A perfectly designed taper will enable the swimmer to compete at his or her peak capability. Designing and executing a proper taper is one of the most difficult aspects of swim coaching. Timed Finals . Time Standard . The volunteers or officials behind the starting blocks at the finish end of pool, who are responsible for timing the swimmers in their lanes for each race and recording the times.
Timers also activate the backup buttons for electronic timing systems.
Time Trial . An event or series of events where a swimmer may officially achieve or better a required time standard. The point at which a part of the swimmer' s body makes contact with the touchpad or wall at the finish of the race. The flat, rectangular board under the surface of the water at the end of each lane in the pool. It is where a swimmer's time is registered and sent electronically to the timing system and then to the scoreboard.