Information on Rules and Regulations - Synchronized
Swimming
for complete
rules and regulation, always remember to ask your coach!
The official rulebook for the BCSSA is
available
here ( ).
We will post regular updates to this section as rules and regulations
change or are amended over time. Note that the information posted here
is for your education only. There is always the possibility that our
site may be slightly out of date, so please check often with the BCSSA
for the latest information on rules and regulations.
The purpose of each rule is to ensure that
all competitors have an equal opportunity to achieve. In applying and
interpreting the rules or when confronted by a novel situation not
covered by the rules, every effort should be made to apply this
principle.
The complete rule book for the Canadian
Amateur Synchronized Swimming Association can be viewed or downloaded by
clicking here ().
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Did you know? |
- Synchronized swimmers can
hear the music underwater. The sound is supplied via
underwater speakers.
- Synchronized swimmers do
not touch the bottom of the pool during a routine. It is
against the rules, and a two-point deduction will be given
if they do. The water is a minimum of nine feet deep. The
swimmers create the illusion of standing on their feet or
hands because they are so proficient at the techniques of
eggbeatering and sculling.
- Synchronized swimmers swim
with their eyes open underwater. By seeing their teammates
underwater, they make corrections to alignment and set-up
for specific moves in their routine.
- When spinning upside down
in the water, synchronized swimmers spot the pool walls just
like a figure skater, dancer or diver would to count their
rotations.
- In a five-minute routine,
a synchronized swimmer may spend up to a minute underwater
without coming up for air. At the same time, they are using
their arms and legs to suspend themselves in the water. It's
similar to running underwater while holding your breath at
the same time.
- The most important piece
of equipment for synchronized swimming is the nose clip.
Although it may seem unusual, the nose clip is vital in
importance because it prevents water from entering the nasal
cavity during the upside-down movements and also allows the
swimmer to stay underwater for longer lengths of time.
- Synchronized swimmers
practice eight hours a day, six days a week. Approximately
six hours are spent in the water and an additional two hours
on land with cross training exercises such as lifting
weights, biking, running or aerobics.
- Synchro requires both
anaerobic and aerobic strength. "The anaerobic and aerobic
systems are the major energy systems. The difference between
the two is that the anaerobic systems do not use oxygen to
break down carbohydrates, whereas the aerobic system uses
oxygen to produce energy from carbohydrate and fat. At the
start of exercise the body uses the anaerobic systems." From
The Coaches' Guide to Sport Physiology, by Brian
Sharkey.
- A lift in synchronized
swimming is done by raising the body of one or more swimmers
up to or above the water surface. Swimmers execute lifts
with only their body strength and are not allowed to use the
pool bottom.
- Deckwork is the movements
the athletes perform on the deck once the music starts and
before entering the water. Deckwork sets the mood of the
routine, can only be 10 seconds in length, and does not
factor into the final score.
- Most synchro swimmers
carry an extra nose clip in their suit in case the one they
are wearing gets knocked off during a routine. Call them
superstitious, but most will not swim a routine without a
spare.
- The elite-level
synchronized swimmer can swim up to 75 meters underwater
without coming up for air.
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