Upcoming LC Meets

If you've been longing to get on deck to officiate at upcoming AMS meets, here's the list of remaining LC meets (for which Meet Announcements have been made available). Please consider working as many sessions as you can. Summer meets are always a challenge due to vacations, etc. so any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.

MLAC Summer Celebration (6/17-19)  http://vols.pt/cvxYTg

GPAC 10 & Under Summer Champs (6/25)  http://vols.pt/AwAkq1

JCCS Distance (6/25)  http://vols.pt/JfjdBi

AMS Senior Circuit (7/8-10)  http://vols.pt/NSPZU3

GPAC LC Bronze Champs (7/9-10)  http://vols.pt/SgBWga

MLAC LC Last Splash  http://vols.pt/NFQtMN

That's what we have for now. There are still a couple of other meets that we're awaiting MA's for.

Thanks for your help this summer. As always, it's greatly appreciated.

Interpretation of USAS Rule 102.8.31E - Use of Tape

There has been much confusion about allowable (and not) types of tapes permitted to be worn by swimmers in competition. This has been further confused by the fact that the NFHS and NCAA rules are not in sync with FINA's (and thus USA Swimming's) rules. While we have discussed what was meant by the language in Rule 102.8.1E (especially as it relates to the use of kinesio tape), there had not been a definitive interpretation that spelled out what was allowable and, more importantly, what was not allowed by USAS rule.

A new interpretation has been provided by Jay Thomas, Chair, USAS Rules & Regulations Committee which now spells out definitively what is specifically excluded from use by swimmers in competition. Here is the interpretation...

The NCAA and NFHS have adopted rules which permit the use of tape under certain circumstances. There now appears to be some confusion regarding the application of USA Swimming Rule 102.8.1E. The following interpretation of 102.8.1.E is presented to provide clarity to the use of tape in USA Swimming competitions.

Article 102.8.1E states in part, …“Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by the Referee.”

Common sense should prevail. The following uses of tape are generally permitted in competition:

1. Wound protection and closure. Band-Aids, dressings, ”Butterfly” type, etc. are normally permitted with no advanced notification to the Referee. When the tape to hold a dressing in place completely circles a major limb or the dressing is exceptionally large in size, advanced notification to the Referee is recommended.
2. Taping of fingers or toes. “Buddy Taping” no more than two (2) injured fingers or toes together should be permitted. Advanced notification to the Referee is recommended.
3. Tape to secure medical alert bracelets and pendants, religious objects, etc. should be permitted. Advanced notification to the Referee is recommended.
4. Tape to secure medical devices. Example – insulin pumps, ostomy bags, etc. should be permitted. Advanced notification to the Referee is required.

The following uses of tape are not permitted in competition – irrespective of whether a Doctor’s note has been presented.

1. Elastic Therapeutic Tape is never permitted.
2. Kinesio Taping is never permitted.
3. Any other taping intentioned to provide compression or support to muscles, ligaments, tendons or joints (except as stated above) is never permitted.

A copy of the interpretation can be found by clicking here. Should you have any questions, please contact Bob Mermelstein at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com.

Printing your USA Swimming Non-Athlete Official Membership Card

As many of you are already aware, AMS no longer provides USA Swimming non-athlete membership cards to its non-athlete Official members. Most LSC's across the country have migrated to using Deck Pass as the primary means of documenting/proving your member status with USAS. Most of us show our cards on our smartphones and no longer bother with presenting a printed card to show that we're current and active members of USAS as non-athlete Officials. Typically, we now prefer that all Officials print their LSC certification card to also show what certification levels (e.g. Referee, Administrative Official, Stroke & Turn, etc.) they currently maintain.

While this is certainly adequate and acceptable, some of you prefer to go "old school" and would like a printed copy of your USAS non-athlete Official member card. You can do that, if you'd like. To do so, log into USA Swimming's website. Go to "Member Resources" and then "Deck Pass" (the second link under "Programs & Services" on the left hand side.

Once on your Deck Pass page, click on Membership Card. You'll see a link labeled "Print Official Card", which will allow you to print your official member card that you can proudly display.

Please do have your LSC certification card visible, as well, as it not only has all of your USA Swimming membership expirations (membership, BC and APT) but also your current certifications.

See ya on deck!