2012 USA Swimming Rule Book

102.5
.4 Timed Finals
A Heats — The last heat shall be composed of the swimmers with the fastest submitted
times, the next to last heat composed of the next fastest swimmers, etc. Lanes shall be
assigned in descending order of submitted times within each heat, in accordance with
the pattern outlined in .3 above. When there are two or more heats there shall be a
minimum of three swimmers or relay teams seeded into the first heat. The last heat
should be a full heat, but the requirement of seeding three swimmers or relay teams
into the first heat may result in failure to fill the last heat.
B Places — In timed finals, places shall be determined on a time basis, subject to the
order of finish within each heat and based upon the ranking system used at the meet.
Any ties resulting from the procedure used shall be declared officially tied for awards
and points, with no further attempt at resolution.
.5 Seeding of 50 meter events in a 50 meter course — 50 meter events swum in a 50 meter
course shall be seeded as provided above. If the event is started at the turning end of the
course, no change in the lane numbering shall be made, i.e., the lanes shall be numbered
the same on both ends of the course.
.6 Order of Heats
A Preliminary Heats and Timed Finals — The normal order of heats may be reversed
by swimming the fastest heats first. Women’s and men’s heats may be alternated.
B Finals — The order of heats during the finals of a preliminaries and finals meet may be
reversed, with the B and C (consolation and bonus) heats, if any, swum following the A
(final) heat. In the event of scratches, the empty lanes may be filled by moving the
swimmers up in order from the slower heats and by using the available alternates in the
slowest heat without reseeding the heats.
C The order of heats shall be stated in the meet announcement.
102.6 Counters
A A swimmer in the 500/1000/1650 yard or 800/1500 meter freestyle or other long distance
pool event (see 102.1.3) may appoint one counter to call lengths or indicate
lengths by visual sign.
B Verbal counters shall be limited to one per swimmer and shall be stationed at the end
of the course opposite the starting end. They may use watches and signal intermediate
times to the swimmer.
C If visual counters are used, they may be stationed at the end or either side of the pool,
beyond the halfway point toward the end of the course opposite the starting end. Visual
counters may be lowered into the water at the end of the swimmer’s lane, provided
that, in the opinion of the Referee, they neither physically aid the swimmer nor interfere
with another swimmer or present any safety hazard.
D The count may be in ascending or descending order.
E In the event of official or counter error, it is the responsibility of the swimmer to complete
the prescribed distance.
26 2012 Rules & Regulations