Freestyle Rules

• The start must be forward (cannot use a backstroke start).
• You may start in the water as long as 1 hand is on the wall. (not advised).
• Any body position, kick or stroke is legal.
• The turn (if swimming greater then 25 yards) requires that some part of the body must touch the end wall.

Backstroke Rules

• The start must be backward, and toes cannot be over the lip or top of the wall.
• You must stay on your back at all times other than the turn (if swimming longer then 25 yards).
• Shoulder must not go past the vertical position other than attempting the turn.
• Any arm stroke or kick is legal as long as you remain on your back.
• Turns - you may turn towards your stomach for the turn, provided you only make one arm pull or two-arm simultaneous pull to execute the turn in one continuous motion. Ask your coach for a demonstration if necessary.
• Once a swimmer's head is within the flags a swimmer is allowed to submerge their entire body to finish underwater.
• Finish must be on back.

Breaststroke Rules

• A forward start must be used.
• You must remain on your breast the entire time.
• Arms must move simultaneously and cannot go beyond the hipline (except on the start or after each turn).
• Legs must move simultaneously and must be turned outward.
• Scissor, alternating and butterfly kicks are not permitted.
• Some part of the head must break the surface of the water on each arm stroke-leg stroke combination (except on the start of after each turn).
• Turns & finishes require a two-handed touch.
• Exceptions for starts & turns
  • Arms may go past hipline for one stroke after starts & turns.
  • The head may remain underwater for one complete arm-leg stroke combination after starts & turns.
  • One single downward butterfly kick may be performed followed by a breaststroke kick while completely submerged on starts & turns.

Butterfly Rules

• A forward start must be used.
• You must remain on your breast the entire time.
• Arm stroke must be simultaneous.
• Arm pulls must be under water while recovery must be over water.
• Leg movements must be simultaneous.
• Alternating, breaststroke & scissor kicks are not permitted.
• Turns and finishes require a two handed touch.
• Some part of the arm (between the wrist & shoulder) must break the surface of the water on each stroke.
• Exceptions for starts & turns
  • You may make multiple leg kicks, but only one arm pull underwater at the start or turn.

Individual Medley Rules

• A forward start must be used
• The order of strokes must be followed:

1st - Butterfly

2nd - Backstroke

3rd - Breaststroke

4th - Freestyle

• Acceptable transitions may be used to reduce time.

Relay Rules

• Must be completed by 4 swimmers
• Freestyle Relay
  • A forward start must be used.
  • Each swimmer should compete in freestyle
• Medley Relay
  • Each swimmer must complete 1 stoke
  • Order of strokes must be followed:
    • Backstroke
    • Breaststroke
    • Butterfly
    • Freestyle
• Swimmers must immediately exit the pool when their leg is completed.
• The Stroke Judges will be looking for "Swimmer B's" feet to leave the block and then verify that "Swimmer A" has touched the wall. If the "Swimmer A" has not touched the wall before "Swimmer B" dives in, then "Swimmer B" will be disqualified for an early start.
• A disqualification of any member or the relay results in the disqualification of the relay team.

Other Disqualifying Criteria

• False Start
  • Unnecessary delays in reporting to the starting blocks or assuming the starting position.
  • Does not step into the water feet-first for an "in-water" start.
  • Does not remain stationary immediately prior to the start.
  • Leaves the mark before the starting signal.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct
• Did not finish the race
• Wearing Jewelry
• Improper Swimsuit
• Uniform Infraction
• Did not show for race
• If swimmer swims in the wrong heat/lane.

What do the Whistles Mean?

1. Announcement

• Before each event the "Starter" will announce the Event and Heat number

2. Long Whistle

• Signals to swimmer to get on the blocks or step into the water for in-water starts

3. Marks

• When swimmers are settled referee motions for the "Starter" to start.
• "Starter" asks swimmers to "Take your marks".
• Swimmers should get in their ready positions and remain motionless

4. Loud Short Beep/Whistle/Horn

• The starting signal is given for the race.
• Swimmers should leave their starting position and race.

5. Serries or Short Whistles (at least 4)

• Signals to the "Starter" that the pool is cleared and the announcement should be made for the next race.