fina synchronised swimming manual for judges, coaches & referees

2009 – 2013 FINA SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING MANUALFOR JUDGES, COACHES & REFEREESSECTION IIIforwards, sideways or backwards, the execution should be such that thebody is carried high and moves smoothly, without any bouncing. It shouldnot be used in lieu of the proper kick when performing standard swimmingstrokes. When this does occur, the effect will be an awkward lookingstroke that is not efficient and detracts from the performance.In evaluating the strokes and propulsion techniques, the judge needs tobe aware of the endurance level of these skills. Very often the strokes,etc. begin on one level and as the routine progresses, they drop. Thejudge therefore needs to be aware of the height, strength, and power ofthe strokes and propulsion techniques throughout the routine. A top levelswimmer is expected to maintain the highest quality of execution of herstrokes and propulsion techniques from start to finish.One problem that the judge frequently faces is that many competitorswork to achieve a high degree of skill in figures, but do not develop thestrokes to the same level. To be excellent in Synchronised Swimming,the competitor must be an excellent swimmer. The judge must evaluatethe swimming strokes and propulsion techniques and consider thisevaluation when awarding the overall grade for Technical Merit.In duets and teams, the accuracy of matching the degrees of the anglesof the arms, legs, etc. is considered under the execution portion of theTechnical Merit mark.b. Figures and Parts ThereofEarlier in this manual, detailed attention has been given to the judging ofthe component parts of figures. All of the basic principles apply whenevaluating the figures or hybrid figure movements executed in a routine.All figures, be they standard or hybrid, have a beginning, middle and end.There is a tendency by some to cut-off the endings of figures. Thisphenomenon is particularly true on vertical descents. When this occurs, adeduction is made under the execution portion of the Technical Meritscore. If this occurs repeatedly in a routine, then a deduction would alsobe made under the choreography portion of the Artistic Impression score.As you go down the scale of excellence, the desired elements will be lessby degree and in some cases non-existent.Efficiency is also important in judging figures and/or parts thereof. Theswimmer should be high, smooth, precise and effortless in executingpositions, movements, and transitions. A common error is to attempt toperform at a higher water level than the swimmer is capable of smoothlycontrolling. The excellent swimmer will demonstrate a high degree ofstrength, as well as proficiency of technique. The competitor that hasachieved this high balance between strength and technique will not need2009 – 2013 FINA Synchronised Swimming Manual for Judges, Coaches & Referees 145