140 replies to this topic

[T-Dub]

A couple of queries, if anyone can shed any light on them...

(Discussion is better than Wikipedia)

1. Rowing - who are the people on bikes that ride the length of the course? Seem too many to all be coaches

2. Volleyball - why is one of the team in a different shirt?

[MikeW]

From wikipedia



Libero

In 1998 the libero player was introduced internationally.^[13] The libero is a player specialized in defensive skills: the libero must wear a contrasting jersey color from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height. When the ball is not in play, the libero can replace any back-row player, without prior notice to the officials. This replacement does not count against the substitution limit each team is allowed per set, although the libero may be replaced only by the player whom he or she replaced.
The libero may function as a setter only under certain restrictions. If she/he makes an overhand set, she/he must be standing behind (and not stepping on) the 3-meter line; otherwise, the ball cannot be attacked above the net in front of the 3-meter line. An underhand pass is allowed from any part of the court.
The libero is, generally, the most skilled defensive player on the team. There is also a libero tracking sheet, where the referees or officiating team must keep track of who the libero subs in and out for. There may only be one libero per set (game), although there may be a different libero in the beginning of any new set (game).
Furthermore, a libero is not allowed to serve, according to international rules, with the exception of the NCAA women's volleyball games, where a 2004 rule change allows the libero to serve, but only in a specific rotation. That is, the libero can only serve for one person, not for all of the people for whom he or she goes in. That rule change was also applied to high school and junior high play soon after.

[gingerjon]

I was at Eton Dorney and they cycled in front of me each race. They do appear to be all coaches, each noting different things (one might be filming, one might be stopwatching etc). Each team has at least 1, some have 3-4.

[Phil]

Beat me to it

[Severus]

Matthew Pinsent did a tv spot about this earlier and confirmed that they are coaches. He mentioned that any electronic communication between the boat and the coaches is illegal so they coaches will shout orders. Although he did say that in the boat you cannot hear a thing.

[Futtocks]

Yep the guys on bikes are coaches and, apparently, usually completely oblivious to anything in their way. Certain parts along the side the Thames can get pretty dangerous during the rowing season.

[T-Dub]

3. Stadium - Will that massive bell be used for anything else (ie signalling the last lap of races)?

[gingerjon]

The bell has gone I believe. That platform and area is now home to the Olympic flame which is burning - although unseen from outside the stadium.

[T-Dub]

The bell has gone I believe. That platform and area is now home to the Olympic flame which is burning - although unseen from outside the stadium.

Aye but will it be repositionned elsewhere?

[gingerjon]

Aye but will it be repositionned elsewhere?

Ah. Your question remains unanswered as I don't know.

[Red Willow]

How did they keep the grass green under the stuff for the opening ?


My grass struggles at the best of times, espcially the odd flower pot when I forget to move it back when cutting the grass.

[Methven Hornet]

How did they keep the grass green under the stuff for the opening ?


My grass struggles at the best of times, espcially the odd flower pot when I forget to move it back when cutting the grass.

Laid it after the ceremony?

[Maximus Decimus]

Have they made the table tennis tables smaller; do they just look smaller on TV or are the competition ones smaller than you get at leisure centres or holiday parks?

[Garvers]

Why is squash not an Olympic sport? Seems a strange omission...

http://www.guardian....olympics-london

[John Rhino]

Why is squash not an Olympic sport? Seems a strange omission...

http://www.guardian....olympics-london

It may be that at the top level it's not a viewer friendly sport; difficult to see on TV, almost impossible live.

Just a thought, I love the game.

[Red Willow]

Laid it after the ceremony?

Sure I saw photos of the turf layed before the themed stuff appeared

[Ullman]

Aye but will it be repositionned elsewhere?

AC/DC have probably asked for it back.

[bobbruce]

It may be that at the top level it's not a viewer friendly sport; difficult to see on TV, almost impossible live.

Just a thought, I love the game.

I think that's what was holding it back was very difficult to televise. They seem to have that sorted now with fully glass courts and some of the matches shown on Sky this year have been brilliant. Would expect it to get in in the next couple of votes.

[gingerjon]

Squash lost out in the last round of voting on sports for inclusion.

[Methven Hornet]

Why do the cyclists wear what look like boots? Are they for ankle support?