In 2007, USA Swimming
implemented a forward racing start certification protocol. Based on
observation, coaches use their expertise to certify that each
athlete is capable of consistently and safely performing shallow
forward racing starts on demand in 4 feet of water (The minimum
depth for starts in competition is 4
feet.)
At the 2015 USAS Convention,
the USA Swimming House of Delegates adopted safety guidelines for
teaching and performing backstroke racing starts. In 2018, the
Operational Risk Committee’s recommendations for Backstroke
Start Teaching Protocol and Certification were adopted. The
recommendations took care to keep this process as streamlined as
possible for coaches. This new certification is now combined with
the Forward Start Certification adopted in 2009. The new requirement
(Backstroke Start certification) is to be effective on May 1,
2018. The 2007 Forward Start
Certification protocol and 2009 rule amendment requiring a depth of
6 feet for teaching racing start remain unchanged and in
effect.
USA Swimming worked with the
American Red Cross (ARC) during this process and the ARC will
update its Safety Training for Swim
Coaches Manual in 2018. The updated materials
emphasize the importance of appropriate safety measures in teaching
racing starts, including the proper progression for novice swimmers
for both forward and backstroke starts.
As always, teaching racing
starts shall only take place under the direct supervision of a USA
Swimming member coach in at least 6 feet of water. The definition
of teaching racing starts now includes a requirement that a USA
Swimming Member Coach certify that a swimmer is proficient in
performing all racing starts. The certification process includes
the completion of a Racing Start Certification Procedure and
Checklist which is included in the Complete Forward and
Backstroke Start Protocols and
Checklist.
What follows is a list
combining the previous requirements for the Forward Start with the
new requirements for the Backstroke
Start.
1. USA
Swimming Safety Notice to Parents. This provides basic information
to parents and emphasizes their responsibility in making sure their
swimmer does not attempt to perform a racing start in less than six
feet of water if they have not been properly certified. A copy of
this Notice to Parents should be given to the parents of every
swimmer and should be displayed prominently and regularly on team
bulletin boards, web sites, in newsletters and in any new members
packets.
2. Racing
Start Certification Procedure and Checklist. This process is
required to be completed for every swimmer. Additional information
and requirements are shown in the attached
document.
3. Frequently
Asked Questions on Racing Start Certification. This should answer
most of the questions that may arise regarding the certification
process and use of the new Checklist.
This certification process
is very important to the safety of our athletes and provides
additional protection for our coaches in the event of an injury to
an athlete. If you have any additional
questions or need additional guidance regarding this, please
contact Tom Avischious
(719-866-3555) tavischious@usaswimminq.orq
at USA Swimming
Headquarters.
Team Unify has been notified
of this new requirement and will do their best to incorporate the
new backstroke start checklist into the electronic checklist that
they currently offer for the forward start as close to the May 1
deadline as possible.
Forward AND Backstroke Start Certification
Requirements
I. Certifying
Athletes for BOTH Forward and Backstroke
Starts
A. For swimmers with less
than one-year experience and for swimmers age 10 years and
under:
The swimmer must have
satisfactorily completed the appropriate forward racing start
teaching progressions as set forth in the Racing Start
Certification Checklists included in this document package. The
American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches Manual has the
Forward Racing Start Checklist and will include the backstroke
learning progression after a 2018
update.
B. For swimmers with more
than one-year experience and/or swimmers age 11 and
older:
Certification is based on the
coach’s observation that the swimmer is capable of safely
controlling the depth of his or her racing
starts.
C. Backstroke Racing Start
With the Ledge
If an athlete will use the ledge in
competition, certification with the ledge is required. If an
athlete will not use the ledge in competition, certification with
the ledge is not required. The same age stipulations as in (A) and
(B) above apply.
II. Water Depth (from
Rulebook Section 103.2, page
45)
“Minimum water depth for teaching all
racing starts, prior to certification, in any setting from any
height starting blocks, from backstroke ledges or from the deck
shall be 6 feet (1.84 meters) measured for a distance of 3 feet
3-1/2 inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the
end wall. Teaching racing starts shall only take place under the
direct supervision of a USA Swimming member coach and shall
include:
A. All racing start
instruction until a swimmer has been certified by his or her USA
Swimming member coach as proficient in performing a racing start,
and
B. Subsequent to
certification, instruction which seeks to alter a swimmer’s
basic technique in performing a racing
start.
Prior to certification, all
racing starts must take place from a position in the water,
regardless of pool depth. Subsequent to certification, practicing
of racing starts may take place in water depth of four (4) feet
(1.22 meters) and deeper.
III. In all cases, the
certification is based on the coach’s professional
judgment.
IV. Each club is responsible for
retaining, for three years, an electronic or paper certification
form for each of its swimmers. There is no requirement that these
forms be sent to an LSC or to officials responsible for any
competition.
V. If a swimmer is certified
at one club and then transfers to another, the swimmer must be
recertified at the new club.
