The launch of the newly-approved “backstroke wedges” for starts has been delayed even further, and USA Swimming won’t be using them at the upcoming Santa Clara Grand Prix.
Though the wedges are approved for competition in 2014, FINA sent out a letter last week recommending that meet hosts not use them until this fall, when FINA plans a full launch at the World Cup Series.
FINA also said that they will decide at that World Cup Series whether or not to use them at the 2014 Short Course World Championships in Doha, which is the next big FINA championship on the schedule.
The wedges were initially considered for use in Mesa and Charlotte, but there were concerns over the compatibility of Omega wedges with other brands of blocks. Now, other companies have designed similar wedges.
FINA’s justification for the delay is the fact that the wedges are not commercially available yet, so “in order to promote equity among all competitors,” they don’t yet want it used at national or international events. While FINA did not specifically prohibit their use, this recommendation will weigh heavily, so don’t expect them at meets like U.S. Nationals, Pan Pacs, the European Championships, or the Commonwealth Games, either.
While Omega seems to have been the first-to-market with their new wedges, several other brands have since launched wedges of their own, meaning that backstroke wedges now exist that will fit blocks at the Mesa and Charlotte Grand Prixs. More time before a full launch will also allow for more equal competition between wedge manufacturers on the quality of the product.
It’s common sense period. Let’s not over complicate something that makes a previously awkward position less awkward. Do you think John Naber would oppose stroke work too ? I understand people can get prickly, I’m just happy back strokers in the future who will not know anything else.
I see no issue with them being set up for the upcoming Grand Prix meet. No idea why FINA would delay implementation. If theyre ready, then let them be used
I have a better and less expensive idea for levelling the playing field: let backstrokers start off the block and tell them they must be on their back when they surface to take their first stroke!
If a “level playing field” is what you really want, just swim freestyle events.
I don’t see how starting off the blocks rather than pushing off a slippery, wet wall at a 90 degree angle to the water surface decreases the importance of backstroke. You would still be swimming on your back! The problem is that the sides of pools can be very different and some are more slippery than others. How will YMCA and High School teams that are barely able to stay afloat financially be able to afford new starting blocks? They won’t! Therefore, you won’t be able to compare backstroke times equally, and the “playing fields” (or pools, in this case) won’t be level!
I like it. Then we can align IM order with medley relay order. No fuss simple solution. Danjohnrob, you should be the FINA delegate for common sense.
Thank you, Waterslug, I accept your nomination! LOL!
What period of time and how extensive was the testing. What is the damage to the integrity of past backstroke achievement.
I’m with Becky D on this one. ?????????????
I’m a recent swammer, but I would have LOVED this back in my days! I slipped so often early on in my career that I almost gave up on backstroke completely! (Now I’m a 5-time record holder for my university)…I think the wedge levels the playing field when it comes to starts because the back start was always way more ungainly and unpredictable than a flat start off the blocks. This is one swim-tech innovation that I actually don’t mind 🙂
What are the rules these days regarding your feet on a backstroke start? It’s been a million years since I was a competitive swimmer….When I swam IIRC, part of each foot had to be in the water but you could place your toes above the water line.
Is it the same these days? Please excuse my lack of knowledge of current rules…..
Both feet must be in contact with the end wall or touchpad and you cannot bend the toes over the top of the touchpad before or after the start. Your feet can come above the waterline on a Omega type wall. They could also come above the water on a wall with a gutter, as long as your toes don’t curl on the top of the touchpad/gutter before or after the start.
Billy – Current FINA rules allow toes to break the surface, but no curling over the gutter:
SW 6.1
Prior to the starting signal, the swimmers shall line up in the water facing the
starting end, with both hands holding the starting grips. Standing in or on the gutter or
bending the toes over the lip of the gutter is prohibited
FINA is calling an Extraordinary Congress in December in conjunction with SC Worlds. The Technical Swim Committee is proposing new language to the FINA rules specifically addressing the start when using the ledge (if it is ever available). It will require both feet on the end wall or touchpad and no curling the toes over the gutter of top of touch pad.
Think John Naber has ever thought, “Put me in a rubber suit with flip turns and start wedges and I would have toasted Aaron Peirsol and Ryan Lochte.”
This might be reconfigured from being supported from the top of the block behind the wedge to being reacted at the base of the block at deck level. With some adjustment tolerance this should make it much more generally compatible with a typical block (except blocks with a vary narrow base or blade support, though an adapter could be offered).