Understanding DFS vs. NS in Aggressive Swimming
Aggressive swimming has lots of guidelines, and realizing them may help swimmers, coaches, and fogeys keep away from expensive errors. Two necessary phrases swimmers needs to be acquainted with are DFS (Declared False Begin) and NS (No Present).
Whereas each point out {that a} swimmer didn’t compete in an occasion, they’ve very totally different penalties.
What’s DFS (Declared False Begin)?
A Declared False Begin (DFS) happens when a swimmer or their coach voluntarily withdraws from an occasion earlier than the race begins. It is a proactive withdrawal that should be communicated to the officers earlier than the swimmer’s warmth begins.
Key Factors About DFS:
Used when a swimmer decides to not compete in an occasion they’re entered in.
Have to be declared earlier than the race begins to keep away from penalties.
The swimmer’s identify will nonetheless seem on the outcomes sheet, however it will likely be marked as DFS as an alternative of a time.
No penalties are utilized for declaring a false begin.
DFS is often utilized in prelims-finals meets when a swimmer desires to avoid wasting power for one more occasion or if an harm happens earlier than the race.
What’s NS (No Present)?
A No Present (NS) is when a swimmer fails to report back to the beginning blocks for his or her scheduled occasion with out declaring a DFS beforehand.
Key Factors About NS:
Occurs when a swimmer doesn’t present up for a race they’re scheduled to swim.
Penalties might apply, relying on the meet guidelines.
In prelims-finals meets, an NS in a preliminary race can lead to the swimmer being barred from the remainder of the session.
In championship meets, an NS in finals can imply being scratched from all remaining occasions.
DFS vs. NS: What’s the Distinction?
Each DFS and NS point out {that a} swimmer didn’t swim of their race, however the distinction is communication and penalties.
Different Necessary Competitors Phrases
Aggressive swimming has further classes much like DFS and NS that swimmers ought to pay attention to:
SCR (Scratch)
A scratch happens when a swimmer withdraws from an occasion earlier than the warmth sheet is finalized.
Commonest in prelims-finals meets, the place swimmers who qualify for finals might scratch to concentrate on one other race.
No penalties except meet guidelines require dedication to finals.
Often performed earlier than the session begins to permit alternates to swim.
DQ (Disqualification)
A disqualification (DQ) occurs when a swimmer competes within the race however violates a rule.
Widespread causes embody false begins, unlawful strokes, improper turns, or not ending accurately.
The swimmer’s consequence will present DQ as an alternative of a time.
DQs are normally known as by stroke and switch judges.
DNF (Did Not End)
A DNF (Did Not End) happens when a swimmer begins a race however is unable to finish it.
Can occur attributable to harm, medical points, or gear failure (e.g., goggles falling off).
Not like a DQ, a DNF means no official time is recorded.
Uncommon however attainable in long-distance occasions if a swimmer turns into too exhausted to complete.
Remaining Ideas
Understanding the distinction between DFS, NS, SCR, DQ, and DNF may help swimmers keep away from pointless penalties and hold their concentrate on racing. Speaking with officers earlier than lacking an occasion is vital to avoiding disqualifications or bans from future races.
For swimmers who’re not sure whether or not they need to swim or not, declaring a DFS is at all times the safer choice over an NS, particularly in extremely aggressive meets.
By staying knowledgeable and making sensible choices, swimmers can guarantee they’re competing at their finest whereas following the principles of the game.
For extra particulars on swimming competitors guidelines, take a look at the USA Swimming Rulebook.
In search of extra definitions and swimming terminology? Go to our Swimming Terminology.
