Relay Exchange scenario
As the 1st swimmer approaches the wall, the 2nd swimmer lifts his right foot from behind the wedge and puts both feet on the wedge, with no contact of the flat platform (tips of both toes 1 inch up the wedge), and launches himself from this position (full body weight solely on the wedge).
Scenario
The second swimmer in a relay is standing on the blocks with his left foot entirely on the back plate (aka wedge/track start), and his right foot behind the wedge resting his weight on the platform.
As the 1st swimmer approaches the wall, the 2nd swimmer lifts his right foot from behind the wedge and puts both feet on the wedge, with no contact of the flat platform (tips of both toes 1 inch up the wedge), and launches himself from this position (full body weight solely on the wedge).
The right foot left the platform behind the wedge before the incoming swimmer touched the wall.
Question
Is this an infraction?
Solution/recommendation
The following rules from the Canadian Rulebook were considered in answering this scenario
Rule II.10.11 Relay exchanges must commence from the starting platform. Running starts from the pool deck are not permitted.
Rule II.10.12 In relay events, the team of a swimmer whose feet lose touch with the starting platform before the preceding team-mate touches the wall shall be disqualified.
From Canadian Facilities Rules Section 2, 16.1.8 - The starting platform may have an adjustable setting back plate. (Canadian rules number Swimming-Canada-FACILITY-RULES-1sep2024.pdf)
Based on the rules above, the exchange was from the starting platform (II.10.11) which includes the adjustable back plate (wedge) (Facility rule 16). Although the right foot left the platform to move to the back plate, both feet of the second swimmer were in contact with the back plate when the first swimmer touched the wall (II.10.12).
This would NOT be an infraction.