THE STARTER

1
THE STARTER
June, 2006
2
STARTER CLINIC

• INTRODUCTION

3
Today

• Practice
• Role of the Starter
• Before the Meet Starts
• The Start
• Good Habits
• After the Meet
• Situations for Discussion
• Questionnaire
• Review (answers)

4
Practice

• Practice
• Many people are initially nervous about starting
  it is recommended that the new starter begin at
  a club time trial and other low pressure meets.
  Starters are encouraged to try higher level meets
  as their confidence and enjoyment of the
  experience increases.
• Practice, Practice, Practice

5
Meet the Officials
Clerk of Course
Marshalling Area
Referee
Judge of Stroke
Assistant Chief Timer

Timers
False Start Rope

Timers
Turn Judges

Timers

Timers
Backstroke Flags
Backstroke Flags

Timers

Timers
Chief Timekeeper
Judge of Stroke
Starter (SW 2.3)
Chief Finish Judge
Recorder/Scorer
Electronics
6
SW 2.3.4

• When starting an event, the starter shall stand
  on the side of the pool within approximately five
  meters of the starting edge of the pool where the
  timekeepers can see and/or hear the starting
  signal and the swimmers can hear the signal.

7
Starters Role

• The starter position is critical in the running
  of a successful meet.
• The central point of the starters role is to
  ensure a fair start for all swimmers. (SW 2.3.3)
• The Starter and the Referee must work as an
  effective team to ensure that starts are fair
  and consistent throughout the session.
• To exercise your function as a Starter you
• must have a good working knowledge of the rules
• must be consistent and exercise good judgment
• must earn the confidence of the referee and the
  swimmers
• must respect the swimmers and enjoy the sport.

8
SW 2.3.3

• The starter shall have power to decide whether
• the start is fair, subject only to the decision
  of
• the Referee.

9
Before the Meet Starts

• Before the day
• Re-read the rules (SW 2.3 Starter and SW 4 The
  Start) and check for any new or meet-specific
  changes
• Find out what type of starting equipment will be
  used
• On the day of the meet
• Arrive early at least one hour before the
  start.
• Check the starting equipment and become familiar
  with the pool layout.
• Have the electronics been set up and are
  operating?
• TEST all equipment.
• Are all loudspeakers, horns, and strobe lights
  working?
• Set and test the volume levels
• Is there a standby gun and ammunition available?
  If so check the operation of the gun, ammunition
  supply, ear plugs.

10
Before the Meet Starts

• Are any races to be started from the turn end of
  the pool?
• If so, the starting equipment should be moved by
  the electronics people and tested.
• Or is there equipment set up at both ends?
• Check the Starters Platform
• Is it in the correct position / location? Adjust
  to suit your location.

11
Before the Meet Starts Briefing with the Referee
1

• The meet shall be run under FINA start rules.
• Check the meet package, what type of meet it is
  Age Group, Masters, SWAD
• Be aware of any duties the Referee may like you
  to perform besides being the Starter (e.g.
  sweeps, lap counting, turn judge)
• Process to handle problems or movement of
  equipment.
• Meet Flow Discuss any time constraints and
  solutions Discuss with the Referee the starting
  protocol. (SW 2.1.5)

12
SW 2.1.5

• At the commencement of each event, the referee
  shall signal to the swimmers by a short series of
  whistles inviting them to remove all clothing
  except for swimwear, followed by a long whistle
  indication that they should take their positions
  on the starting platform (or the backstroke
  swimming and medley relays to immediately enter
  the water). A second long whistle shall bring
  the backstroke and medley relay swimmer
  immediately to the starting position. When the
  swimmers and officials are prepared for the
  start, the referee shall gesture to the starter
  with stretched out arm, indication that the
  swimmers are under the starters control. The
  stretched out arm shall stay in that position
  until the start is given.

13
Before the Meet Starts Briefing with the Referee
2

• Establish the Procedure for Normal Starts
• Does the Referee want you to advise swimmers to
  adjust their position in the water? (e.g. asking
  swimmers to stay in, or to leave the pool, when
  the races finish, etc.)
• Will the Starter be announcing the event number
  and heats during the session?
• Are there different Starters (and Referees) for
  male female? Or only one Starter for all?
• How have other sessions gone in regards to
  starting? Any DQs or other problems?

14
Before the Meet Starts Briefing with the Referee
3

• Establish Procedure for False Starts
• Referee and Starter to confer and agree on any
  false starts before any disqualifications are
  made. Ensure rules are understood to ensure
  consistency. If the Referee and Starter cannot
  agree, the Referee will make a final decision (SW
  2.3.3)
• Note DQ for Delay of Meet can be recommended
  by the starter but must be called by the Referee

15
SW 2.3.3

• The starter shall have power to decide whether
• the start is fair, subject only to the decision
  of
• the Referee.

16
Before the Meet Starts

• Watch Check
• Find out who is the Chief Timer. Confirm when
  and where, and if, a watch check will occur?
• Ensure that all Timekeepers can see the starting
  device. (gun or flash).
• False Start Rope
• Who will operate it?
• How is it operated?

17
The Start 1

• Preparing for the start of the race.
• Remember The Starter has the best communication
  system with the swimmers
• At the commencement of each heat the Referee
  shall signal the swimmers to the blocks. When
  the swimmers and officials are ready for the
  start, the Referee shall signal such with an
  outstretched arm. This indicates that the
  swimmers are now under the Starters control.

18
The Start 2

• The Starter shall have full control of the
  swimmers from the time the Referee turns the
  swimmers over to him/her until the race has
  commenced. (SW 2.3.1)
• The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly
  and Individual Medley races shall be with a dive.
  (SW 4.1)
• The start in Backstroke and Medley Relay races
  shall be from the water. (SW 4.2)

19
The Start Rules

• SW 2.3.1 The Starter shall have full control of
  the swimmers from the time the Referee turns the
  swimmers over to him/her until the race has
  commenced. The start shall be given in
  accordance with SW 4 THE START.
• SW 4.1 The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke,
  Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall be
  with a dive. On the Long whistle (SW 2.1.5) from
  the referee the swimmers shall step onto the
  starting platform and remain there. On the
  starters command take you marks, they shall
  immediately take up a starting position with at
  least one foot at the front of the starting
  platforms. The position of the hands is not
  relevant. When all swimmers are stationary, the
  starter shall give the starting signal.
• SW 4.2 The start in Backstroke and Medley Relay
  races shall be from the water. At the referees
  first long whistle (SW 2.1.5), the swimmers shall
  immediately enter the water. At the Referees
  second long whistle the swimmers shall return
  without undue delay to the starting position (SW
  6.1) When all swimmers have assumed their
  starting positions, the starter shall give the
  command take your marks. When all swimmers are
  stationary, the starter shall give the starting
  signal.

20
The Start - Backstroke

• When all swimmers have surfaced, a second whistle
  indicates they should return to the wall. Even if
  all surface at the wall, the second whistle is
  still required for consistency.
• It is no longer a requirement to have the
  swimmers toes beneath the water line (SW 6.1)

21
SW 6.1

• Prior to the starting signal, the swimmers shall
  line up in the water facing the starting end,
  with both hands holding the starting grips.
  Standing in or on the gutter or bending the toes
  over the lip of the gutter is prohibited.

22
The Start 3

• Swimmers are turned over to the Starter by the
  Referees outstretched arm.
• Give the command Take Your Marks in a slow,
  steady, non-military voice. A Starter must
  establish an even, consistent cadence with
  his/her starting commands.
• The Starter shall activate the starting device
  when all competitors are stationary and complying
  with the starting rules.
• Some swimmers will fidget until the referee turns
  the race over to the starter (this is okay).
• Swimmers may stand wherever they wish on the
  starting platform and may take any starting
  position
• Some will roll backward after grabbing the
  blocks. A momentary pause before rolling
  backward is permitted.

23
A Fair Start?

• The rule of thumb is If the gun goes, the
  race goes.
• Any swimmer starting (moving forward) before the
  starting device may be disqualified at the end
  of the race (SW 4.4)
• Any DQ because of a Delay of Meet is at the
  discretion of the Referee
• Any protests about the Start should be directed
  to the Referee
• The Referee has the final decision on all DQs

24
SW 4.4

• Any swimmer starting before the starting signal
  has been given, shall be disqualified. If the
  starting signal sounds before the
  disqualification is declared the race shall
  continue and the swimmer or swimmers shall be
  disqualified upon the completion of the race.
• If the disqualification is declared before the
  starting signal, the signal shall not be given,
  but the remaining swimmers shall be called back
  and start again.

25
DQ Exceptions

• False Start Exceptions (SW 2.3.3)
• Loud noises or camera flashes from other parts of
  the building could affect the start.
• If the Starter holds the swimmers for an
  unreasonable amount of time while waiting for all
  swimmers to come down, causing a ragged and
  unfair start THEN The race should be recalled
  and another start attempted with no DQs assigned
• If the starter errs and starts the race before
  all swimmers are stationary
• Recall the race and advise the Referee that it
  was your error.
• There can be NO disqualification in this
  situation
• If the Starter calls back a race, then it is an
  Officials Error and no swimmer shall be
  disqualified

26
SW 2.3.3

• The starter shall have power to decide whether
• the start is fair, subject only to the decision
  of
• the Referee.

27
Good Habits

• Record start time and missing swimmers on heat
  sheet for each race
• If you are working an age group meet with many
  novice swimmers, be patient as they are just
  learning the start position

28
After the Meet

• Ensure that the equipment used is secured.
• Starters electronic equipment is shut down.
• Guns and shells are safely put away.
• False start rope secured.
• Clip board is returned to the officials room.
• Give the heat sheets for the session just worked
  to Meet Management, in case any questions arise
  later.
• Attend a debriefing with the Referee or
  Management Committee. Comment on both strengths
  and areas of improvement for the next session.
• Check the Officials schedule for the next
  session that you work.

29
Discussion

• How should a Starter handle the following?

30
Situation 1

• Following the command Take your Marks, the
  swimmers assume a starting position (stationary),
  and a swimmer begins to move forward before the
  starting signal
• Signal not given Step Swimmers Down Referee
  has the option to DQ offending swimmer for delay
  of meet. Re-start
• Signal given - Race continues and DQ after the
  race. (SW 4.4)

31
SW 4.4

• Any swimmer starting before the starting signal
  has been given, shall be disqualified. If the
  starting signal sounds before the
  disqualification is declared the race shall
  continue and the swimmer or swimmers shall be
  disqualified upon the completion of the race.
• If the disqualification is declared before the
  starting signal, the signal shall not be given,
  but the remaining swimmers shall be called back
  and start again.

32
Situation 2

• If a swimmer does not respond to the command
  Take your Marks
• As a starter do not activate the starting signal.
• Instruct the swimmers to step down.
• Discuss with the Referee Did the swimmer hear
  the command, etc.? The Referee may disqualify
  the swimmer if it is agreed that the swimmer was
  at fault in not obeying the command.
• If disqualified, the DQd swimmers lane shall
  remain empty. This would not be a false start but
  a Delay of Meet call, after which the race
  reverts to the referee. (SW 2.3.2)

33
SW 2.3.2

• The starter shall report a swimmer to the
• referee for delaying the start, for wilfully
• disobeying an order or for any other
• misconduct taking place at the start, but only
• the referee may disqualify a swimmer for
• such delay, wilful disobedience or
• misconduct. 

34
Situation 3

• On starting the race, a swimmer topples from the
  block before the starting signal is given.
• The other swimmers are instructed to step down
• The race shall revert to the Referee
• The Referee Starter discuss
• Did the swimmer slip because of a slippery block?
  
• If there is any doubt, the benefit of that doubt
  shall go to the swimmer, and the swimmer shall
  NOT be DQd.

35
Situation 4

• The swimmers come down in a very uneven
  disorganized manner as they take their marks.
• Ask the swimmers to step down, but this is not
  a false start.
• The race should revert to the Referee for another
  start attempt.
• Discuss Handovers with the Referee
• Ragged starts are often caused by a referee
  turning a race over to the starter before the
  swimmers are ready. In this situation the starter
  may wait until he/she feels a fair start can be
  achieved or instruct the swimmers to step down.

36
Situation 5

• The swimmer in Lane 6 comes down too slowly to
  his mark and Lane 7 topples into the water.
• This is a subjective judgment call. There is
  nothing in the rules regulating how fast a
  swimmer must take his mark. As long as a swimmer
  is moving in an attempt to take his mark after
  the starters command, he/she should not be
  called for an infraction
• Did Lane 7 come down very quickly and could not
  hold his mark?
• DQ Lane 7
• Was there undue delay in obeying the start
  command by the swimmer in Lane 6 thus causing
  Lane 7 to False Start?
• Instruct the swimmers to step down and the
  Referee will decide if Lane 6 should be DQd for
  Delay of Meet.
• A starter always has the option to step the
  swimmers down without declaring a false start if
  he/she feels a fair start might be difficult to
  achieve.

37
Situation 6

• While taking the starting position, the swimmer
  in Lane 3 doesnt come to a complete stop, but
  takes his mark and leaves the block in a
  continuous motion, as the starting signal is
  given.
• The race shall be recalled
• The Starter should have waited until all swimmers
  were stationary before activating the starting
  device. (SW 4.1 SW 4.2)
• An error by an official (activating the starting
  signal when swimmers were not stationary). A
  fault by an official after a fault by a swimmer
  expunges the fault by the swimmer.
• The race reverts to the Referee with no
  disqualification.

38
SW 4.1 SW 4.2

• SW 4.1 The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke,
  Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall be
  with a dive. On the Long whistle (SW 2.1.5) from
  the referee the swimmers shall step onto the
  starting platform and remain there. On the
  starters command take you marks, they shall
  immediately take up a starting position with at
  least one foot at the front of the starting
  platforms. The position of the hands is not
  relevant. When all swimmers are stationary, the
  starter shall give the starting signal.
• SW 4.2 The start in Backstroke and Medley Relay
  races shall be from the water. At the referees
  first long whistle (SW 2.1.5), the swimmers shall
  immediately enter the water. At the Referees
  second long whistle the swimmers shall return
  without undue delay to the starting position (SW
  6.1) When all swimmers have assumed their
  starting positions, the starter shall give the
  command take your marks. When all swimmers are
  stationary, the starter shall give the starting
  signal.

39
Situation 7

• A swimmer leaps onto the blocks
• A) After the Referee signals to the Starter
• If possible Step swimmers down return control
  to the Referee
• B) After the Starter says Take your Marks
• Whenever possible Step swimmers down and return
  control to the Referee
• If unable to prevent giving the Start and other
  swimmers are not adversely affected then let it
  go and DQ late arrival at the conclusion of the
  race.

40
Starter QuestionnaireReview
41
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 1. The FINA Start includes

• One start
• Two start
• A choice of one or two starts

42
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 2. The FINA Start shall be used for

• All Canadian meets.
• All International meets.
• All Regional competitions including club, dual,
  invitational and championship meets..

43
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 3. In SNC sanctioned meets, the starting signal
  shall be

• A pistol shot
• A loud abrupt sound of an electronically
  activated horn.
• A short whistle blast.

44
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 4. Some responsibilities of the Starter are to

• Ensure that each race is started fairly.
• Discuss signals between Referee and Starter.
• Disqualify swimmers who use illegal stroke
  techniques.
• Announce swimmers before each race.
• Call the swimmers to attention before the race
  using a whistle.
• Ensure the Timekeepers are ready before starting
  the race.
• Start the race as soon as all the swimmers have
  taken their mark and are motionless.
• Disqualify swimmers for delaying the progress of
  the meet.
• Ensure the false start recall rope is dropped
  when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Referee.
• Report to the Referee any swimmer for delaying
  the start, willfully disobeying an order, or any
  other misconduct taking place at the start.

45
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 5. The Starter shall have control of the
  swimmers from the time

• The Referee turns the race over to him/her.
• The Referee checks that the Judges are ready.
• The swimmers take their positions of readiness at
  the front of the blocks.
• The Referee blows the long, loud whistle.
• The Referee gestures to the starter with a
  stretched out arm in the direction of the course.

46
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 6. The Referee may not interfere once the Starter
  has control of the swimmers

• Correct
• Incorrect

47
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 7. At the start the Starter shall

• Hold the pistol at chest height.
• Hold the pistol motionless at arms length, in
  clear view of the Timekeepers.
• Ensure that the strobe light is in clear view of
  the Timekeepers.
• Ensure that all Timekeepers can see the flash of
  the pistol.
• Disqualify a swimmer for delay of meet.

48
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 8. The preparatory command that immediately
  precedes the starting signal shall be

• Ready
• Get set
• A vos marques
• To your marks
• Take your marks
• On your marks

49
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 9. In the event of the malfunction of the
  starting device OR pistol the Starter shall

• Leave the swimmers poised and attempt to repair
  the malfunction
• Direct the swimmers to step down or relax and
  announce that it is not a false start.
• Call a false start and proceed immediately with
  another attempt.
• Leave the swimmers poised and reload the pistol.
• In the best interest of the swimmers, ask them to
  step down until the malfunction is corrected.

50
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 10. During the start, the Referee or Starter may

• Elect at any time to recall the race and restart
  it if a fair start has not been achieved.
• Direct swimmers to step down or relax and then
  re-attempt to start the race without assigning a
  false start or a disqualification.
• Not recall the race, even if they believe a fair
  start has not been achieved.
• Disqualify a swimmer who false starts, by
  directing the swimmers to step down or relax
  even though the starting signal has not been
  given.
• Disqualify at the end of the race, any swimmer
  who leaves his/her mark early (jumping the gun).
• Prior to the starting signal, disqualify any
  number of swimmers until a fair start has been
  achieved.
• Not agree on a false start.

51
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 11. Whenever swimmers have been asked to step
  down and relax due to any action or lack of
  action on the part of the swimmer(s), the control
  of the race reverts to the Referee.

• Correct
• Incorrect

52
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 12. A False Start occurs when

• A swimmer starts before the starting signal has
  been given.
• The starting signal misfires.
• There is an officials error.

53
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 13. Authority to call a False Start lies with

• The Referee
• The Chief Timekeeper
• The Stroke Judge and Turn Inspector
• The Starter

54
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 14. The swimmers are in the water for the start
  of the

• 200 m Individual Medley
• 400 Freestyle
• 400 m Medley Relay
• 200 m Backstroke

55
QUESTIONAIRE

• 15. For Backstroke events, the swimmer

• Must be in the water facing down the course.
• Must be in the water facing the starting end.
• Shall hold the wall or starting grip(s) with both
  hands.
• Must have both feet in contact with the end of
  the wall.
• Must have toes below the water line.
• May have the toes grip the gutters.
• Must have the feet level on the wall.
• Shall immediately enter the water and assume the
  starting position without undue delay.

56
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 16. For events requiring a dive start, the
  swimmers

• Shall stand behind the blocks until the Referees
  whistle is sounded.
• Shall step onto the starting platform with both
  feet the same distance from the front and remain
  stationary.
• On the command, take your marks, shall take
  their position with at least one foot at the
  front of the starting blocks.
• May use a track start
• May when using the track start, adjust the back
  foot position.
• May start from the pool deck when circumstances
  warrant
• Shall keep their heels in contact with the
  starting block while awaiting the start signal,
  after the preparatory command has been given.
• Are permitted to grasp the starting block with
  their hands while awaiting the starting signal.
• Must have both feet at the front of the block.
• Shall step onto the starting platform and remain
  there.

c
57
QUESTIONNAIRE

• 17. The following statements about the Start are
  true

• The Starter may disqualify a swimmer for a false
  start before the start occurs.
• The Starter may disqualify a swimmer for a false
  start after the start occurs.
• A disqualification which occurs after a
  successful start has been achieved is charged to
  the swimmer at the end of the race.
• Swimmers may be directed to step down or
  relax prior to a successful start without a
  false start or disqualification being assigned.

58
Useful Internet Sites

• www.swim.bc.ca
• www.swimming.ca
• www.fina.org
• www.bcsoa.ca

59

• Thank you.

Approved by the BC Swimming Officials Association