Unsportsmanship in endurance sports generally, and in open water swimming in particular, means behaving contrary to the spirit of fair play. It involves unwanted contact, blocking, encroaching, or acting rudely.
This type of behavior can lead to penalties, warnings, or disqualification. Examples include pushing another swimmer away, following too closely illegally, or interference by escort boats. Officials monitor for these behaviors during competitions, particularly when there are large numbers of people or during critical moments such as turns and feeding stations.
