The Start

False Starts

Freestyle

Backstroke

Breaststroke

Butterfly

Medley

The Start – There is a ‘One Start Rule’ for all events at swimming club and carnivals.  On the whistle from the Referee, swimmers shall take their positions on the blocks.  On the Starter’s command, “Take your marks” they shall immediately take up and hold a starting position.  The Starter shall then give the starting signal.

False Starts – Any swimmer starting before the starting signal has been given shall be disqualified.  If the starting signal sounds before the disqualification is declared, the race shall continue and the swimmer or swimmers disqualified upon completion of the race.  If the disqualification occurs before the starting signal, the signal shall not be given, but the remaining swimmers will be reminded of the penalties and the race shall start again.

Freestyle – Freestyle means that in an event so designated the swimmer may swim in any style, except that in an individual medley or medley relay events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Some part of the swimmers body must touch the wall upon completion of each length and at the finish. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water.

Backstroke – Feet first entry to the pool will apply to all backstroke events.  Once the Referee’s whistle has blown to enter the water, swimmers must take their starting positions immediately; anyone delaying the start will be given a warning.  The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end with both hands holding the starting grips. The swimmer must swim the entire race on their backs.  The finishing touch must also be on the back.  During the turn the swimmer may roll onto their stomach to complete the turn but the swimmer must push off the wall on their back and remain so until the finish of the race.   The turn is initiated by a continuous single arm pull.  Once the body has left the position on the back the swimmer may continue to kick as long as the arm pull is still being completed or the turning action is being initiated. The swimmer cannot kick if the arm pull has completed and the turn has not been started.  When executing the turn some part of the swimmer’s body must touch the wall. The swimmer must break the surface of the water prior to 15m after a start or turn.

Breaststroke – From the dive and turns the swimmer is allowed one arm pull and one kick underwater, as well as one dolphin kick at the power part of the arm pull down. The swimmer is required to break the surface of the water before the swimmer reaches the widest part of the second arm stroke.  The hands shall be pushed forward together from the chest on or over the water, although the elbows must remain underwater at all times.  All movement of the legs must be simultaneous and carried out on the same horizontal plane. The feet must be turned outward during the propulsion part of the kick.  Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed, unless followed by a downward dolphin kick. During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer's head must break the surface of the water.  At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch must be made with both hands simultaneously at, above or below the water level.  The shoulder shall remain in the horizontal plane until the touch has been made.

Butterfly - The swimmers arms must be brought forward together over the water and brought back under the water simultaneously. Leg movements must also be simultaneous and legs must remain on the same horizontal plane. No alternating movements are permitted. At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above or below water level. A breaststroke kick is not permitted.