Pimentel-Swimming

Swimming By: Nathaniel Keith E. Pimentel

Authors Author of: Rules and Regulations By Kaylie Williams, Swimming World College Intern Author of: History of Swimming.

HISTORY OF SWIMMING Early Origins Swimming had its origins in Egypt as a leisure sport around 2500 BCE. According to britannica.com, archeological evidence has shown that ancient Greeks and Romans later used the practice to train soldiers for war to eventually become “part of elementary education for males.” They are also believed to have built the first swimming pools, distinctly different from their baths. Evidence of a few races taking place in Japan around the 1st Century, BCE has also been uncovered. Not surprisingly, ancient Pacific Island natives are believed to have taught their children how to swim around the same time or even before they learned how to walk. From Leisure to Competition Although swimming’s origins were rooted in leisure, the sport quickly evolved into a competition even before the first Olympic Games in 1896. In 1837, the first swimming organization was created in London and became known as England’s National Swimming Society. The name would later be changed to the Swimming Association of Great Britain in 1874. During the 19th century, Australia—hungry for competition—began to hold regular championship races. In 1846, Australia held the first swimming championships. This was the first chance for different national teams to compete against each other and would dictate the future of competitive swimming. In the following years, various nations would host their own championship meets; the United States got their chance in 1877. The First Olympic Games The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896. According to the olympicchannel.com, swimming is “one of only four disciplines to have been retained, appearing in every summer Olympics since [the first Olympic Games] – the others being athletics, artistic gymnastics and fencing.” The first Olympics introduced some strange races into the lineup, as it was purely an experimental event to begin with. For example, the 100m free for sailors was strictly for members of the Greek Navy, and all of the races were held in open water. Until 1912, only male swimmers were allowed to compete in the Olympics. It was not until the Stockholm Olympics that women were able to compete, and even when they were finally allowed in the water, they were only given two events in which to compete—the 100 free and 400 free relay.

HISTORY OF SWIMMING Post World War Ⅱ to Modern Day The era following World War Ⅱ was a bustling time for innovation and production. All of the economic growth from the war brought great technological advancement to the United States, which translated to the swimming world in the form of lane lines and indoor competition pools. Advanced training techniques and facilities such as hydrodynamic swimsuits and better drainage systems in the pools allowed athletes to swim much faster than those of the past. By 1924, marked lanes and guidelines for pool depths leveled the playing field and allowed for a more fair competition. The 1950s and 1960s were full of advancement within the swimming world as new strokes and events made their debut over the following years. The butterfly stroke was first raced in 1956 at the Melbourne Olympics, and in 1968, the number of events jumped from eight to 14 for women and 10 to 15 for men. The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of superhuman swimmers such as Mark Spitz, Matt Biondi, Michael Gross and Kristen Otto. Their achievements are remembered and honored as they serve to motivate the top athletes of today, such as Katie Ledecky and, of course, Michael Phelps. Phelps is currently the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, collecting a healthy 28 medals and is known for breaking Spitz’s record of seven consecutive first place finishes at one Olympic Game. Ledecky is well on her way to becoming one of the most decorated female swimmers in Olympic history with five Olympic gold medals, 14 world championship gold medals and six world records under her belt. Swimming has come a long way since its early beginnings. Our present and future successes in competition can only be attributed to the struggles of past athletes. The rough years of early competition spurred innovation and advancement of training techniques and facilities that allow us to compete at the level we do today. For that, we should be grateful and work to appreciate and remember the proud history of swimming.

Rules and Regulations i) FINA RULES - The Strokes - FINA Basic Rules (FOBISIA interpretation) - Turns - FINA Basic Rules (FOBISIA interpretation) - Starts - FINA Basic Rules (FOBISIA interpretation) - Finishing - FINA Basic Rules (FOBISIA interpretation) FINA RULES - FOBISIA competitions will follow FINA Laws regarding the above areas of the sport. 4 STROKES - FINA Rules apply in terms of the nature of the strokes. Rules of the strokes and start/turn/finish of the strokes of FINA FINA Rules apply to below explanations of the strokes: FREESTYLE: The swimmer may swim any style, except that in individual medley or medley relay events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall upon completion of each length and at the finish. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15metres after the start and each turn. BACKSTROKE: At the signal for starting and after turning the swimmer shall push off and swim upon his/her back throughout the race except when executing a turn. The normal position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not including 90 degrees from horizontal. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race. It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. However, recent developments and trends, swimmers and coaches have developed a “Fish Action” (Fly kick on a swimmers side!) same distance applies and passing through 90°! (This would be deemed as swimming on their front and thus not backstroke) Upon the finish of the race the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.

Rules and Regulations BREASTSTROKE: From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time. All movements of the arms shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement. After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. A single downward dolphin kick followed by a breaststroke kick is permitted while wholly submerged. The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. A scissors, flutter or downward kick is not permitted except breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward dolphin kick. At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. BUTTERFLY: From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast. Under water kicking on the side is allowed. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time. Both arms shall be brought forward together over the water and brought backward simultaneously throughout the race. All up and down movements of the legs must be simultaneous. The legs or the feet need to be on the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each other. A breaststroke kicking is not permitted. At the start and turns, a swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks and one arm pull under the water, which must bring him/her to the surface. It shall be permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn.

Rules and Regulations MEDLEY SWIMMING: In Individual Medley events, the swimmer covers the four swimming styles in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle. In Medley Relay events, swimmers will cover the four swimming styles in the following order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle. STARTS ALL FRONT/ PRONE STROKES Swimmers are to start from the side of the pool (starting block, side of the pool or in the water). The same apples to relay events e.g. Freestyle. BACKSTROKE STARTS Swimmers have to start in the water. Toes under the surface. 15 meters maximum under water before surfacing. One false start rule. RELAY STARTS Starts apply according to entering the water as stated before. Freestyle relays (forward dive) Medley Relays will start in the water with the backstroke leg first and backstroke start rules applying! TAKEOVERS Relay swimmers must not dive (feet leave starting block) before the incoming swimmer (on their team) in the water has touched the end of the pool in their lane. FINISHES Butterfly and Breaststroke finishes must be with both hands touching at the same time and level. Backstroke finishes must be on the back and can be with one hand Freestyle finishes (depending on the chosen stroke) tend to be one handed and on the swimmer front

Rules and Regulations THE RACE: A swimmer swimming over the course alone shall cover the whole distance to qualify. A swimmer must finish the race in the same lane in which he/she started. In all events, a swimmer when turning shall make physical contact with the end of the pool or course. The turn must be made from the wall, and it is not permitted to take a stride or step from the bottom of the pool (If the host pool has a shallow end) Pulling on the lane rope is not allowed. Obstructing another swimmer by swimming across another lane or otherwise interfering shall disqualify the offender. There shall be four swimmers on each relay team. In relay events, the team of a swimmer whose feet lose touch with the starting platform before the preceding team-mate touches the wall shall be disqualified. Any relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member, other than the swimmer designated to swim that length, enters the water when the race is being conducted, before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race. The members of a relay team and their order of competing must be nominated before the race. Any relay team member may compete in a race only once. Any swimmer having finished his/her race, or his/her distance in a relay event, must leave the pool as soon as possible without obstructing and other swimmer who has not yet finished his/her race. All turns require contact as this indicates successful completion of each lap. Failure to execute turns properly will result in a DQ (disqualification)Turn judges have to properly notify the start judge of the violation then to warrant if it is a ‘DQ’able violation of the rules. Swimmer and coach need to be notified immediately after the race so that swimmers and coaches are not left in the dark with unexplained DQ.’s

Rules and Regulations FOBISIA INTERPRETATION – STROKES Meet officials will use discretion when disqualifying swimmers. FINA Rules apply to medal winning swimmers. If a swimmer is NO T in medal position and is NOT gaining from improper stroke technique the judges should be told of the improper stroke technique. Examples : “Screw” leg kick on breaststroke, Arms not clearing the water level on butterfly. FOBISIA INTERPRETATION If a swimmer is in a medal winning position then FINA rules apply. Or if the swimmer gains a medal winning position from incorrect turns then the FINA rules apply. If the swimmer is not winning a medal and makes an improper turn, the position will stand No DQ! NB it is vital to appreciate that the FOBISIA Games are a multi discipline competition and as such some swimmers will NOT be well versed in competitive swimming rules. The host school needs to communicate this to officials and stroke judges and ensure that DQs are not the norm.

Rules and Regulations A Group Format FOBISIA Swimming 2016 Max 5, Min 2 (including tyre) NB should a school only field one competitor, then that athlete shall be considered the ‘A’ swimmer Host schools have appointed a Meet Director to co-ordinate the event. This is a member of staff also coaching a team. The Meet Directors’ decision concerning inconsistencies between placing, times and the stroke judges’ decisions shall be final. Scoring System for events 6 Schools A Events: 1st 18pts, 2nd 17pts, 3rd 16pts, 4th 15 pts, 5th 14pts, 6th 13pts B Events: 1st 12pts, 2nd 11pts, 3rd 10pts, 4th 9pts, 5th 8pts, 6th 7pts C Events: 1st 6pts, 2nd 5pts, 3rd 4pts, 4th 3 pts, 5th 2pts; 6th 1pt All Relays are double points, just normal A and B race points awarded. All events will take place under international rules with the following exceptions: All races will take place in a 25m pool. Backstroke flags are placed 5m from each end wall of the pool Electronic, we do not have we will have time keepers Two timers will time each lane. Place judges will decide finishing positions for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places rather than using times. The times will be used for personal records only. Times will decide all other finishing positions. Lanes have been allocated well before the event. Starting signal is a hooter. In the event of a false start, a continuous siren will be activated. There may be NO false start rope.

Rules and Regulations Sitting in the Tyre Relay (Car tyre size inner tubes) 10 x 23m sitting in the tyre relay will consist of all 12 members of the team, 6 girls starting at the start line with 6 boys opposite them. The tyre starts on the side of the pool. The swimmer has to place the tyre on their bottom; they lower themselves into the water and paddle using their arms and kicking their legs in order to get to the other side. Once the swimmer in the tyre has reached the side of the pool the swimmer can get out and the next person can then get onto the tyre and go until the race is over. The finish will be judged when the first tyre with swimmer on it on the last leg touches the side of the pool. If a swimmer for any reason falls out they must not use the lane ropes to pull themselves in order to gain an advantage but climb back into the tyre and continue the race.

Types of Equipments The type of equipment used for swimming depends largely on its intended function. Swimming equipment is typically used for safety, exercise, and sports. Safety equipment includes everything from inflatable rings to divers’ wet suits. Swimming equipment used for exercise is typically designed for weight loss, toning, and physical therapy. Equipment used for summing- related water sports ranges from volleyballs to surfboards. Safety equipment for water-related activities is typically designed to keep a swimmer afloat. The youngest swimmer can be fitted with a zippered swim vest to keep him safe while he becomes accustomed to the water. Goggles protect the eyes, while earplugs and nose plugs keep water out. Pleasure boats are typically required to carry life-saving equipment, such as life preservers or regulation personal flotation devices on board. Snorkels and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, or SCUBA, gear help swimmers view shallow or deep underwater scenery safely. Divers and surfers often wear wet suits, which are designed to keep the swimmer’s body temperature stable, keep water resistance low, and increase buoyancy. Divers generally use depth gauges, pressure gauges, compasses, and underwater lighting to help them stay safe while swimming. Perhaps the ultimate piece of safety equipment for a sightseeing swimmer is the “shark cage,” which allows swimmers to view shark activity while protected from harm. Equipment designed for water aerobics or hydrotherapy is generally meant to help people gain strength and flexibility while swimming. Water aerobics minimizes stress on injured or weak joints and muscles, so this is usually appropriate exercise for obese people or those recovering from a severe injury. People often use kickboards to help them get a cardiovascular workout even if they are not expert swimmers. They can hold the kickboard out in front of them and propel themselves up and down the pool by kicking their legs and feet.

Types of Equipments Pushing an inflated ball underwater repeatedly can build strength in upper arms and shoulders. Standing on a swimming noodle generally increases balance. Swimming equipment manufacturers usually have a wide variety of exercise equipment suited for water use. This can include barbells, swim fins, webbed gloves and boxing gloves. Water sports swimming equipment for the pool often includes balls and nets for water sports like volleyball, basketball, and football. It can also include equipment like inflatable lounge chairs and floating obstacle courses for less vigorous activities. In a lake or ocean, swimming equipment typically means surfboards, water skis, paddleboats, and jet skis.

Glossary of Terms 100 m/yd individual medley: Swam in short course (25 m/yd pool) competition only. This is not an Olympic event. 200 m/yd individual medley: Swum in both short course and long course (50 m pool) competitions. This was swum as an Olympic event in the 1968 Summer Olympics, Mexico City, Mexico but then omitted until the 1984 Summer Olympics, Los Angeles, United States. The event has been swum ever since. 400 m/yd individual medley: Swum in both short course and long course competitions. This has been an Olympic event since the 1964 Summer Olympics, Tokyo, Japan. Leisure Sports - are freeform, voluntary and non-competitive activities, which aim to regulate the mental state of people. Leisure Sports are not a specific sport project but a kind of social existence form of sport. Archaeological evidence - is the body of physical remains of the human past. It denotes buried remains found during archaeological excavation. Artefacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other remains that are excavated are called archaeological evidences. Olympic Games - are an international sports festival, held every four years. The ultimate goals are to cultivate human beings, through sport, and contribute to world peace. Summer Games and Winter Games are held separately. Bustling - full of lively activity Swimming stroke - a method of moving the arms and legs to push against the water and propel the swimmer forward. stroke - any one of the repeated movements of the limbs and body used for locomotion in swimming or rowing.

RESOURCES https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/from-past-to-present- the-evolution-and-history-of-olympic-swimming/ https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/en/our- schools/shanghai/pudong/fobisia/official-rules-and- regulations/swimming-rules-and-regulations https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-swimming- equipment.htm

1. What is your chosen sport? 2. What is the history of the chosen sport? 3. What are the following Rules & Regulations to be observed in the said sport? The sport I chose is is swimming, because i really like the swimming that’s it. I wanted to do swimming, but I did not give myself a chance to do so, because of personal problems. The history of swimming, is very interesting. It is said that the sport started as a leisure, like every other sport out there. Later on it was taught to men for the purpose of having swimming capabilities as an advantage in war. Then it was said that ancient people taught swimming to infants, even before walking. In 1837 it finally became a sport or competition. It grew into a very competitive sport Widely known in Olympics. Swimming has very vast amount of rules and regulations. Like different styles for separate competitions, or different distances, or places where it might be held, like indoor pools or the beach. It is required to have proper equipment specialized on a specific type of competition. Different strokes needed in one competition. And lastly swimmers who disobey a rule or more is penalized or disqualified in the competition.