
participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that
participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be
eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits
in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The
wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes
Advisory Council.

The Wetsuit policy for elites is 72 or cooler. The basic rule for water from 78 to 84 is is you wear a wetsuit you are racing for your time only. No awards and nothing will be reported to the USAT for rankings. Be honest with yourself. If you need the wetsuit for buoyancy and don't feel you can make the distance without it then use it. Water over 84 would make you overheat so that's why they aren't allowed. If you can't make the swim without a wetsuit take the DNS and go home safely.

4.5 Notice Of Wet Suit Policy. The wet suit policy for any particular race shall
be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to
potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless
a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such
literature shall include the following information, if applicable;
a. Any
changes from Section 4.4;
b. Any specific restrictions on equipment;
c.
Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy
for elite athletes.

This is pretty self explanatory.

4.6 Measuring Water Temperature. It is recommended, but not required that the
water temperature for a race be finally determined by a measurement made within
2 hours of the race start. Measurements should be made in at least three
locations on the swim course, spaced so as to divide the entire swim course into
approximately equidistant segments, and measured at a depth of 18 inches below
the surface of the water, at points where direct sunlight can strike the water.
The water temperature for the race should be determined by averaging the three
temperature measurements taken. A water temperature measurement should also be
taken prior to any pre-race meetings in order to forecast to the athletes as
early as possible the likely water temperature on race day and the likelihood of
whether wet suits will be allowed on race day.

The basic issue here is at regular events is the water under 78 and at elite events is it under 72. This is a political hot button many people (who hate to admit it) don't like swimming without their wetsuit. If wetsuits aren't allowed some people will be forced to DNS/DNF. Rarely does water in the Northeast reach this temp but I'm sure down south and out west this is not rare. You should have an idea before you race of the approximate water temperatures and if in doubt mail the RD.

4.7 Official Equipment. If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the
proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an
infraction of this rule is a variable time penalty. For safety reasons if no
official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored
swim cap.

They are usually provided and help identify the waves. If not then remember it's easier for a life guard to see a white, orange, green, yellow or red swim cap disappear than a dark blue/black one.

4.8 Goggles. Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles
or face masks.

Most people prefer goggles to not having them and I always wear them but it's a choice.

4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device,
including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any
kind shall be disqualified. Please see the previous post (Rules Discussion
#3) on legal vs. illegal equipment.

The swim should be fun. If you have any questions please write and ask.