SWIMMING MEMO #1

There has been some confusion in regards to starting protocol. In an attempt to assist officials and athletes the following are suggested starting protocol for forward and backward starts. We recommend all officials use the protocol to try to be consist for the athletes from meet to meet.

SUGGESTED FORWARD STARTING PROTOCOL

A. Suggested protocol when one official is officiating the meet

1. Announcer or referee/starter announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay, heat 2” to bring the swimmers to the starting area

2. Referee/starter then does the following:

   a. Blows a long whistle,

   b. Asks the swimmers to, “Step up,”

   c. Announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay,” (blows another whistle prior to announcing the event & ask for “Quiet for the start please,” if necessary,)

   d. Directs the swimmers to, “Take your mark,”

   e. Starts the race.

B. Suggested protocol when there is a referee & starter

1. Announcer or referee announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay, heat 2” to bring the swimmers to the starting area

2. Referee then does the following:

    a. Blows a long whistle,

    b. Asks the swimmers to, “Step up,”

    c. Blows another whistle & asks for “Quiet for the start please,” if necessary,

    d. Turns the race over to the starter, “Mr./Madame Starter.”

3. Starter then does the following:

    a. Announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay,”

    b. Directs the swimmers to, “Take your mark,”

    c. Starts the race.

SUGGESTED BACKSTROKE STARTING PROTOCOL

A. Suggested protocol when one official is officiating the meet

1. Announcer or referee/starter announces the event, “Varsity 100-yard backstroke, heat 1” to bring the swimmers to the starting area

2. Referee/starter then does the following:

a. Asks the swimmers to, “Step in,”

b. Blows a long whistle when all swimmers have surfaced so they return to the wall.  (Prior to announcing the event, asks for “Quiet for the start please,” if necessary,)

   c. Announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay,”

   d. Directs swimmers to, "Place your feet,"

   e. Directs the swimmers to, “Take your mark,”

   f. Starts the race.

B. Suggested protocol when there is a referee & starter

1. Announcer or referee announces the event, “Varsity 100-yard backstroke, heat 1” to bring the swimmers to the starting area

2. Referee then does the following:

    a. Asks the swimmers to, “Step in,”

    b. Blows a long whistle when all swimmers have surfaced so they return to the wall,

    c. Asks for “Quiet for the start please,” if necessary,

    d. Turns the race over to the starter, “Mr./Madame Starter.”

3. Starter then does the following:

    a. Announces the event, “Varsity 200-yard medley relay,”

    b. Directs swimmers to, "Place your feet,"

    c. Directs the swimmers to, “Take your mark,”

    d. Starts the race.