Starting Protocols– Words or Whistles? (Written 1/05)

Now that the team has attended several USS swim meets as well as a few YMCA meets you might have noticed that the protocol for starting races at those meets is different. It can be helpful to your swimmer to go over these differences before meets so they have a clear expectation of what they will be doing.

At YMCA meets, the referee blows his/her whistle to indicate to the starter that the pool is clear (from any swimmers in the finishing heat) and that the starter may call the swimmers to the block. The starter will then say "Step up," indicating that the swimmers can get on the blocks. In a backstroke event the starter says "Step in," meaning the swimmers should get into the water feet first. An additional command of "Place your feet" is given in the backstroke to allow the swimmers a good chance to get their feet planted on the pool wall. The final command in all races is "Take your mark." At this point the swimmers should get in their start position, with at least 1 foot at the edge of the block, and stay completely still. This is a real challenge for young swimmers who naturally wriggle, adjust suits and goggles, etc. Once the starter feels that the field is set he/she will signal the start.

In USS swimming meets, which follow FINA (the international swimming governing body)rules, most of the verbal commands are replaced by whistles. The referee blows a series of 3-4 short whistles as a signal to the next heat of swimmers that they should be prepared to get on the blocks, with goggles and caps on. This series of whistles may be given while the prior heat is still in the water, but close to finishing, or after they have all touched the wall. This depends on the referee and the speed with which they wish to run the meet. Then the referee gives one long whistle blow. This is the signal to the swimmers to step up on the block or to step in the water for the backstroke. There is no set amount of time between the series of short whistles and this long whistle; again it is at the referee's discretion. In the backstroke another single, long whistle is given to indicate "place your feet." The only verbal command is "Take your mark" after which things are identical to the YMCA meet protocol. You have probably noticed though that if a swimmer does not respond to the whistle the starter will use verbal commands.

Parents can assist their swimmers by reminding them of these rules right before a meet starts so that they do not get behind the blocks and get confused about whistles and what to do.