Starting Rules:

• Swimmers must remain motionless after the starter gives the “Take your marks” command until the starting signal is given. Movement before the signal results in disqualification (DQ).

• Ensure goggles are adjusted and secure before stepping onto the starting block or entering the water for a backstroke start.​

​​

Stroke Rules:

Breaststroke:

• Arms and legs must move simultaneously in the same plane.

• Turns and finishes require a two-hand touch on the wall (simultaneously and at any water level).

Backstroke:

• Swimmers must remain on their back except during turns, when they can rotate onto their front. The finish must be on the back.

Butterfly:

• Both arms must move together in a simultaneous over-the-water motion.

• Legs must perform a dolphin kick, with no alternating movements.

Freestyle:

• Any stroke may be used (commonly front crawl). Rules primarily govern starts, turns, and finishes.

​​​

Relay Changeovers:

• A swimmer may leave the block or start the next leg only after the incoming swimmer touches the wall.

• Early take offs lead to team disqualification.

​​

Finish Requirements:

• Strokes with specific touch rules (e.g., breaststroke and butterfly) require a simultaneous two-hand touch on the wall.

• Backstroke and freestyle finishes are complete when any part of the swimmer touches the wall, following stroke rules.