Backstroke entry to water at Start

During the first weekend of the Championships at the start of the Male/Open 100m backstroke some swimmers entered the water by performing somersaults into the water from poolside. It is clear this is an uncontrolled procedure which carries with it a large element of risk.

We appreciate that these swimmers have seen athletes in international competition doing this and are "copying their heroes". Clearly if we extrapolate this behaviour to age group galas, and indeed our Championships, we will have young swimmers doing the same thing. I am sure everyone will agree that this is something we would not wish to happen.

Accordingly the Championship Conditions have been modified and a section covering these matters has been inserted. The amended conditions appear in full on the website and will be applied in sessions 5-7. The relevant section appears here:

2. Safety.

a) It is the responsibility of competitors and coaches from participating clubs to ensure that all swimmers are competent to the standard of the Swim England Competitive Start Award if they are diving from the starting blocks or the side of the pool.

b) If starting in the water swimmers should enter the water feet first – this also applies to backstroke swimmers who must not somersault into the pool.

c) Swimmers must leave the pool using the steps at the side of the pool and must not climb over the electronic timing pads at the end of each lane.

If you have any questions please contact either Ian Howes or myself,

Scott Walker

East Invicta Competition Secretary

0771 422 5282 - eicompetition@outlook.com