EDUCATION & TRAINING

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YOU MAKE THE CALL

BACKstroke: MISPLACED FLAGS

After swimming the 7th preliminary heat of a 100-yard backstroke event, a coach approaches the referee and questions the placement of the far end backstroke flags. Upon checking it is found that the flags are set for short course meters. There have been three DQ’s for non-continuous turning motion. What do you do? Do you reset the flags for the remainder of the event? What about the three DQ’s? What if a coach comes to you and asks for a re-swim for a swimmer that did not DQ stating that the swimmer’s time was affected by the erroneous flag placement?

Recommended Resolution: The referee should evaluate the situation in view of keeping conditions fair for all competitors. The specific solution will depend on the conditions and the
information gained through review. The solution could include leaving the flags in place until the next session and then allowing re-swims for those competitors affected by the flags. One thing to keep in mind is that the swimmers warmed up using the misplaced flags.

Applicable Rules 102.13.4, 102.10.9, 102.11.2, 102.13.4
 
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