Stroke Descriptions
All age groups compete under the same rules.
Freestyle
Is a forward start (from the pool deck), and the swimmer’s head is required to surface at or before 15 meters. Some part of the body must remain on the surface for the remainder of the length. Any stroke and kick are permitted. The swimmer must touch the end of the pool with some part of the body at the completion of each length.
Backstroke
Is an in-water start (from in the water), and the swimmer’s head is required to surface at or before 15 meters. Some part of the body must remain on the surface for the remainder of the length. Any stroke and kick are permitted, but the swimmer must remain on the back. The swimmer must touch the end of the pool with some part of the body at the completion of each length.
The swimmer may turn past vertical for the turn but must immediately execute a single-arm pull, simultaneous double-arm pull, or execute the turning motion.
Breaststroke
Is a forward start, and there is no 15 meter requirement. It is a cycle stroke consisting of one arm-pull and one leg-kick in that order with the head breaking the surface at least once during each cycle. Breaststroke must be swum on the breast. The arm-pull may not bring the hands past the hipline. The hands must recover from the breast on, under, or over the water with the elbows remaining in contact with the water. All arm movements must be simultaneous. The leg-kick has the feet turned out during the propulsive portion of the kick. All leg movements must be simultaneous. No alternating, scissors, or butterfly kicking is permitted. All wall touches must be with two hands, simultaneous, and separated.
Exceptions: After the start and turn, the first arm-pull is permitted past the hipline. Additionally, one butterfly kick is permitted prior to the first breaststroke kick.
Butterfly
Is a forward start, and the swimmer’s head is required to surface at or before 15 meters. Some part of the body must remain on the surface for the remainder of the length. Butterfly must be swum on the breast. All arm movements must be simultaneous with the arms (defined as shoulder to wrist) brought forward over the water. All leg movements must be simultaneous up and down. No alternating, scissors, or breaststroke kicking is permitted. All wall touches must be with two hands, simultaneous, and separated.
Individual Medley
Is a forward start consisting of 25 meters of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, in that order. The finish rules for each stroke apply.
Relays
Relays consist of four swimmers with each swimming one quarter of the prescribed distance. The medley relay is swum in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle. At the Relay Carnival, all age groups compete in both the freestyle and medley relays. Running starts are not permitted.
DQs (DISQUALIFICATIONS)
At one time or another, all swimmers have or will violate the stroke rules, resulting in a disqualification. Swimmers and parents should use any disqualification DQ as a learning opportunity. Coaches will review any DQ with the swimmer after the meet and work with the swimmer at the next practice(s) to complete the learning opportunity.
COMMON DQs
False Start (individual and relay races)
A false start occurs at the beginning of a race when the following sequential questions are all answered “yes” independently by the starter and the referee:
1.Did the starter say, “Take your marks”?
2.Did the swimmer assume a set position in the judgment of the starter and referee?
3.Did the swimmer leave the set position prior to the starting signal?
4.Did the swimmer enter the water?
Early Take-Off (relay races)
An early take-off occurs when the feet of swimmers 2, 3, and/or 4 lose contact with the deck prior to the touch of the preceding swimmer as observed independently by two relay take-off judges.
