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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 unsportsman¬like
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.
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