COMMON RULES TO AVOID DISQUALIFICATION (DQ)

General rules:

Misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct can result in a DQ.

In a relay, celebrating an early victory when the race isn’t over can result in a DQ

False starts (jumping off the block before horn/whistle blows) can lead to DQ. In regular season, you are given a second chance but only one chance post season.

During relays, the swimmer must swim the stroke assigned.

During relays, swimmers cannot dive or jump in until their teammate before them touches the wall

Walking on the pool floor, hanging on to lane rope can lead to a DQ (may be some leniency with younger swimmers or may depend on judge)

A swimmer must touch the wall at the end of the race to complete the race.The timer will not stop the timer until the wall is touched.

A swimmer must surface within 15 meters of the start. (i.e. cannot swim a whole lap underwater)

Breaststroke

Two hand touch:The swimmer must touch the end of the pool with two hands.If swimming a 50-meter (down and back), then the swimmer must do a two-hand touch on both walls.

Only one dolphin kick:The swimmer is allowed to do one dolphin kick (feet together) when diving in or pulling out of a turn but then must do breast stroke kick all other kicks

Limited arm pulls: The swimmer can only take one arm pull underwater when first dives in and then must come up for air and initiate next arm pull

Breaking the surface:Your head must break the surface with each arm pull starting with the second arm pull (first one may be under water as above)

Backstroke

Stay on your back:When swimming backstroke, a swimmer must not flip over onto his/her stomach.The exception is with the flip turn in which some swimmers flip over, flip turn but then end up on their back again for the second lap (this would need to be taught properly by the coach as sometimes difficult)

Butterfly

Two hand touch:When doing butterfly, the swimmer must touch the end of the pool with two hands.If swimming a 50-meter event (down and back), then the swimmer must do a two-hand touch on both walls.

Dolphin kick only:Must keep feet together in a dolphin kick.No flutter kicks (what is done with free-style)

Freestyle

See above for general rules.

The goal is front crawl but freestyle is more open to stroke technique.