The Royal Lifesaving Society
Worcestershire & Herefordshire Branch
Winter League 2017
1. General Rules
2. Strokes, Starts & Changeovers
3.Obstacle Relay
4. Personal Swimming Skills & Lifesaving Relay
5. Manikin Relay
6. Torpedo Buoy Relay
7. Line Throwing Relay
8. S.E.R.C.
9. Life Support
10-13. Individual Events
1.GENERAL RULES
1.1Each competing club shall supply one team of 6 or 7 men and one team of 6 or 7 ladies. All names and individual qualifications must be registered prior to the start of each leg. All those that are registered may swim in any event.
1.2A Mens or Ladies team shall consist of members of the same sex.
Mixed teams may be any combination of age or gender.
1.3All clubs must be affiliated to the RLSS.
1.4All competitors must be a member of the club they represent.
1.4All competitors shall hold, or have held, an RLSS Award
1.5Points shall be awarded for events as follows:-
1st 12 points2nd 10 points3rd 8 points
4th 6 points5th 4 points6th 2 points
1.6Open Individual events are separate from the Winter League and will be decided on time.
1.7Points will be subtracted from those awarded for position due to infringement of the rules. Maximum penalty points for any one event shall be four. Minus scores shall not be recorded.
1.8Protests concerning any event must be made to the referee before the commencement of the next event. A panel, consisting of the referee and the competition organiser or a person appointed by him/her, shall make decisions that shall be final.
1.9A competitor who interferes with another competitor during a race shall be disqualified.
1.10In all events, at the conclusion of the race, competitors shall remain in the water in their lane until instructed by the referee to leave the pool.
1.11Any deliberate infringement of the rules shall result in disqualification from that event.
1.12The competition shall be run on a league basis.
1.13One leg will be the S.E.R.C. and Life Support Initiative Test.
1.14Lane Draw & S.E.R.C./LifeSupport Draw Order will be conducted by the organiser prior to the event.
1.15The trophy shall be awarded to the club with the most league points overall. Individual medals shall be presented to the overall winning Mens or Ladies teams as a separate competition.
1.16At each leg teams are awarded league points according to their position in that leg. In the event of a tie, after the final leg, points gained in the SERC shall be used to decide the winner. In the event of a further tie, points gained in the Life Support test shall be used.
1.17The Goulding Trophy shall be presented to the Club with the best score in the SERC. The Jubilee Cup shall be presented to the club with the highest score in the Life Support test.
1.18The wearing of jewellery is not permitted, in the event of the jewellery being “non removable” the referee must be informed prior to the start of each leg.
1.19Goggles may be worn except during the initiative tests.
1.20Photography and Video recording are allowed only if the name of the recording person is given to the organiser, or his representative, before the start of each leg. Permission will only be given if no competitor has any objections to this in the pre-event briefing.
1.21Flash photography during competitions is not permitted.
1.22The Judge's decision on the night is final.
1.23All trophies to be returned to the Branch Competitions Officer by 30 November of the competition year.
1.24EQUIPMENT
1.24.1At each competition leg every club shall supply:-
- FIS Manikin - Any model supplied by RLSS UK.
- 2 pairs of rubber fins - SEABACKS may be worn.
- 1 torpedo buoy (not Pool Lifeguard Buoy).
- A minder for their own lane during the warm-up.
- Timekeeper and Judge.
1.24.2At a home leg the host club shall provide:-
RunnersAt least one lifeguard
Lane ropesSecurity Marshals for initiative leg
The following are optional:-
Refreshments
1.24.3Competition lines and obstacles shall be provided by the branch.
Programmes shall be provided where possible.
1.25SAFETY
1.25.1Safety is of paramount importance.
All officials have a duty to ensure the safe conduct of any event.
The referee has the authority to take appropriate action to discontinue or prevent any unsafe practices.
1.25.2DIVING - WARNING
Team managers and coaches must ensure that all their team are FULLY AWARE of the dangers of diving into shallow water and are all capable of safely executing a shallow dive.
In the event of a competition being held in a pool deemed by the referee to be too shallow for diving at one or both ends, in-water starts will be used.
1.26INDIVIDUAL BRANCH SPEED CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Events will be held for Junior (16 & under on the date of the first leg of the competition), and Open age, and will be as follows:-
200m Obstacle Race (100m for Juniors) - Men and Ladies
25m Swim, 25m Manikin Tow with Fins - Men and Ladies
25m Swim, 25m Manikin Tow - Men and Ladies
Individual Rope Throw - Men and Ladies
1.26.1Individual Entries will hold, or have held, an RLSS award, .
1.26.2Competing clubs of the Winter League may provide a maximum 3 swimmers to participate in each individual event.
2.STROKES, STARTS AND CHANGEOVERS
2.1STROKES
The league organisers do not expect an exceptional standard of swimming technique. However, they do recognise the difference between a faulty stroke and cheating. All swimming shall be conducted under ASA laws. Lifesaving strokes and towing techniques can be found in the current edition of the RLSS manual. However, the RLSS manual does not provide a full enough definition for the purposes of competition. The following rules should be noted: -
2.1.1 Sidestroke -Only the scissors kicking action should be used
(top leg forward over bottom leg).
Both hands must remain in the water at all times
E.g. NOT front crawl arms.
2.1.2X-Chest Tow -Only the scissors kicking action should be used
(as above).
- The casualty must be on the hip of the rescuer
at all times.
2.1.3Close Chin Tow -The rescuer and casualty must be in cheek to
cheek contact during the tow.
2.1.4 Extended Arm -Either scissor kick or lifesaving backstroke may be
used.
2.1.5Torpedo Buoy -Any stroke may be used.
-Buoy must be worn correctly with the loop across or over one shoulder. Assuming the rescue tube was donned correctly, there is no cause for disqualification if the loop falls down on the competitors arm or elbow during the competitors approach or tow.
2.1.6FIS Manikin -The intention is to simulate a life-saving operation, therefore, the attitude of the lifesaver must be such
that he is intentionally willing to keep the face of
the manikin out of the water.
. -The speed of the tow is important.
-The Manikin must be towed, not pushed.
-The Manikin should be carried face up at the surface, with at least one hand always in contact with the manikin.
-The Manikin shall not be carried by the throat, mouth, nose or eyes.
-The Competitor is not allowed to release the manikin until the finish edge has been touched.
-The manikin’s face may be carried on an angle, but not more than 90 degrees from the horizontal plane of the surface.
2.2STARTS
2.2.1The ASA format start shall be used (One start rule).
2.2.2All competitors who start (i.e., commence a starting motion) before the starting signal has been given, shall be disqualified.
2.3CHANGEOVERS
2.3.1A changeover shall be the point at which:-
- a swimmer passes onto the next swimmer.
- a swimmer takes hold of the throwing line.
- a swimmer collects a casualty/manikin.
2.3.2A changeover shall be declared a 'flyer' if: -
-a swimmer fails to make contact with the poolside before the
next swimmer begins his/her leg.
-a swimmer releases the cross boom before holding the line.
-a casualty releases the wall before the swimmer has made contact.
-a swimmer fails to touch the wall before passing torpedo buoy over.
2.3.3If a flyer occurs the race is allowed to continue and the offending team(s) shall be disqualified at the end of the race.
TEAM EVENTS
3.OBSTACLES RELAY
3.1Team Composition
One team of six swimmers.
3.2The Competition
Each swimmer will swim 1 length freestyle, submerging under the
obstacle in the centre of the pool during the length.
3.3Equipment
One obstacle per lane provided by the Branch.
The obstacle is the width of each lane and approximately 2 foot in
depth. It will be elevated or lowered according to pool depth.
3.4Procedure
On the start signal, the swimmer will dive in and swim freestyle to the centre of the pool. At the obstacle the swimmer will surface dive and swim underneath the obstacle. Upon surfacing the swimmer will swim freestyle to the end of the pool. The swimmer will touch the end of the pool and No. 2 starts the leg.
The other legs are completed in the same manner.
Each swimmer must surface following the start of his/her leg before surface diving under the barrier, and again having passed under the barrier before touching the end of the pool.
3.5Penalties
3.5.1Competitor swimming underwater half length to, or from, the barrier without surfacing - DISQUALIFIED
4.PERSONAL SKILLS RELAY
4.1Team Composition
One team of six swimmers.
4.2The Competition
Each swimmer will swim one length and tow one length.
4.3Equipment
None
4.4Procedure
Each swimmer will perform a type of start, swim and tow depending upon his position in the relay. Swimmers will operate in pairs, as follows:-
Swimmers 1 and 4
- Diving entry, front crawl swim, extended arm tow
Swimmers 2 and 5
- Straddle jump entry, breast-stroke swim, X-Chest tow
Swimmers 3 and 6
- Diving entry, sidestroke swim, close chin tow
Casualties should hold the end of the pool with both hands until the incoming swimmers makes bodily contact.
The swimmer is not required to touch the wall before collecting his casualty.
4.5Penalties
4.5.1Wrong or incorrect entry - 2 points
4.5.2Wrong or incorrect stroke - 2 points
4.5.3Wrong or incorrect tow - 2 points
4.5.4Subject not holding end of pool with both hands - 1 point
4.5.5Subject kicking - 1 point
4.5.6Subject not clasping hands on chest - 1 point
4.5.7Subject pushing from wall - 1 point
4.5.8 Swimmer pushing from bottom to gain an advantage on pick up
- 1 point
5.MANIKIN RELAY
5.1.Team Composition
One team of four swimmers.**
5.2The Competition
Each swimmer will swim one length of the pool carrying a manikin (full).
5.3Equipment
FIS Manikin
5.4Procedure
The first swimmer starts in the water holding a manikin with one hand (its mouth or nose above the surface) and the pool edge with the other.
The swimmer carries the manikin for one length, touches the wall then passes the manikin to the next swimmer
5.5.Penalties
5.5.1Incorrect carry - in line with the current RLSS policy -2 points
5.5.2Outgoing swimmer releasing the wall before contacting the manikin
- 1 point
5.5.3Outgoing swimmer touching the manikin before the incoming swimmer has touched the wall - 1 point
5.5.4Incoming swimmer releasing the manikin before touching the wall
- 1 point
** NOTE – For the Manikin Relay & Torpedo Buoy Relay Events, Each team must use a minimum of 6 swimmers over the two relays combined. (i.e, the same four swimmers cannot swim both events).
6.TORPEDO BUOY RELAY
6.1Team Composition
One team of four swimmers.**
6.2The Competition
Each swimmer will swim 1 leg of the relay.
6.3Equipment
Two pairs of Fins
Torpedo Buoy
6.4Procedure
On the start signal swimmer 1, swims 1 length freestyle (no fins), touches pool wall.
Swimmer 2, wearing fins, swims 1 length (can be under water), touches wall.
Swimmer 3, wearing torpedo buoy, swims 1 length. On touching pool wall, hands torpedo buoy to swimmer 4. Swimmer 3 then takes hold of torpedo buoy with two hands.
Swimmer 4, wearing fins, dons strap of torpedo buoy and tows swimmer 3 (who can kick) 1 length.
The race ends when swimmer 4 touches pool wall.
Swimmer 4 must not release the pool wall, or touch any part of the torpedo buoy until swimmer 3 has touched the wall at the end of his/her length.
6.5Penalties
6.5.1Subject not holding torpedo buoy with both hands during tow - 1 point
Subject holding the rope or clip - 1 point
Swimmer incorrectly wearing torpedo buoy - 1 point
Swimmer 4 touching the torpedo buoy before swimmer 3 touches the wall - 2 points
Swimmer 4 releasing the wall before swimmer 3 has touched
- DISQUALIFIED
6.5.2Subject losing hold of torpedo buoy and swims forward to take hold of it - DISQUALIFIED
7.LINE THROWING RELAY
7.1Team Composition
One team of six swimmers.
7.2The Competition
All 6 swimmers will throw a rescue line over a distance of 12.5 metres (Swimmer 1 will return to the water to act as the final casualty.)
There is a time limit of 3 minutes 15 seconds for this event.
7.3Equipment
One cross rope, and one throwing line per lane, will be supplied by the Branch.
7.4Procedure
The first Competitor stands on poolside, feet together, arms by their side, holding the end of rope. No.2 Competitor is in front of the cross rope, holding the the cross rope with one hand, and one hand on the throw rope which is extended over and beyond the cross rope. On the starting signal, No.1 coils the rope and throws to the No.2 who takes hold of the rope with both hands and is pulled through the water. On reaching the side, No.2 must touch the end of the pool, climb out, and throw in the same manner. No 3, assumes the position as casualty in front of the cross rope etc. The first swimmer returns to the water from the side of the pool, behind the cross rope, to act as the final casualty.
- If the line fails to reach the swimmer it must be recoiled and thrown again. The line must be taken from the swimmers' own lane. The subject must remain holding the centre of the cross boom with one hand whilst catching the line with the other hand, and must not pull forward on the cross rope. They may, however, use their foot to manoeuvre the rope to the hand whilst maintaining their grip on the cross rope.
- Whilst being pulled the subject must hold the line with both hands, arms outstretched and head up. They must not kick their legs or climb up the line. Each member must coil their own line. Casualties may release one hand from the rope to safely touch the wall. Swimmers may be assisted from the pool.
- Team positions are decided upon the time elapsed when the last subject (Swimmer 1 who has re-entered the water) touches the end of the pool. On completion of the time limit, a whistle will be blown and all teams must stop immediately so that positions may be decided upon the number of competitors rescued if the team has not finished the relay (i.e. Casualties who are on land or touching the wall).
7.5Penalties
7.5.1Team member moving along cross boom - 1 point
7.5.2Casualty not holding line with two hands when being pulled in - 1 point
7.5.3Casualty climbing up line, kicking legs, not holding head up or not holding arms outstretched - 1 point (for each infringement)
7.5.4Team members impeding other competitors once their throw is complete - 1 point
7.5.5Casualty pulling forward on the cross rope - 1 point
7.5.6Thrower entering the water to retrieve rope or falling in
- DISQUALIFIED
7.5.7Casualty retrieving line from another lane - DISQUALIFIED
8.S.E.R.C.
8.1Team Composition
One team of men and one team of ladies, each of 4 competitors.
Mixed teams may be any combination
Each club will provide at least 4 casualties - Failure to adhere to the above may result in disqualification.
8.2The Competition
Teams are escorted from security to the test area, where, following the start signal, they are confronted with an unknown number of people/casualties in various locations who need various types of assistance.
Casualty types may include simulated panicking, non panicking and unconscious casualties (Resuscitation manikins may be used for these roles), as well as by bystanders and swimmers.
Time limit will be set by the organiser.
8.3Equipment.
Each member of the competing team must wear a swimming or lifeguard cap.
8.4Competition Rules.
84.1All teams will be placed in security before the commencement of the event and shall not be able to observe other teams compete.
8.4.2A whistle blast shall signal the start and end of the allowed time.
8.4.3Emphasis shall be on assessment in order of priority.
8.4.4Competitors may make use of the equipment available to them at the poolside.
8.4.6Competitors may not bring their own equipment into the competition arena.
8.4.5Competitors are responsible for making their actions and intentions clear to the Judges.
8.4.6Competitors shall treat and handle victims with care: verbal and physical abuse is unnecessary and inappropriate.
8.4.7Each team will manage an identical situation.
8.4.8After completion teams may observe other teams competing.
8.4.9The assessment situation will be classified information until prior to the conduct of the event and shall be known only to certain event organisers.
8.4.10Unless otherwise advised, competitors shall assume that the conditions in the competition arena are “as found”.