YMCA of the USA Competitive Swimming and Diving Fo: Usa of Scoreboard and/or music during event

Message

   Our YMCA has a video scoreboard which can display video clips or animations such as clapping hands etc. in addition to timing information.  
What would be considered inapproprite use of this video board during an event?  For example, during a 200 Free, would it be OK to display animations or video during the race?  Or would this be considered a distraction to the swimmers?

What about music played over the PA system during an event.  Same question about the distraction.

Is there any place in the rules that covers these issues?

Thanks.

PS. What is displayed on the scoreboard has no effect on the timing system.

Author	Message
dmcnab New Member Joined: Nov/30/2009 Posts: 3	Topic: Usa of Scoreboard and/or music during event Posted: Feb/18/2010 at 1:57pm
	Our YMCA has a video scoreboard which can display video clips or animations such as clapping hands etc. in addition to timing information. What would be considered inapproprite use of this video board during an event? For example, during a 200 Free, would it be OK to display animations or video during the race? Or would this be considered a distraction to the swimmers? What about music played over the PA system during an event. Same question about the distraction. Is there any place in the rules that covers these issues? Thanks. PS. What is displayed on the scoreboard has no effect on the timing system.

	IP Logged

Ed Miller Moderator Group Moderator - Officials Joined: Apr/29/2006 Location: United States Posts: 159	Posted: Feb/23/2010 at 2:54pm
	This is an interesting question. Rule 102.13.7 gives the referee latitude to "prohibit the use of any device that disrupts or interferes with the meet...:, but does not specifically deal with the scoreboard. This is one of those situations where the referee has to use common sense. It is not likelyly that displaying pictures or animations on the scoreboard would affect the swimmers in the water, but if it did, the referee would have the authority to prohibit this practice. Playing loud music could affect the swimmers and there again the referee could prohibit it if it interfered with the meet. You will have to use your best judgment and take each situation on a case by case basis. Ed Miller National Officials' Committee Chair
	IP Logged

Rules and Officials
YMCA of the USA Competitive Swimming and Diving Fo :YMCA of the USA Competitive Swimming - General :Rules and Officials