YMCA of the USA Competitive Swimming and Diving Fo: False Start

Message

   I am a fairly newly certified official and a question was asked at our meet last weekend.  I didn't know the answer at the moment, and still don't, even after consulting the rulebook.  I am hoping I can get some clarification here.  

If a swimmer in a relay event, other than the lead off swimmer or anchor leg swimmer (i.e. 2nd or 3rd leg), leaves the block prior to the previous swimmer touching the wall/pad, should the infraction be identified by the official raising their hand at that moment, or are they to wait until after the last swimmer has left the block for the anchor leg of the relay?

I look forward to your responses.

Author	Message
CBice New Member Joined: Dec/03/2012 Location: United States Posts: 2	Topic: False Start Posted: Dec/03/2012 at 9:07pm
	I am a fairly newly certified official and a question was asked at our meet last weekend. I didn't know the answer at the moment, and still don't, even after consulting the rulebook. I am hoping I can get some clarification here. If a swimmer in a relay event, other than the lead off swimmer or anchor leg swimmer (i.e. 2nd or 3rd leg), leaves the block prior to the previous swimmer touching the wall/pad, should the infraction be identified by the official raising their hand at that moment, or are they to wait until after the last swimmer has left the block for the anchor leg of the relay? I look forward to your responses.
	Chris A. Bice

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Ed Miller Moderator Group Moderator - Officials Joined: Apr/29/2006 Location: United States Posts: 168	Posted: Dec/15/2012 at 12:20pm
	First of all, a false start only occurs if the lead swimmer starts before the starting signal is given. In a relay, if the second, third or fourth swimmer leaves the starting blocks before the incoming swimmer has touched the end of the racing course, that is a relay take-off infraction. With respect to relay take-off infractions, when dual confirmation is being used, which is the preferred method, then no hand signal is given by either relay take-off judge, as there isn't an infraction unless they both agree. See Rule 102.13.6.B. If dual confirmation is not being used, then the relay take-off judge observing a relay take-off infraction must immediately raise his/her hand. See USA-S Rule 102.22.1. Ed Miller YMCA National Officials Committee
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