Age Group - A division of swimmers according to age. Our Age Group divisions
are: 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15 & up.
Blocks - Starting blocks, the platforms located behind each lane. Some pools
have blocks at the deeper end of the pool, while some pools have blocks at both ends. Blocks have a variety of designs, and
can be permanent or removable.
Cap - A latex or lycra swim cap used during a race or workout to protect
a swimmer's hair from the effects of chlorine in the water; it also helps to cut down water resistance created by the swimmer's
hair.
Disqualified - A swimmer whose performance is not counted because of a rules
infraction. A disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with open hand above his or her head.
Drag Suit - A second, loose-fitting swim suit worn by swimmers in a workout
and warm-up to add a certain amount of weight and resistance to the flow of the water around the swimmer.
Dual Meet - Type of meet where two teams or clubs compete against each other.
Event. A race or series of races of one stroke over a specified distance (e.g., 100-yard
breaststroke).
|
 |
|
|
False Start - Occurs when a swimmer leaves the starting block
or is moving on the block before the starter officially starts the race. In USA Swimming, one false start will result in an
automatic disqualification from the race.
Fins - Large, rubber, fin-type devices that fit on a swimmer's feet; they are used in swim
practice, but not competition.
Flags - Pennants that are suspended over the width of each end of the pool 15
feet from the wall.
Goggles - Eyewear worn by swimmers in the pool to protect the swimmers' eyes
from the effects of chorine in the water.
Heat - A single race of an event when there are too many swimmers entered into the event
to compete at the same time. Results are compiled based on finish times after all heats of the event are completed.
IM - Slang for individual medley, an event in which the swimmer uses
all four competitive strokes in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
Kick Board - A flat flotation device used by swimmers during practices during kick or breathing
drills.
Lane Lines. The dividers used to delineate the individual lanes.
|
|
|
|
Official - One of a number of certified, adult volunteers who govern and work the many
facets of a swim competition.
Pull Buoy - A flotation device used for pulling or stroke drills by swimmers in a practice.
Relay - A swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a single team,
with each swimmer swimming an equal distance of the race. There are two types of relays, a medley relay, in which each swimmer
swims a different stroke (back, breast, fly, and free), and a freestyle relay, in which each swimmers swims freestyle one-quarter
of the specified race distance.
Starter - The official in charge of moving swimmers to the start position, signaling
the beginning of the race, and ensuring that all swimmers got a fair start.
Touch - The point at which a part of the swimmer’s body makes contact
with the touchpad or wall at the finish of the race.
Warm Down - Used by the swimmer to rid the body of excess lactic acid generated
during a race.
Warm-Up - Used by the swimmer before the race to get
his or her muscles loose and ready to race.
|
|
|
|
|
