Glossary

Anchor - the final swimmer in a relay.

Blocks - the starting platforms located behind each lane at some pools. Some pools have blocks at the deeper end of the pool, and some pools have blocks at both ends. Blocks have a variety of designs and can be permanent or removable.

Deck - the area around the swimming pool reserved for swimmers, officials, and coaches.

Disqualified - a swimmers performance is not counted because of a rules infraction. A disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with open hand above their head. Common reasons for disqualification include flutter or scissor kicking on breaststroke or butterfly, turning onto the stomach on backstroke, or false starting on a relay. Generally the stroke and turn judge will tell the coach what was done illegally and the coach will explain this to the child. Many swimmers DQ when they are first learning a stroke. Don't let your child get discouraged when this happens; the coaches will continue to work with each swimmer until he/she can swim the stroke legally.

Dual Meet - type of meet where two teams compete against each other.

Dryland - the exercises and various strength programs swimmers do out of the water.

Event - a race or stroke over a given distance.

Exhibition Heat - for each event there is only one "official" heat, which counts toward the team score. When there are large numbers of swimmers in a particular are group, coaches may opt to enter additional swimmers in "exhibition" heats. Though these heats don't score points for the team, the top four finishers will receive ribbons just like the official heats. Exhibition heats are usually swum after the official heat of the event.

False Start - when a swimmer leaves the starting block before the horn or gun. One false start will disqualify a swimmer or a relay team, although the starter or referee may disallow the false start due to unusual circumstances.

Flags - pennants that are suspended over the width of each end of the pool approximately 15 feet from the wall.

Goggles - glasses type devices worn by swimmers to keep their eyes from being irritated by the chlorine in the water.

Jump - an illegal start done by the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th member of a relay team. The swimmer on the block breaks contact with the block before the swimmer in the water touches the wall.

Kick Board - a flotation device used by swimmers during practice. A lightweight object used with great accuracy by coaches.

Lane - the specific area in which a swimmer is assigned to swim. (i.e.) Lane 1 or Lane 2.

Lane Lines - continuous floating markers attached to a cable stretched from the starting end to the turning end for the purpose of separating each lane and quieting the waves caused by racing swimmers.

Lap - one length of the course.

Leg - the part of a relay event swam by a single team member. A single stroke in the IM.

Officials - the certified, adult volunteers, who operate the many facets of a swim competition.

Paddle - colored plastic devices worn on the swimmers hands during swim practice.

Ready Bench - the staging area where swimmers wait to receive their lane assignments for a swimming event. Area is usually away from the pool and has rows of chairs or benches for the swimmers to sit.

Referee - the head official at a swim meet in charge of all of the "Wet Side" administration and decisions.

Scratch - to withdraw from an event after having declared an intention to participate. Some meets have scratch deadlines and specific scratch rules, and if not followed, swimmer can be disqualified from remaining events.

Split - a portion of an event that is timed. (i.e.) A swimmer’s first 50 time is taken as the swimmer swims the 100 race. It is common to take multiple splits for the longer distances.

Starter - the official in charge of signaling the beginning of a race and insuring that all swimmers have a fair takeoff.

Stand-up - the command given by the Starter or Referee to release the swimmers from their starting position.

Stroke Judge - the official positioned at the side of the pool, walking the length of the course as the swimmers race. If the Stroke Judge sees something illegal, they report to the referee and the swimmer may be disqualified.

Time Standard - a time set by a meet or organization that a swimmer must achieve for qualification or recognition.

Time Trial - at the end of the season, special time trial meets are held for each age group to determine which swimmers qualify for the league championship meet. Swimmers are not required to swim at the time trials; the coaches will discuss time trial entries with swimmers and their parents beforehand. The top 12 finishers in each event at time trials will swim at the championships.

Warm-down - the recovery swimming a swimmer does after a race when pool space is available.

Warm-up - the practice and "loosing" up session a swimmer does before the meet or their event is swum.