In the event that as a Starter you observe that a swimmer was not stationary before the starting signal, what steps follow your observation?

Hi Kieran,

First of all, thanks for your question! Secondly, apologies for the delay in response! This was due to a technical error.

In answer ro your question, we referred to the Swimming NSW rules, with comments around this:

SW4.1 The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall be with a dive. On the long whistle (SW2.1.10) from the Referee the swimmers shall step onto the starting platform and remain there. On the Starter’s command “Take your 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.

ANSWER
The starting signal cannot be given because the starter has observed that all swimmers are NOT stationary.

As a Starter gains experience the most appropriate of the following two courses of action becomes clearer.
1. Where the Starter forms the opinion that the swimmer will settle in a reasonable time, then the Starter may wait for that to occur.
2. Where the Starter, or the Referee, forms the opinion that the swimmer is unlikely to settle in a reasonable time, the Starter would ask all swimmers to “Stand down”. The Starter and Referee would confer as to what further action may to be taken.

I hope this helpd! Do you have any further queries Kieran?

– Sam Swimmer