What procedure should be included for warm-up and water entry at a swim meet?

Using circle swimming when multiple swimmers are in a lane is the correct procedure for warm-up and water entry at a swim meet because it ensures safety and organization in the pool. Circle swimming involves all swimmers swimming in the same direction around the perimeter of the lane. This reduces the risk of collisions, especially when there are several swimmers sharing a lane. It allows swimmers to warm up effectively without the chaos that can occur when multiple swimmers are trying to swim in straight lines or are randomly moving across the lane.

This method promotes a structured environment during the busy warm-up period and helps swimmers get accustomed to their competition pace, as they interact with other athletes in a controlled manner. Integrating such procedures is critical to maintaining safety and efficiency in a competitive setting.

The other options may lead to potential safety concerns or inefficiencies. Practicing starts from the blocks, while important for competition preparation, doesn’t take into account the need for swimmers to warm up safely and effectively in shared space. Swimming in straight lines could increase the likelihood of swimmers colliding with one another, especially in crowded lanes, and allowing freestyle without restrictions could lead to chaotic conditions without a defined way of navigating lane traffic.