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A Meet - Swim meet that requires swimmers
to have previously achieved an ”A” time standard in
the events they wish to enter. Sometimes per event, sometimes one to
get in. Adapted Swimming - Swimming for persons with a
disability. Admin Table - Area at a swim meet where the
Admin Referee, Clerk of Course, Timing System Operator, Timing Judge,
Recorder, and Announcer are located. Usually, all the administrative
functions of the meet are conducted here. Age Group – The division of swimmers according
to age, usually in two-year bands. In USA Swimming, swimmers compete
within their respective age groups, usually in the following manner:
10&Younger, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18. Most meets combine the
two older age groups into one 15-18 age group. A swimmer’s age at a
meet is determined by the first day of the competition. Age Group Sectionals, A spring season-ending
championship meet for swimmers aged 14 and younger who meet the qualifying
times. (See Section) Age Group Swimming - Program for swimmers
aged 18 and younger. Alternate – In a Prelims and
Finals (championship format), swimmers are designated as alternates and will
compete only if one of the final swimmers is unable to compete or fails to
show. The
finish place of the alternate is determined by the number of swimmers invited
back for finals. The first alternate is the first person back from the
total invited back for finals. Alternate Breathing – Breathing bilaterally on both
sides in freestyle swimming (Ex breathing to the right side then
swimming three strokes and breathing to the left side, then swimming three
strokes and breathing the to right side, etc.) (See also Bilateral
Breathing.) Anaerobic Training – Fast paced training.
Training that improves the efficiency of your body’s energy producing systems
that require little oxygen and can increase your muscular strength and
tolerance for acid-base imbalances (such as the production of lactic acid)
during high intensity effort. Anchor - The final swimmer in a relay.
The Anchor Leg. Announcer - The person who announces meet
information over the public address system at a meet (usually, a parent
volunteer) American Swim Coaches Association
(ASCA) -
Professional organization for swim coaches. Ascending - Intervals or swims that increase
in time (# 1 :55, # 2 1:00, # 3
1:05, # 4 1:10, etc). Assisted Swimming - Any form of swimming with
assistance to swim faster, usually done with fins and stretch cords. Attached – Denotes belonging to a specific
USAS Swim Team. BB/B/C Meet - A swim meet that requires
swimmers to have no higher than a “BB” time standard in the events they wish
to enter. Backstroke - One of the four competitive
racing strokes characterized by swimming on the back (except the last stroke
into the turns). Backstroke (or Back) is swum as the first stroke in
the Medley Relay and second stroke in the Individual Medley. Backstroke Flags - Pennants that are suspended over
the width of each end of the pool approximately five yards/meters from the
wall that notify backstroke swimmers that they are approaching the end of the
pool, similar to a warning track in baseball. The accomplished Backstroker will know the ANGLE that tells them how many
strokes it takes to get from under the flags to the beginning of their turn.
Other swimmers will count strokes from flags to the wall. Backstroke Start - In Backstroke and Medley Relay
events, swimmers start the race in the pool, facing the start end, with both
hands in contact with the end of the pool or the start block and both feet on
the wall with toes below the water surface. Balance - Refers to body position.
Proper balance implies that your hips, head and feet position are equally
close to the surface of the water as you swim. Also it is used to
explain rolling equally to each side during the freestyle and backstroke. Bell Lap - The last lap of a distance
Freestyle race. The Starter normally rings a bell or fires a gun over
the lane of the lead swimmer with one lap plus 5 yards to go. Bilateral Breathing - In Freestyle swimming, breathing
to the right side then swimming three strokes and breathing to the left side,
then swimming three strokes and breathing the to right side, etc.
Swimmers are taught to swim in this manner because it helps with body
position and helps reduce shoulder injury. (See also Alternate
Breathing.) Blocks - The starting platforms located
behind each lane. Blocks have a variety of designs and can be permanent or
removable. They also incorporate a bar to allow swimmers to perform
Backstroke starts. Body Position – The most important technique in
swimming is to have the proper body position. Body Roll – In freestyle and backstroke the
proper side to side rotation of the hips and shoulders to help reduce drag
and improve stroke length. Bottom - The floor of the pool. In
some pools these are adjustable to allow variation in the depth and use of
the pool. The term On the Bottom- refers to the 30 second
mark on the pace clock. Bottom Arm – The ARM closest to the bottom
of the pool when leaving the wall in freestyle turns. This is the arm
pull that is used first to “break out”. Break-out Stroke - First stroke out of a start or off
the walls on turns, very important for establishing proper body position,
stroke rhythm and racing tempo. Breaststroke - One of the four competitive
racing strokes characterized by the distinctive frog-like kick and undulating
motion. The oldest of the four competitive strokes, it is performed in
a front prone position with simultaneous and symmetrical leg kick and pull.
Breaststroke (or Breast) is swum as the second stroke in the Medley Relay and
the third stroke in the Individual Medley. Breaststroker’s Knee (Tendonitis)
- The
Breaststroke kick is an unnatural motion for the knees, so sometimes the knee
can become tender and sore. In most cases, with proper care, exercises, and
stroke technique, even severe tendonitis can be controlled.
Sometimes caused by a poor freestyle turn. Broken Swims - Swimmers swim a race paced swim
and get rest at assigned spots to maintain race pace speed. Ex 200 free
with 5 seconds rest each 50. final time minus 15 seconds should be near or better than
racing speed. Build-up Swims - Swimmers swim 3 X 50’s build
up…i.e., with each 50 the swimmers begin Fast> Faster> Fastest. Bulkhead - A moveable turn wall or
structure in 50-meter pools that allows the pool to be setup for Short Course
(yards/meters). Burn-out - Burn-out is a catch word used when
a swimmer is tired of swimming … usually due to too much stress. The
stress may be self-imposed, from parents, due to illness, psychological,
school, and coaches…many reasons. Butterfly - One of the four competitive racing
strokes characterized by the dolphin kick and over the water recovery of the
arms. The newest of the four competitive strokes (an outgrowth from the
breaststroke in 1956), it is performed in a front prone position with
simultaneous up and down leg kick and simultaneous and symmetrical arms
stroke. Butterfly (or Fly) is swum as the third stroke in the
Medley Relay and first stroke in the Individual Medley. Button - Part of the automatic/electronic
timing system used by the Timers on each lane to stop the clock at the end of
a race. Camp -Many college programs run camps to
promote their school and to help fund their coaches. There are many types of
training camps for just about every level of swimmer sponsored by
clubs/teams, LSCs, schools/colleges, and USA
Swimming Cap - The silicone or latex covering
worn on the head of swimmers. Sometimes to aid in reducing drag and
should be used in practice if the swimmer has long hair. Carbohydrates – The complex carbohydrates are the
main source of food energy used by endurance athletes. Cards – In a pre-seeded meet, entry cards
are usually passed out by he Clerk of Course to the
swimmer, who gives it to the Timer behind the lane. The cards list the
event number, event description, swimmer’s name, seed time, the lane and heat
number the swimmer will swim in, and includes a place for the watch time(s)
to be recorded. Each event has a separate card. For relays,
the card also lists the four swimmers in the order they will swim.
Swimmers should verify their heat and lane on the card with the timer before
each race. Car Pool - A group of families that get
together to share the responsibility for driving swimmers to and from
practice, a life saver for families. Catch - The starting point in the stroke
pattern where the hand feels the most resistance and begins effective
propulsive movement. Championship Heat - The Championship Heat (A Final) is
the fastest heat (8 or 10 swimmers) of Finals when multiple heats are held
and is usually conducted last, after the Bonus (C Final) and Consolation (B
Final) heats. Chlorine - The chemical used by many pools
to kill the bacteria in water and keep it clear and safe to swim in. Circle seed - In a Prelims and Finals
(championship) format, the fastest three heats of each event in Prelims is
specially seeded: the fastest swimmer is in the fastest heat center lane, the
second fastest swimmer is in the next heat center lane, the third fastest
swimmer is in the next heat center, the fourth fastest swimmer is in the
fastest heat next to the center lane and so on until the three heats are
filled up. As opposed to the normal slowest to fastest seeding in the
rest to the heats (used in a Timed Finals format). Circle Swim - When there are more than two
swimmers in a lane during practice/warm ups, swimmers swim up on the right
side, staying close to the lane line always staying to the right of the black
centerline Clerk of Course - The person responsible for deck
seeding and organizing swimmers into heats (usually, a
parent-volunteer). Also, where deck scratches and relay cards are
turned in, and on-going meet information is available for the coaches. Concessions - The snack concession at a swim
meet. The club/vendor usually has healthy (and sometimes not so
healthy) snacks and drinks for sale. Conforming Times - In championship meets, the
qualifying times are often listed for each course (LCM, SCY, SCM). The meet is seeded using entry times
conforming to the course for the meet (e.g., LCM) first, then non-conforming
entry times (e.g., SCM/SCY) in the first heats. Consolation Heat - The Consolation Heat (B Final) is
the second fastest heat of Finals when multiple heats are held and are
conducted before the Championship Heat (A Final). Converted Time - A swimmer's time in an event
from one course converted to an equivalent time in that event in another
course (e.g., SCY times converted to LCM times), often done at the beginning
of a season for seeding purposes when swimmers don't have recent times in the
new course. There are several "accepted" conversion formulas available
for coaches to use. Course - Designated distance (length of
pool) for swimming competition (i.e., Long Course (LCM) = 50 meters;
Short Course (SCY/SCM) = 25 yards/meters). Crossover Turn - In the Individual Medley, a
type of turn used in the Backstroke to Breaststroke transition. The
swimmer approaches the wall on the back and executes a modified flip turn
such that as he/she reaches the wall at the vertical then rotates to the
breast and pushes off. Cut - A qualifying time for
championship meets (e.g., Age Group Sectionals, State Meet, Senior
Sectionals, US Nationals). Deadline - The date meet entries must be to
the host club usually 2 weeks prior to the meet. Making the meet deadline may
not guarantee acceptance into a meet since many meets are 'full' weeks before
the entry deadline. Deck - The area around the swimming pool
reserved for swimmers, officials, and coaches. No one but an
'authorized' person may be on the deck during a swim competition. If
you want on deck, volunteer. Deck Seeding - The process of organizing
swimmers into events, heats, and lanes (usually by the Clerk of Course) at
the meet as it progresses (as opposed to pre-seeding by computer prior to the
meet). This type of meet will not have a seeded program. Dehydration - The depletion of body fluids
(water), the most common cause of swimmers cramps, feelings of dizziness or
overly hot. Descending - Intervals or swims that decrease
in time (Ex; # 1 1:15, # 2 1:10, # 3 1:05, 1:00, etc)
Descend - To swim each lap in a faster time
than the previous. E.g., 4 x 50 yards on a 1-minute interval, swim #1
in 50 seconds, #2 in 48 seconds, #3 in 46 seconds, and #4 faster than 46
seconds. Declared False Start - An option for swimmers in
championship meets to opt out of a swim without penalty. A swimmer
notifies the Referee prior to the event that he/she will declare a false
start. The swimmer is disqualified and reports behind the blocks but
does not swim. Developmental Swimming - A program designed for new swimmers
and 8 and younger swimmers. Disqualification (DQ) - A swimmer’s performance that is
not counted because of a rules infraction (signified
by an official on deck raising one arm with open hand above his or her
head). The results sheet will reflect “DQ” and no time will be recorded
for the event. Distance Freestyle – Freestyle events at distances
greater than 500 yards/meters. Dive - Entering the water head first at
the start of the race. Dolphin Kick - An undulating, simultaneous kick
used in Butterfly. It is also used in Backstroke and Freestyle during
the kick-out phase off the walls on starts and turns. Drag suit - A second, loose fitting swimsuit
worn by swimmers in workout and warm-up that adds weight and resistance to
the flow of the water around the swimmer. These change the body
position in the water so should only be used if the coach thinks it is a good
idea. Drills – Drills are very important in
teaching proper stroke techniques by isolating various components of a
specific stroke. Drills are used every day with all groups. Dropped Elbow - Opposite of the high elbow and
ineffective for powerful propulsion through the water. Dropped Time - When a swimmer goes faster than
their previous performance in an event, they have 'dropped time' (also a
Personal Best Time). Dry Land - The program of exercises and
various strengthening regimens swimmers do out of the water. Dual Meet - A competition between two teams.
Early Take-off - In relays, an early take-off
occurs in an exchange when a relay team member leaves the starting block
before the previous team member in the water touches the wall. The
relay team is disqualified and notified of the disqualification after the end
of the race. Electronic Timing - Timing system operated
automatically. The timing system usually has touchpads
in the water, buttons for backup timing, and a computer type console that
prints out the results of each race. Some systems are linked to a scoreboard
that displays the swimmers’ times. Eligible to Compete - For sanctioned meets, swimmers
that are registered with USA Swimming and have met all the entry requirements
of the meet (usually, age and time standards or qualifying times). Entry - An individual swimmer or relay
team listed to compete in an event at a meet. Hand Endtry-
how the hand enters the water at the beginning of the stroke (freestyle,
backstroke and butterfly). Entry Fees - The amount per event a swimmer or
relay is charged to compete at a meet. This varies depending on the type of
meet and the meet host. Entry Limit - Some meets have a limit of total
swimmers that can be accepted before the meet will be closed and all other
entries returned. Swimmers also have a limit to the number of events
they can swim in a day and in the meet. The National rule is 5
events in a timed final meet and 3 in a prelim and finals meet. Some
hosts set the limit at 4 individual events in a timed final meet. Entry Time - Official Times used to enter
swimmers in meets. These times are usually the swimmer’s personal best
in a given event and must have been achieved at previous sanctioned
competitions. Event - A race of a stroke over a given
distance at a meet. In a Prelims and Finals (championship) format, an
event equals at least one prelims heat and its accompanying final, or in a
timed finals format, at least one heat. Events are either individual
(one swimmer per lane) or relay (four swimmers per lane). False Start - A violation of the start rules, a
false start occurs when a swimmer leaves the starting block, or is moving on
the block, before the Starter starts the race. The swimmer is disqualified
and is informed of the disqualification after the end of the race. Fatigue - The whole idea of training is to
fatigue the body, but to do it in a manner so that when it is given rest, the
body over compensates and performs at a higher level. This is planned
and desired affect and should be allowed to happen. 15-Meter Mark - Marks on the sides of the pool
and on the lane lines 15 meters from the ends of the pool. In
Freestyle, Backstroke, and Butterfly events the swimmers head must surface at
or before these marks. FINA - Federation Internationale
de National de Amateur, the international governing body of competitive
swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming. Final Results - The printed copy of the results
of each race of a swim meet. Finals - In a Prelims and Finals
(championship) format, the fastest swimmers (depending on the number of lanes
in the pool) who, after the Prelims swims, return to compete to determine
final placement in the event. There can be up to four heats: Double
Bonus (D Final), the Bonus (C Final), Consolation (B Final), and Championship
(A Final). Sometimes there Finish - In a race, the legal touch at the
end of the prescribed distance. In the stroke the final propulsive
phase of the arm stroke before the hand starts to recover and/or leaves the
water to return for the next stroke. Fins – Swim fins or flippers; devices
that fit on a swimmer’s feet. Used in training to aid development of kick,
ankle flexibility, stroke mechanics and speed. Flip Turn - One type of turn used in
Freestyle and Backstroke. Just as the swimmer approaches the wall, they
tuck their body into a somersault, quickly roll toward the wall and push off
with their feet. Flutter Kick - The alternating kick used in
freestyle and backstroke, usually six kicks per stroke cycle. Forward Start - In Freestyle, Breaststroke, and
Butterfly events swimmers start from the start blocks, the edge of the pool,
or in the water with a forward dive or push off. Freestyle - One of the four competitive
racing strokes, usually the American Crawl. Swimmers swim in a prone
position, face down, and pull the arms independently of each other and legs
kick individually. In competition, a swimmer can swim any stroke in a
Freestyle event. Freestyle (or Free) is swum as the fourth stroke in
the Medley Relay and fourth stroke in the Individual medley. Goal - Short- and long-range
performance/achievement targets set by swimmers and agreed to by their
coaches to help motivate and challenge the swimmer. Goggles - Eyewear worn by swimmers in the
pool to protect the swimmers' eyes from the effects of chorine in the
water. Also improves vision underwater considerably! Some
companies make prescription goggles for those with poor vision. Heat – A flight or a division of an event
when there are too many swimmers to compete at the same time. Heat Sheet - A printed order of events by
session with swimmers listed by heat and lane (with team and entry
times). Usually used at pre-seeded meets. Also, a Meet Program. High Elbow - Refers to the recovery phase of
freestyle where keeping a high elbow encourages better balance and body roll
and to the pull phase of freestyle where the elbow remains in a higher
position over the hand, giving the sensation of reaching over a barrel when
pulling through the water. High Points Award - At some championship meets, High
Point Awards are presented to the swimmer in each sex/age group and overall
who accumulates the most total points (earned by placement in their events). Horizontal - Parallel to the water surface. Horn - A sounding device used in place
of a gun. Used mainly with a fully automatic timing system. Hospitality - An area set aside for Coaches
and Officials at a swim meet. The host club usually provides breakfast,
lunch, sometimes dinner, and snack items and drinks Host Team - The USA Swimming club
assigned/awarded the responsibility to conduct a sanctioned meet. The
club secures the venue, organizes the competition and its support,
provides/arranges for volunteers and officials, and collects entries.
They also keep any profits earned. Hypoxic Breathing - Breath control swimming such as
underwater swimming or breathing every fifth or seventh stroke in Freestyle. Hypoxia Training (breath control)
- Training with a
decreased concentration of oxygen that causes the constriction of blood
vessels that, in turn, helps muscles work more efficiently with what oxygen
is available. Individual Medley (IM) - An event in which the swimmer
uses all four competitive strokes in the following order: Butterfly,
Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle (in this case, Freestyle means any
stroke except one of the three previously swam). Insurance - USA Swimming self-insures for
liability. Accident coverage for swimmers, coaches, and officials is
part of USA Swimming membership (covered in their annual registration
fee). Parents and non-member siblings are usually restricted from the
deck at practice and meets because they are not covered by this insurance. Interval Training - Consists of repeated swims of a
set distance on a set “send off” time. Interval - A specific elapsed time
prescribed to complete a given distance, plus rest, used during swim
practice. Intrasquad Meet - A competition for just one team
that divides into two or more teams. Invitational – A swim meet that certain clubs
are invited to attend. Kick Board - A flotation device used by
swimmers during training when swimming with legs only or for drills. Kick - The leg movements of a swimmer
that provide propulsion during execution of the stroke. Lactic Acid – When training or racing the body
will breakdown muscle sugar (glycogen) using a process that produces an
acidic by-product waste called lactate acid. The muscles may start to
burn or ache as lactic acid accumulates and your body can’t keep up with
removing it from your muscle stores. Lane Ropes / Lane Lines - Continuous floating
dividers attached to a cable stretched from the start end of the pool to the
turn end, used to delineate the individual lanes. These dividers are made of
individual finned disks that rotate on the cable when hit by a wave. The
rotating disks dissipate surface tension waves in a competitive pool.
Swimmers MUST NOT SIT on the lane lines. Lane - The specific area in which a
swimmer is assigned to swim (i.e., Lane 1 or Lane 2). For pools with starting
blocks at only one end: as the swimmers stand behind the blocks, lanes should
be numbered from right (Lane 1) to left. Lap Counter - The large numbered cards (or the
person turning the cards) used during the Freestyle events of 16 or more
lengths of the pool to help the competitor keep track of their yardage.
Other swimmers usually do the counting from the turn end of the pool. Lap – One length of the pool.
There is no difference between lengths or laps. Late Entries - Meet entries from a club or
individual that are received by the meet host after
the entry deadline. These entries usually can be accommodated, but the
individual must pay the late entry fee which is generally twice the normal
fee. Lead-off - The first swimmer (leg) in a
relay. Leg - The part of a relay event swum by
a single team member; a single stroke portion of the IM. Length – One lap or length of the pool, the
terms lap and length are interchangeable in swimming. Log Book - A log of everything to do with
swimming, including all training sessions and event best times, kept by the
swimmer. Long Course (LC) - A 50-meter pool. The Olympic
Games swimming competition, as well as all major international swimming
competitions, are conducted in long course. The swim year is divided
into two seasons: Short Course season, competed in 25-yard/meter pools during
fall and winter, and Long Course season, competed in 50-meter pools during
spring and summer. See also Short Course (SC). Local Swimming Committee (LSC) – One of 59 administrative
divisions of USA Swimming with supervisory responsibilities within certain
geographical boundaries designated by USA Swimming. South Carolina Inc.
(SC-LSC) is our LSC. Marks - A swimmer’s starting position, as
in “Take Your Mark”. Marshal - The officials (usually, parent
volunteers) who control the crowd and swimmer flow at a swim meet. They
are primarily responsible for safety in the venue. Masters Swimming - A program for swimmers aged 19
and older who wish to continue swimming, but not necessarily at the senior
level. Age groups are in five-year increments. Medals - Awards earned by swimmers at
meets for finishing in the top places. They vary in size and design and
method of presentation. Meet - A series of swimming events/
races held in one program, usually sanctioned by USA Swimming. Meet Director - The person in charge of the
planning, preparation, and administration of a swim meet (usually, a
parent/volunteer). Meet Program - A compilation of the meet’s Heat
Sheets sold by the host club. Also contains important meet information
and ads. Meet Staff - The volunteers who are
responsible for conducting a swim meet. Mile - The slang referring to the
1500-meter or the 1650-yard freestyle, both of which are slightly short of a
mile. National Qualifying Time (NQT) - Time standard for
entry in USA Swimming Championship meets. No Time (NT) - Abbreviation used on a heat sheet
to designate that the swimmer has not swum that event before (does not have
an official time of record. Nationals – USA Swimming’s
National Championship meets. Negative Split - The second half of the swim is
swum faster than the first half (e.g.,100- yard swim negative
splitting: if the first 50 yards is swum around 30 seconds, then the
second 50 yards must be swum faster than 30 seconds). Non-Conforming Times - In championship meets, the
qualifying times are often listed for each course (LCM, SCY, SCM). The meet is seeded using entry times
conforming to the course for the meet (e.g., LCM) first, then non-conforming
entry times (e.g., SCM/SCY) in the first heats. Novice - A beginning swimmer or one who
has limited experience. Observed Swim - In approved season-ending High
School/YMCA championship meets, USA Swimming Officials observe the swims and
report USA Swimming rules violations. Swimmers whose legal swims
conform to USA Swimming rules can use their times as official times in USA
Swimming-sanctioned meets. Officials - The USA Swimming certified adult
volunteers, who execute the many facets of a swim competition to ensure a
fair and equitable competition for all swimmers. Official Time - The swimmer’s time in a given
event, recorded to hundredth of a second (.01). The OT usually comes
from the automatic timing system. Official Results - After all Official Times and Disqualifications
for an event are determined/recorded, the final
Order of Finish (places) is published. Olympic Trials - The USA Swimming sanctioned swim
meet held the year of the Olympic Games to decide which swimmers will
represent the One Hundred Twenty (120) Day Rule – The number of days, 120, that a
swimmer must swim unattached with a program when they switch teams. The
start of the 120 days is from the last day of representation, (usually a swim
meet) of the old club. Open Turn – One type of turn used in
Butterfly and Breaststroke. The swimmer touches the wall with both
hands simultaneously, rotates, and pushes off with the feet. Open Water - Swim meets (usually, distance
freestyle events) contested in lakes, rivers, or the ocean (not in
pools). Over Fatigue - Is the term used when a swimmer is
overly tired. Often related to or exasperated by not eating enough
calories to compensate for the individuals level of training or not getting
enough sleep or a combination of both. Outside stress can also be a
factor. Good communication between the coach and swimmer is important
to prevent this from happening. Overhead Starts - Start procedures at a meet in
which swimmers of the previous heat remain in the water, close to the wall,
during the start of the next heat. Usually used in senior
sessions/meets to save time and/or allow swimmers to rest before exiting the
pool. Personal Best (PB) - Also PR- Personal Record;
The best time a swimmer has achieved so far in a given event. Pace - The swimmer swims at a steady
speed. Pace is the average speed per length or distance. Thus a swimmer
may be swimming at a pace of 1:20 (or one minute twenty seconds) per 100.
Usually, the pace is expressed in terms of 50 or 100 yards/meters. Pace Clock - The large clocks with highly
visible numbers and second hands, positioned at the ends or sides of a
swimming pool so the swimmers can read their times during interval training
in warm-ups or swim practice. The red hand goes around every minute (60
seconds). The 60 is sometimes referred to as the "top" and
the 30 as the "bottom". Swimmers who watch the clock and know their
times improve the most - they get feedback, learn pace, and improve
technique. Paddle - Plastic devices worn on the
swimmers hands during swim practice to increase resistance and to increase strenght. Pitch - The angle position of the hands and
forearms in all strokes and the feet in breaststroke. Plateau
- All swimmers, even the world’s best, will experience what are termed
“plateaus”. It refers to a period of time when a swimmer sees little
improvement in their best times. Many factors need to be considered why
swimmers experience plateaus, but usually perseverance and patience will
break through. Points - Points earned by swimmers at a
championship/scored meets for final place standings in each event and totaled
by team to determine the meet champion. Usually, 1-20 points for the
top 16 places in individual events and 2-40 points for the top 16 places in
relay events). Points can only be earned in the age group that the
swimmer is listed in the meet. Pool - The facility in which
practice/training is conducted. Practice - The scheduled work-outs
(training) a swimmer attends with their swim team/club. Prelims - In a Prelims and Finals
(championship) format, those races/heats during which swimmers qualify to
return for the Finals in each event. Prelims are circle-seeded. Prelims and Finals - Competition in which all the heats
in an event are swum (Preliminaries) and the fastest 6, 8 or 10 swimmers
(depending on the number of lanes) advance to Finals. These fastest
swimmers compete again to determine the final placing, points and
awards. Most championship and many invitational meets are Prelims and
Finals format. Pre-seeding - The process of organizing
swimmers into events, heats, and lanes, usually by computer, prior to the
meet (as opposed to deck seeding at the meet). Proof of Time - Frequently
required for entry times at a swim meet. Proof (Official Results) that a
swimmer officially achieved an entry time must be presented by a coach or team
representative if asked to do so by a meet official. Psych Sheet - A printed order of events by
session with swimmers listed in order, usually fastest to slowest according
to their entry times. It does not show heats. After scratches are
turned in, the session is seeded and heat sheets are printed. Normally
used at senior, sectional, and national meets. Also used at deck seeded
meets, but heat sheets aren’t usually printed. Pull Buoy - A flotation device used for
pulling by swimmers in practice. Qualifying Times (QTs)
- Published times that must be achieved during a given period in order to
enter certain meets. Race - Any single swimming competition
(i.e., preliminary, final, timed final). Ready Room - A room/area on or near poolside
for the swimmers to report and relax before they compete in Finals. Records - Fastest all-time swims by
course/sex/event/age group in an organization, meet, or pool. Recovery - The phase of the arm stroke where
the arm travels over the water prior to the pull. Also, the body cannot
work all-out all the time and needs recovery time. Recovery swims are
planned into workouts, and need to be done after any all-out effort, whether
at practice or meets. The more a swimmer trains, the more rest he/she
needs. Referee - The head USA Swimming-certified
official at a swim meet responsible for the conduct of the meet (usually, a
parent-volunteer). Registered - Swimmers must be registered
members of USA Swimming (with an ID number) in order to compete in any
sanctioned competition. Relay - A swimming event in which four
swimmers (of the same sex, usually in the same age group) participate as a
relay team, each swimmer swimming an equal distance of the race. There
are two types of relays:
Relay Exchange - The exchange between the swimmer
in the water finishing his/her leg and the next swimmer on the relay
team. A perfect exchange will simultaneously have the finishing
swimmer's hand on the touch pad and the starting swimmer's feet just touching
the starting block with the rest of the starting swimmer's body extended over
the water. Resistance Swimming – Any form of swimming with added
resistance, such as drag suits, buoys, bands and stretch cords. Results - The official listing by place
of finish of the competitors in an event. It includes the Official Time
and any Points scored, as well as Disqualifications. Host Teams usually
also include in the results any Time Standards achieved by the
swimmers. Results are usually posted in the venue in an accessible
location. Ribbons - Awards earned by swimmers at
meets for finishing in the top places. They vary in size, color, design and
method of presentation. Roll - Refers to the side-to-side motion
of the body along the long axis in Freestyle (body roll). Rules - USA Swimming annually publishes
the Rules and Regulations that govern the sport in the S-Pull Pattern - A method of pulling in freestyle
swimming that encourages an outward and inward sweeping motion of the hand
and arms rather then a straight back (point A to point B) motion.
Allows the arms to travel a greater distance through the water and results in
greater distance per stroke. The "S" pull pattern also
encourages better body roll. Safety - The responsible and careful
actions of those participating in a swim meet and practice. Sanction - A competition or time trial must
be sanctioned (approved) by USA Swimming (through the Local Swim Committee)
for the times swum to count and to be used in other sanctioned meets. Scoreboard - An electronic display of the
times and place finish by lane of the competitors in a heat. Some
venues have scoreboards that also display the event information and the
swimmers' names. Scratch - To withdraw from an event after
having declared an intention to participate. In a Prelims and Finals
(championship) format, swimmers who qualify for finals usually have 30
minutes to withdraw if they don’t wish to participate. Failure to
participate in finals without scratching normally results in
disqualification from the rest of the meet. In a timed finals format,
there’s no penalty for missing an event without scratching. Sculling - Skill drills performed with the
hands and arms to help swimmers be more aware of the sweeps and pitches of
the hands and arms. Also, the sculling motions of the feet are
important in breaststroke kick. Section – Our section is one of the
fastest in the country. It consists of member teams from the following LSC’s. Sectionals – The meets hosted by the
Section. There are 2 sectional meets for the Senior swimmers, one
in the spring (Short Course) and one in the Summer (Long Course) and 1 Age
Group Sectional Meet in the spring (Short Course) for those 14 & Under
that meet the qualifying times. Seed - To assign the swimmers to heats
and lanes according to their submitted entry or preliminary times. Send Offs – The interval that each swim is
scheduled to be started in practice. 100’s free on the 1:30 mean that
each 100 must be started 1:30 (1 minute 30 seconds) apart. Senior Meet - A meet that is for senior level
swimmers and is not divided into age groups. Qualification times are usually
necessary and will vary depending on the level of the meet. Senior Swimming - A program for the better swimmers
generally13 and over. Session - Portion of meet distinctly
separated from other portions by time (usually a morning or afternoon set of
events for different age groups). Set - Swim workouts are divided into
sets of swims in a particular stroke, style, and distance, such as kick sets,
pull sets, distance sets, sprint sets, IM sets, etc with a particular
purpose. Sets are given in terms of the distance to be swum, calculated
in yards or meters, depending on the pool. Therefore, a "set"
of "25’s" means swimming one length of the pool before resting;
"50's" means two lengths, and so on. Shave - The removal of all arm, leg, and exposed torso hair, to decrease the 'drag'
or resistance of the body moving through the water and to increase the “feel”
for the swimmer. Usually done only at very important meets. Short Course (SC) - A 25-yard or 25-meter pool (or a
50-meter pool divided into a 25-yard/meter course by a movable bulkhead).
The swim year is divided into two seasons: Short Course season, competed
in 25-yard/meter pools during fall and winter, and Long Course season,
competed in 50-meter pools during spring and summer. See also Long
Course (LC). Six-Beat Kick - Six leg movements during one arm
stroke (both arms) in Freestyle for racing (usually, for sprinting). The best
kick for racing and training tempos. Similarly, 2- and 4- beat kicks may be
used. Skinsuit - A slang term for a swimsuit
designed to be very tight-fitting and to have minimum drag in the water.
New body suits of improved fabric have become popular recently. Speed Training – Speed work is done to help
swimmers race, sprint and to be able to change gears in longer races. Sports Medicine and Science - A comprehensive use of science
and technology to develop better training methods for athletes. In USA
Swimming, the sports medicine and science program deals with everything from
blood and respiratory condition to the biomechanics of the swimmer to proper
nutrition. Stand Up - The command given by the Starter
to release the swimmers from their starting position. Starter - The USA Swimming-certified
official responsible for signaling the beginning of a race and ensuring that
all swimmers have a fair take-off (usually, a parent/volunteer). Start - The beginning of a race; the dive
used to begin a race. Just before a swimmer’s heat, the Referee will
blow a quick series of whistles to inform the swimmers to be behind their
respective blocks. He will then blow one long whistle to inform the
swimmers to step up on their blocks. The Starter will then give the
command “Take your mark”, and after all the swimmers become motionless, will
sound the start signal. Start Position - The swimmer must take his mark by
placing at least one foot at the front of the block. The most common
position is bent over, knees bent, feet shoulder width apart, but the track
start (one foot forward, one foot back) is becoming popular. However,
the swimmer is permitted any position as long as one foot is at the front of
the block and a motionless position is held prior to the start signal. Stations - Separate portions of a dry land
or weight circuit. Step Down - The command given by the Starter
to have the swimmers move off the blocks. Usually, this command is a
good indication everything is not right for the race to start. Still Water - Water that has no current caused
by a filtration/recirculation system or no waves caused by swimmers.
Also used to describe the water that the swimmer way out in front of a race
is swimming in. Strategy - An approach to a race.
The swimmer and coach discuss possible race strategies prior to the swim ...
e.g., go out fast and hold it, negative split, build steadily to a fast finish,
race pace (splits),drafting or to stay close to a certain swimmer in another
lane, etc. Streamline - It often refers to making the
body long and narrow (arms/hands together and outstretched, head down between
arms, feet together pointed back) in the glide off the starts and walls, but
it also applies to all aspects of the strokes. The more swimmers
can create a streamlined effect with their bodies, the more efficient they
will be in the water Stroke - There are four competitive
techniques (strokes): Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. Stroke Count or Stroke Rate - The amount of time taken for one
complete stroke cycle. Stroke Drills - Sets in training used to develop
and hone proper stroke techniques by isolating various components of a
specific stroke. Skill drills are used every day with all
swimmers. Stroke Judge - The USA Swimming-certified
official positioned at the side of the pool, walking the length of the course
as the swimmers race, responsible for observing the swim to ensure swimmers
follow the stroke rules (usually, a parent/volunteer). Stroke Length - The length the body travels during
one complete stroke cycle. Suit - The bathing suit worn by the
swimmer, in the water, during competition. The Team Suit is usually a
standard tight lycra suit, the Championship Suit is
usually a very tight "paper" suit, and the Practice Suits are
usually loose fitting lycra suits. Sweeps - Refers to the direction and
movement of arms through the water in all strokes and to the legs in
breaststroke. Terms such as upsweep, downsweep,
insweep and backsweep are
used. Swimmer’s Shoulder (Tendonitis) - Usually refers to tenderness and
soreness in the shoulders caused by repetitive use (arm overhead). In
most cases, with proper care, exercises, and stroke technique, even severe
tendonitis can be controlled. Swim-Off - In a Prelims and Finals
(championship) format, a second race after the scheduled event to break a tie
between swimmers, in order to determine which swimmer makes it into which
finals heat or the order of the alternates. Taper - The resting process during
training for swimming competition. Reduced training volume and
intensity gives the body and mind a break from the rigors of intense
training. Coupled with quality rest, it allows the swimmer’s body time
to repair itself and to restore its energy reserves to prepare for major
competition. Studies have found tapering to produce a marked increase
in muscle strength. Tapers depend on the level of training the prior 3- 9
months A perfectly designed taper will enable
the swimmer to compete at their peak capability and is one of the most
difficult aspects of swim coaching. It is not magic but is designed to
allow the body to gradually rest to help it over-compensate for the prior
work loads. Rest and more rest. Team - A USA Swimming registered
organization with the mission of providing a competitive swim program.
Also known as a Club. Tethered Swimming - Any form of swimming with added
resistance, such as drag suits, buoys, tubes, and stretch cords. Timed Finals - Competition in which all the heats
in an event are swum and the final places, points, and awards for the event
are determined by the resulting times of all swimmers in all heats. The
slower times will be seeded in the first heats with the fastest times in the
last heat. Most age group meets are timed finals. Timer - The volunteers sitting behind the
starting blocks/finish end of pool, who are
responsible for activating the backup buttons for the automatic timing system
and recording the time from a stopwatch. Time Standards - Set of times by course, event, age
group, and classification established by USA Swimming for classifying
swimmers for entry into meets (e.g., a 10 year-old girl who’s best time in
the 50y Freestyle is 32.05 seconds is classified as an “A” swimmer and can’t
compete in a BB/B/C/Mini meet in that event). The time standards are
updated every four years and are based on the Top 16 times for each event/age
group. Also, Qualifying Times. Time Trial - An event swum separate from the
regular competition that gives swimmers the chance to achieve an Official
Time, usually in an effort to meet a Qualifying Time. Time trials are races
against time – no places are determined and no awards are presented. Timing - In all strokes, correct timing or
coordination of body, arms, legs, and head is needed to perform at a highly
efficient level. Timing Judge - The USA Swimming-certified
official responsible for determining the swimmer’s Official Time (usually, a
parent-volunteer). Timing System - The method used to obtain times
for races at a swim meet. There are 3 types of timing systems:
Timing System Operator - The USA Swimming-certified
official responsible for the setup and operation of the automatic/electronic
timing system (usually, a parent-volunteer). Top 16 - The top 16 performances in each
course/sex/event/age group published annually by USA Swimming. Top 16
Reportable times are published at the beginning of the swim year so that
qualifying performances can be compiled and tabulated. The final lists
are published the following year and certificates are awarded to the
swimmers. Touch Pad - The removable plate (on the end
of pools) that is connected to an automatic timing system. A swimmer
must touch the touchpad at the end of a race to register a time. Touch - At the end of the prescribed
distance, the finish of the race. Transition - In the Individual Medley event,
refers to the turn where the swimmer finishes one stroke and begins the next
stroke (e.g., the transition from Butterfly to Backstroke) (as opposed to the
intermediate turns during each stroke/leg). Travel Fund - A sum of money set aside by some
clubs / LSC’s to offset a portion of the expenses
for travel and entry fees to designated (usually, national level) meets. Trophy - Awards earned by swimmers / teams
at meets for finishing in the top places. They vary in size, design, and
method of presentation. Turn Judge - The USA Swimming-certified
official positioned at the ends of the pool responsible for observing the
turn to ensure swimmers follow the turn rules (usually, a
parent/volunteer). Frequently, this official is a Stoke & Turn
Judge watching both the turns and the swim. Turnover - The number of times a swimmer's
arms pull/recover (cycle) in a given distance or time during a race. Two-Beat Kick - Two leg movements during one
freestyle stroke (both arms) for racing (usually, in distance events).
Similarly, 4- and 6- beat kicks may be used. USA Swimming - USA Swimming, Inc., the national
governing body for amateur competitive swimming in the Unattached - A registered swimmer who is not
attached to a registered Underwater Cycle or Pullout - Long, full arm stroke past the
hips used in breaststroke out of the start and off the walls on the turns. Underwater Recovery - In Butterfly, a violation of the
stroke rules when the arms fail to recover over the water. Usually seen
at the walls in the turns and the finish when the swimmer miscalculates the
distance to the wall and during the swim by younger, inexperienced swimmers. Uniform - The various parts of clothing a
swimmer wears at a meet. May include: Team Parka, Team Warm-up suit,
Team T-shirt, Team suit, Team cap, goggles, Team bag, etc. Unofficial Time - The time displayed on a
scoreboard or read over the PA system by the announcer immediately after the
race. After the time has been checked and adjusted, if necessary, it
will become the official time. Venue - The facility in which a
swimming competition is conducted. Vertical - At a right angle to the
horizontal plane (water surface). Warm-down - - A slower, longer swim after a race
used by the swimmer to rid the body of excess lactic acid. Essential to
the prevention of injury. Warm-up - The stretching exercises and
practice session a swimmer does before the meet or their event to get their
muscles loose and ready to race. Essential to the prevention of injury.
Watch - The hand held device (stopwatch)
used by timers and coaches for timing a swimmer’s race and taking splits. Weights - The various barbells, benches,
machines, etc. used by swimmers during their dry land training. Also,
training sessions in the 'Weight Room'. Whistle - The sound a Referee makes to
signal for quiet before they give the command to start the race. Work Out - The practice/training sessions a
swimmer attends. Yardage - The distance a swimmer races or
swims in practice. Total yardage is usually calculated for each practice
session. Zone - One of 4 administrative divisions
of USA Swimming with supervisory responsibilities within certain geographical
boundaries designated by USA Swimming. South Carolina Swimming is in
the Southern Zone. Zones - Southern Zone All-Star
Championship Meet contested once a year at the end of the Long Course
season. Swimmers must meet a minimum qualifying
standards and be win a place on the team based on that seasons times. Zoomer - A special fin used for swimming
and kicking. Not recommended for our program. |