STARTING BLOCKS

Starting blocks at all pools for all sessions will not include a backstroke starting ledge in the water or a track start wedge on top.

 

GKAISA is a summer league program that operates under the idea that things must be as fair as possible for all swimmers and all teams.  That permeates how officials are trained, the way our rules are constructed, and the shorter events in our meets.

 

The in-water backstroke ledge and the on-block track starting wedge represent a big change from the pool set up from last year.  USA swimmers have experience using these devices, whereas summer-league-only swimmers do not.  These devices give a swimmer with experience using them a distinct advantage over a swimmer who has no experience with them.  All swimmers have used starting blocks without these devices since no pool in the area except the AJIAC pool has them.  Therefore, the fair way to start everyone is to use equipment that all have experience using. 

 

This is not up for discussion this year.  Any discussion about starting devices may be brought up at the Fall General Membership Meeting.

 

SUNDAY FINALS

At Sunday’s Finals, starting blocks and active touch pads will be at both ends of the pool.