SP8 - Starting Blocks (Starting Platforms)

Purpose

To establish safety guidelines for the design and placement of starting blocks (starting platforms).

Definition

Starting Blocks, also referred to as starting platforms are raised platforms at the edge of a swimming pool, located in line with the mid-point of each swimming lane, for the purpose of competitive swimming water entry and for housing the backstroke start handgrips.

Starting Blocks (Starting Platforms)

Starting blocks depths should be consistent with SP2.3 Water Depths.

Starting Block Design

Starting block steps and tops should have slip resistive surfaces conforming to the recommendations of Standards Australia Handbook “HB 197 - An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials” and AS/NZS 4586:2004

Starting blocks shall be firm and give no spring effect.

The height of the platform above the water surface shall be from 0.5m to 0.75m

The top surface of starting blocks should be at least 500mm x 500mm in area and not be sloped more than 10 degrees toward the water.

The platform shall be constructed so as to permit gripping of the platform by the swimmer on the side closest to the water and its parallel sides.

Recessed pool concourse mountings (sleeves) for removable (portable) starting blocks should:

1. Not be hollow;
2. Be flush with the pool concourse;
3. Not have sharp edges.

Starting blocks should be stable when:

1. In situ;
2. Mounted by a person preparing to enter the water;
3. Gripped from the water.

Handgrips

The Handgrip thickness of the starting blocks should not be greater than 40mm

Grips should be at least 100mm wide on each side and 400mm wide in the front cut out to 30mm from the surface of the platform.

Handgrips for the forward start may be installed on the sides of the starting platforms

Handgrips for backstroke starts shall be placed within 300mm to 600mm above the water surface both horizontally and vertically

Handgrips should be parallel to the surface of the end wall not protrude beyond the pool wall.

Numbers

Each starting block should be distinctly numbered on all four sides, clearly visible. The Lane number ‘0’ should be on the right-hand side when facing the pool from the starting end except in 50m pools where the start may be from either end of the pool.

Note: For further information on design of starting blocks refer to FINA rules and regulations.

Use of Starting Blocks

Starting blocks are only required by persons starting in a swimming based competition or training for a swimming based competition that may include the following;

1. Swimming and related (triathlon, distance swimming) squad training
2. Swimming instruction
3. Swimming competitions/meets for swimming clubs, schools and other groups
4. Lifesaving classes

In pools where starting blocks are required they should be provided:

1. Following the development of the criteria for the intended use of the pool.
2. In accordance with FINA Regulations, and

Maintenance of Starting Blocks

The owner or operator of an aquatic facility should inspect starting blocks regularly as part of an asset management system (See Guidelines for Asset Management) to ensure they are safe and fit for use.

Starting blocks deemed in an unsafe condition should be isolated and logged for repair.

Isolation of Starting Blocks Preventing Use

Isolation of starting blocks should not introduce any further risk to facility users.

Isolation may be in a variety of forms e.g. physical barriers or warning signage and supervision.

References

• Guideline Swimming Lane Design
• Guideline Safe Water Entry For Competitions (Competitive Dive Starts)
• Guideline Teaching of Water Entry and Diving
• FINA Handbook, Part IX, FINA Facilities Rules 2015 – 2017.
• Diving in Swimming Pools and Open Water Areas- 1998; Institute of Sport and Recreation Management, England.
• Building Code of Australia - 2006. Australian Building Code Board.

Previous Versions

• FD24 Design of Starting Block (Starting Platforms), Issue 3, November 2007