After a number of years of involvement with the construction and certification of competition swimming pools it is apparent that there are many inconsistencies in both the FINA regulations and the way that National Associations around the world implement them. There are many local guidance documents, some of which contain excellent advice, others of which are lacking in any practical understanding.
Drawing on many discussions had over the years and culminating in the completion of the London Aquatics Centre I have put together a discussion document which summarises many of the problem areas. Those of you who are actively involved in the construction, certification or subsequent checking during competitions might like to download the document and consider if you can usefully discuss items with your local officials, architects and engineers.
The official line taken by FINA is that all matters have to be raised by the National Associations, so until they are prodded into action the situation will remain that a nominal 400 metres in one pool may be several tenths of a second shorter than that in another pool.
The document is available as a PDF from www.SCSsurvey.co.uk - go to the "Guidance" section and download from the link.
Chris-
We do not do this type of certification but it was a good post to see another area of professional surveying measurement.
The Ontario, Canada set up of only using a steel or fiberglass tape certainly shows those setting the rules need help IMVHO.
Cheers
Derek
