fina synchronised swimming manual for judges, coaches & referees

2009 – 2013 FINA SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING MANUALFOR JUDGES, COACHES & REFEREESSECTION IIIAlthough not considered in the scoring, the initial appearance - walk-on anddeck positions - should be assured, position is sharp, clear, andcommanding. The ending position is also sharp, clear and commanding.! The performance is seemingly fresh and spontaneous throughout!3. RESPONSIVENESS to music! Portrayal of the feeling of the musicThe athlete should portray the emotions felt in the music; happy, sad,powerful, etc. The feelings and emotion must appear to come from withinand reflect those being expressed by the music.! Routine a harmonious whole:A routine should give a feeling of being a harmonious whole; a novel ratherthan a collection of short stories. To accomplish this, careful thought musthave been given to the music selections chosen so they too give a feelingof being part of the harmonious whole. The editing must be unobtrusiveand suitable to the selections chosen. To accomplish this, the music mustbe of superior quality without distracting hisses, pops, scratches.! The routine seems uniquely the competitors’4. EFFORTLESSNESS throughoutAn illusion of ease is maintained throughout the performance. The breathing isquiet and not explosive or wheezing. The kicking and sculling appear effortlessand powerful without splash or struggle. Figures remain high, stable andexecuted cleanly to completion. The return to the surface and ‘break-through’ issmooth and easy, without sputtering, blowing bubbles or fountains of water. Theathlete doesn't look frantic or panicky and remains poised and confidentthroughout.! Consistency of performance with continual movementTop swimmers will not look rushed or exhausted, but will demonstrate aconsistency in their level of performance from start to finish. The routine willflow seamlessly, with continual movement throughout, so the viewer is leadfrom one action to the next, never able to look away even momentarilybecause there are no stops or resting points where movement lags.2009 – 2013 FINA Synchronised Swimming Manual for Judges, Coaches & Referees 177