One of the fastest 500 freestylers in the country is competing at a dual meet. The lap counter advances the numbers on the display immediately after the swimmer turns at the far end of the pool, instead of waiting for the swimmer to turn at the start end.
The rule:
The lap counter changes the visual counter to the next higher odd number, or fluorescent orange card, as the competitor makes each turn at the starting end.
The referee disqualifies the swimmer for the lap counter’s error, citing the following rule:
PENALTY: For the lap counter aiding the swimmer, violating deck position, or interfering in any manner with the competition, the competitor in that lane shall be disqualified.
PS This happened this season.
