World Aquatics

Why people argue about this

People often assume that drafting is only allowed for reducing speed, not distance. But in reality, the rule specifically allows drafting behind another swimmer to reduce drag, which can be used strategically over a race course rather than just during the initial start or turn.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that touching the gantry pad is optional for finishing a race, which leads to misunderstandings since the official rule clearly states swimmers must touch it to record their time accurately in open water swimming events. Confusion arises because they might not realize the importance of this precise detail in timing and scoring.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that since textile-only swimsuits are mandatory in open water swimming due to health and environmental concerns, it must mean swimmers can't use fins or electronic aids at all. But actually, these restrictions apply only to equipment directly worn on the body, not to accessories like fins or electronic timing devices used during races.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that the 1.25 km loop is a fixed distance for all Open Water Swimming events, which leads to arguments about whether they've completed the course correctly. However, the official verdict clarifies that this 1.25 km loop is only used as a base for multi-lap distances of 10 and 25 kilometers, not for individual swims themselves.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that yellow cards and red cards are only used for team relays in open water swimming events at World Championships, but actually, they apply equally to individual races as well. The confusion arises because this rule detail is not widely publicized or emphasized in the general rules handbook.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that since drafting is allowed in open water swimming, they can use it aggressively to gain an unfair advantage by closely following other swimmers without permission. However, the key fact clarifies this: while drafting is permitted, it must not be done deliberately to obstruct or hinder another swimmer.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that in Open Water Swimming's Section 6 scoring, they should focus solely on their own race times to qualify for the Olympics, forgetting that prior World Championship and continental qualifier results are also factored into Olympic qualification criteria. This leads to misunderstandings about how points from different competitions interplay towards Olympic eligibility.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that getting two yellow cards for impeding in a row means you're automatically disqualified right away, but actually, it triggers an automatic disqualification only if these incidents happen consecutively during the same race leg or segment of swimming. They miss understanding the rule's conditionality and context within the overall race structure.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that the mandatory water temperature check is only for safety reasons, forgetting that it's also a way for swimmers to prepare their gear and clothing accordingly. They overlook how crucial accurate water temp data can be in choosing appropriate layers or even altering race strategies based on expected conditions.

Why people argue about this

People often assume that a false start is just as severe in mass starts as it is in pool races, forgetting that the consequences are much more serious—disqualification during the actual race itself if you get caught twice. They overlook how crucial timing synchronization is in open water swimming compared to lanes in pools, leading to misjudgment of severity.