The Best Seat in the House

Being a referee, a.k.a. Starter, Stroke & Turn Judge, Head Referee, Chief Judge, etc. I thought I would do a sporatic post highlighting some of the lesser know rules that parents and even some swimers may not be aware of.

My first one will be the rule regarding lap counting at the end of the pool for the distance events, (500, 1000 and 1650 in yards). I have seen some near DQs and been questioned by coaches who either did not understand the rule regarding counting or hoped I did not.

In the National Federation of State High School Assoc. Rule Book, it is Rule 3 Section 4. In the USA Swimming Rule Book, Section 102.5.6

Lap Counting is OPTIONAL. As such, a swimmer does not HAVE to have someone counting. So while the Starter and Referee may look to make sure a single counter in each lane at the end opposite the start end is in place prior to the start, they are not required to. In some of the larger meets where there are time constraints, they will not try to confirm if there should be one or wait for counters to get in place. If a swimmer sees their counter is not in place and delays getting on the block or  doesn't follow the instruction to take their mark, they run the risk of DQ'ing themself for delaying the meet. Distance swimmers, always make getting your counter ready to get in place, a part of your pre-heat preparation.

Also, you are allowed ONE counter, restricted to the lateral limits of the lane their competitor is in. (For USA you are allowed to locate on the sides of the pool for the outer lanes.)  Meaning teammates can cheer for the swimmer, but NOT from the end of the pool alongside the counter.

That one counter can communicate to you visually and/or verbally. Numbers can be held in the air or placed into the water. With the immersion in the water, in the judgement of the referee, the counter cannot aid their swimmer or interfere with another competitor. They are also allowed to use watches and indicate intermediate times.

You can count either up or down.

Also, regardless of the number displayed by the counter, it is the responsibility of the swimmer to know they have swam the entire length of the event.  The referee will keep track of the correct number of laps and may or may not correct a counter that gets off. There is no requirement for when the number on the counter get flipped, but the standard practice is to turn it just as the swimmer turns at the start end.