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Rules Primer
 The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide
fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote
uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules
designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair competitive
advantage over another swimmer.
Trained officials observe the
swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these
technical rules. If a swimmer commits an infraction of the rules
that is observed by an offical, a disqualification (DQ) will
result. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official
time and will not be eligible for an award in that event. A
disqualification may result from actions such as not getting to the
starting blocks on time, false starting, performing strokes in an
illegal manner, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
DQs are also a result of
technical rules violations. They include but are not limited
to:
Freestyle:
Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not touching the
wall on a turn, or not completing the distance.
Backstroke:
Pulling or kicking into the wall once a swimmer has turned passed
the vertical onto the breast. Turning onto the breast before
touching the wall with the hand at the finish of the race.
Breaststroke: An
illegal kick such as flutter (freestyle), dolphin (butterfly), or
scissors (side stroke); not on the breast; alternating movements of
the arms; taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is
under water; touching with only one hand at the turns or
finish.
Butterfly:
Alternating movements of the arms or legs; pushing the arms forward
under instead of over the water surface (underwater recovery); a
breaststroke style of kick; touching with only one hand at the
turns or finish.
For specific language on any
technical rules consult the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations
book. Violations of the rules are reported to the Referee. The
rules require that every reasonable effort be made to notify the
swimmer or his coach of the reason for the disqualification. If
your child is disqualified in an event, be supportive rather than
critical. For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be
treated as a learning experience, not as a punishment. A
disqualification alerts the swimmer and coach to what portions of
the swimmer's stroke need to be corrected. They should be
considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in
schoolwork-they point out areas that need further practice.
Disqualifications are necessary to keep the competition fair and
equitable for all competitors. A supportive attitude on the part of
the official, coach, and parent can make a positive situation out
of the disqualification.
For more information, go
to
USA Swimming's
Rules and Regulations.
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