1936-37

SWIMMING.
It is as well for the Starter, before starting a Breast Stroke or
Back Stroke Race, to remind competitors of the A.S.A. Laws for
these strokes, and in Relay Races to warn them that no swimmer
after the first in each team may start before the previous swimmer
in his team has completed his distance by actually touching the
finishing point.
The starting position for a competitor in a Back Stroke Race is
in the water, facing the starting end, grasping the rail or end of
the bath with both hands, and with feet up ready to push off on
the word " Go."
(b) The Check Starter is necessary in all handicap races. He
should disqualify any competitor who starts before his proper
number is called. The duties of a Check Starter do not include
checking the counting.
(c) The Handicapper for handicap events. For all " Open
Handicap Competitions " he should be the Official Handicapper
for the District; for these competitions the name of the Handi-
capper must appear in all advertisements, announcements, etc.
(d) The Judges, who shall decide as to the placing of the com-
petitors at the finish, and deal with any fouls which may occur
after the Starter has sent off the competitors.
Sufficient Judges must be appointed to ensure that the above
duties can be carried out, including as they do the supervision of
competitors as regards the stroke used, touching and turning, the
distances swum, and the supervision of the starting of all
competitors in Relay Races after the first in each team.'
(e) The Timekeepers, who shall take and note all required times
in heats and finals. Where standard times are involved, one or
more additional Timekeepers, to be called " Standard Time-
keepers," should be appointed.
It is important that—
(i) Timekeepers' watches should be synchronised previous to
taking times in events.
(ii) Timekeepers should all start their watches on the word
" Go," and not on competitors leaving the end of the bath
or striking the water.
(iii) Timekeepers should look at their watches before the start
of each race to ensure that they are at " Zero."
(f)
A Referee, to whom appeal shall be made in the event of
a difference of opinion amongst the Judges; his decision shall be
final.
At the conclusion of a race it is advisable for the Referee to
enter up on a card (brought to him for each event by a Judges'
Steward) the placing and times of the number of competitors
required; these placings and times to be given him by the Judges
and Timekeepers.
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