1. What is SCY to LCM Conversion?

The SCY (Short Course Yards) to LCM (Long Course Meters) conversion adjusts swim times between different pool lengths. The 1.11 factor accounts for the difference in pool length (25 yards vs 50 meters) and the reduced number of turns in long course swimming.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( T_{LCM} \) — Converted time in long course meters (seconds)
• \( T_{SCY} \) — Original time in short course yards (seconds)
• 1.11 — Conversion factor (approximate)

Explanation: The factor accounts for the approximately 11% difference in performance between short course yards and long course meters swimming.

3. Importance of Time Conversion

Details: Accurate time conversion helps swimmers and coaches compare performances across different pool configurations and is particularly useful for college swimmers transitioning between short course and long course seasons.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your SCY time in seconds. The calculator will provide the approximate equivalent LCM time. Remember this is an estimation - actual performance may vary based on individual strengths.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the 1.11 factor exact for all events?
A: No, it's an approximation. The actual conversion may vary slightly by event distance and stroke.

Q2: Why is LCM generally slower than SCY?
A: Fewer turns in LCM (half as many as SCY) means less benefit from push-offs and more sustained swimming.

Q3: Are there more precise conversion methods?
A: Some organizations use event-specific conversion factors, but 1.11 is a good general rule.

Q4: Does this work for SCM (Short Course Meters)?
A: No, this is specifically for SCY to LCM. SCM to LCM conversions use different factors.

Q5: How accurate are these conversions for elite swimmers?
A: Elite swimmers may have more event-specific variations, but the 1.11 factor remains a reasonable estimate.