TECHNICAL GUIDE FOR OFICIATING SWIMMING

REFEREE

KNOWLEDGABLE ON THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

01. Timing procedures, equipment and the specific rules, apply to each type of equipment
used.
02. Place judging procedures
03. Check-in and seeding procedures
04. Starting procedures and instructions
05. Recording procedures
06. Proficiency in stroke and turn judging
07. Swimming Judgment – thorough knowledge of the rules and the reason for the rules,
ensure fair and equitable conditions of the competition and uniformity in the sport. Referee
must be able to judge every phase of the competition.
08. ATTITUDE – must be able to possess a positive swimming attitude through an
understanding of the swimming rules, respect for other officials and understanding for those
who are still gaining knowledge of the sport.
09. Administrative skills

A. BEFORE COMPETITION

A. Contact and coordinate with MEET DIRECTOR on any requirements for the meet
in advance of the competition.

B. ON COMPETITION DAY

A. Arrive on time at competition venue

B. Confer with the meet management
C. Obtain a list of officials
D. Review the facilities, seeding and administrative procedures
E. Conduct a technical meeting with team leaders and coaches. (Can also be done
prior to the competition day)
F. Conduct a meeting to assign and instruct Technical Officials
G. Approve all officials

C. DURING COMPETITION

A. Full attention must be given to every start, including close observation and
concurrence with the starter in false start disqualification.
B. After the starts, the referee should oversee the competition and evaluate the
performance of the technical officials.
C. If a rule is misunderstood, referee should correct the misunderstanding.
D. Referee should call any infraction observed and determine why the assigned official
did not do so.
E. Referee should reassign officials who are not performing their duties as well as
answer questions, protest and appeals of the other official’s decisions.
F. It is ineffective for the referee to be impatient with a distraught swimmer, coach or
parent.
G. Should listen to the person who has a complaint without being defensive
H. Show an understanding of the person’s perspective and a desire to resolve the
conflict.
 I. Should communicate with all parties involved to ensure proper interpretation and
understanding
J. Should communicate personal understanding of the problem and the decision
K. Sign any form pertinent to the meet.

D. AFTER COMPETITION

A. Remain at the pool long enough after the last race to ensure that final results have
been announced when there was a problem or a protest.
B. Use the time to critique the meet with meet management and to sign any forms
pertinent to the meet.
C. Write an evaluation of the meet officials

EQUIPMENTS AND THINGS TO PREPARE

01. Colored sign pens

02. Clipboard
03. Heat Sheet
04. Whistle
05. Pen Marker
06. Technical Officials’ Duty list
07. Technical Officials’ Evaluation Form
08. Technical Officials’ Attendance
09. FINA and PASA Rule Book
10. Meet Information
11. Competition Equipment List
12. Tape Measure
13. Two-way Radio

TIMEKEEPER

ROLE:

01. To accurately determine the time it took each swimmer to cover the distance of the
event
02. Precision and accuracy are important for timekeepers because final placement of
the swimmers in each event is determined by their time and finish order.

SPECIFIC ROLES:

01. MANUAL WATCH TIMEKEEPERS – Operates a hand-held digital watch and

is responsible for starting and stopping the watch.
02. BACK-UP BUTTON PUSHER – Operates a button that is part of the manual-
electronic timing system. The timekeeper is responsible for pushing one button at the finish
only.
03. HEAD LANE TIMER – If three (3) timekeepers per lane is used, this person
heads the taking of time on their assigned lane. May also be assigned to take relay splits,
intermediate times and act as turn judge and reports if a swimmer has missed the touch pad or
has a light touch.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

01. Check the lane timing system assigned to them (watch and button) before the start of
competition.
02. Start the watch when the starting signal is given
03. Stop the watch or push the button when any part of the swimmer’s body has touched the
end of the pool or the touch pad upon finishing the race.
04. Record the time on the swimmer’s card and heat sheet
05. be prepared to take intermediate times is assigned
06. Have record of laps completed by the swimmer in the assigned lane in distance events
07. Be aware of the laps completed by the swimmer in their assigned lane

PRIOR TO COMPETITION

01. Prepare the necessary equipments and things to be used such as:
A. Stopwatch
B. Clipboard
C. Heat Sheet
D. Pen
E. Extra Paper
02. Check the watch and be comfortable in using it. Practice starting, stopping, taking of
splits, resetting and reading of the watch supplied. Ensure that the batteries are working well.
Change batteries if watch is blinking or blurred to read onto.
03. Know the proper signal to inform the timekeeper in case of a watch malfunction.
04. Know the cues and instructions on when to stand, sit and approach the end of the pool.

AT THE START

01. Receive swimmer’s deck card and verify swimmer’s name shown on the card on heat
sheet and swimmer’s ID.
02. Know the distance of the event
03. Clear watches at the referee’s short consecutive whistles
04. Sit during start. Hold watches in front at the referee’s long whistle.
05. Timekeepers at this stage should have a clear view of the starter, strobe light or gun. Stay
alert and focus. Listen carefully to the starter’s command “ TAKE YOUR MARKS”.
06. Start the watch at the sound of the starting signal, flash of strobe or smoke of a gun
07. Check the watch after the start to ensure that it is working.
08. Inform the Chief Timekeeper if watch malfunctioned so that alternate timekeeper may be
assigned.
09. In distance events, keep a record of swimmer’s completed number of laps.

AT THE FINISH

01. in sprint events, all timekeepers moves together forward at the edge of the pool in their
assigned lane when the first swimmer reaches the 15 meter mark upon finishing. In 100
meters and above races, timekeepers will move forward when the swimmer in their assigned
lane reaches the 15 meter mark upon finishing.
02. Stand directly over assigned lanes where they could have a clear view of the wall and
incoming swimmer. If three (3) timekeepers are assigned, push-button timekeepers stays on
the right side of the starting blocks and the other two on the left side being careful and aware
of not to touch the top of the automatic timing pad and its wires.
03. Stop the watch and/or push the button when any part of the swimmers body has touched
the end of the pool or pad.
NOTE: LEGALITY OF THE TOUCH IS NOT THE TIMEKEEPERS’
RESPONSIBILITY.
04. Timekeepers should return to their chairs after the finish to record the times on their
watches at the correct section of the time card or swimmer’s deck cards. Read the time
accurately. Record a back-up time. Unless instructed to do so, the official time should not be
determined. Do not copy the electronic time or make up a time.
05. Report to the Chief Timekeeper of a light touch or a missed touch.
06. Unless instructed to do so, timekeepers may give swimmers their unofficial time when
requested. Avoid telling their place or whether they are disqualified.

RECORDING TIMES

01. Even if there has been a disqualification, timekeepers shall record the times of all
swimmers. Make a note on the heat sheets if swimmer did not finish the race.
02. Manual timing shall be registered up to 1/100 of a second only.

CALCULATING OFFICIAL MANUAL TIMES

01. THREE (3) WATCHES – If two watches agree, that is the official time. If three watches
have different times, the intermediate or middle time is the official time.
02. TWO (2) WATCHES – Average time shall be the official time
03. ONE (1) – Time recorded on the watch is the official time

REMINDERS FOR TIMEKEEPERS

01. Do not cheer or coach swimmers during the race

02. Refer any questions to the Chief Timekeeper
03. Switch off cellular phones and never use them while officiating
04. Give information to the Chief Timekeeper or Referee only
05. Be alert and focus during starts and finish
06. Wear proper officiating attire. If uniforms are not provided, know what type and color of
shirt, pants and shoes should officials wear.
07. be aware of meet schedules (technical Officials meeting start of competition, breaks in-
between, lunch breaks, etc.)
08. Maintain proper posture. Sit properly. Place other hand without a watch on the side or at
the back when standing on the pool deck.
09. Maintain a positive and harmonious attitude with swimmers, coaches, swimming
enthusiast and co-technical officials.
10. Arrange chairs properly on assigned lanes from time to time
11. Inform Chief Timekeeper or Referee of any discomfort in order to prepare immediate
alternatives
12. Do not carry unnecessary bags or body attachments
13. If breaks in-between permits (awarding of medals in between events), use this time, if
necessary, in going to the comfort room or getting water with the permission of the chief
Timekeeper or Referee, making sure that you return to your respective post in time for the
next start.
14. If outdoor competition pool is use and the weather is warm or hot, prepare along plastic
bottled water and face towel.

TIMING

The most important part of a swimming event is the time the swimmers achieve during
an event. This is the measurement of how long it took the swimmer to cover the distance for
that event.

TIMING SYSTEMS

01. AUTOMATIC OFFICIATING EQUIPMENT OR AUTOMATIC TIMING

SYSTEM – Is started by the starter’s signal (horn or gun) and is stopped at the finish by each
swimmer’s touch on the pad. The time is recorded determines both time and place. Usually
determined as the Primary timing System.
02. SEMI-AUTOMATIC TIMING SYSTEM – Is activated by a common start to all lanes
from the starter’s signal (horn or gun). Finishes are recorded by (3 or 1) pushed button/s
operated by the timekeepers when each finish touch of the swimmer is observed. This serves
as the back-up timing system in case of a failure or malfunction of the Automatic Timing
System.
03. MANUAL TIMING SYSTEM – Requires the use of hand – held digital stopwatches.
Start and stop actions are manually performed by timekeepers. This serves as the secondary
timing system and back-up of the primary timing system in case of a failure or malfunction.
Three timekeepers with three digital stopwatches are recommended for this system.

EQUIPMENTS TO PREPARE

01. Digital stopwatches (3 per lane)

02. Clipboard (1 per lane)
03. Pen
04. Heat Sheet
05. Hats and shaded eyeglasses
06. Plastic bottled water
07. Face towels
08. Rain Coat or Umbrella (if raining)

STARTER

Responsible for maintaining direct communication with the swimmers and for
providing an atmosphere in which the competitors can obtain a fair and equal start.

PREPARATION PRIOR TO COMPETITION

01. Review Rules

02. Go over schedules
03. Become aware of pool conditions
04. be familiar with the equipments to be used:

A. Automatic Officiating Equipment Starting Signal

A. 1. Check the system at least 30 minutes before the race so that any needed repairs
or modifications can be made.
A. 2. Locate starting areas and make sure starting system and platform is properly
installed.
A. 3. If necessary, retest starting system with the push button timekeepers just before
the start of the meet (usually after warm-up).
A. 4. If a strobe light is used, ensure that all timekeepers have a full view of the light.
It should be visible to all lanes.
A.5. Know how to prevent common malfunctions and how to repair simple problems
that may occur.
A. 6. Test false start recall signal
A. 7. Have a back-up starting gun or portable horn available.

B. STARTING GUN

B. 1. Check the gun at least 30 minutes before the first race so that any needed repairs
or modifications can be made.
B. 2. Fire a few practice shots.
STARTERS RESPONSIBILITY

01. Ensure that a legal starting form is observed

02. Gives the starting command “TAKE YOUR MARKS”
03. Activates the starting device
04. During and after the start and with concurrence of the referee, may charge a start violation
to a swimmer
05. Should assist during the warm-up by announcing procedures and schedules for sprint and
pace lanes.
06. Should obtain full event lists, scripts, time schedules and special announcements
07. Check with the protocol people and make sure the national anthem is ready to be played
on cue.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

01. Should constantly be alert and able to quickly adapt to meet conditions.
02. The spectators and swimmers attention and interest should be maintained throughout
the meet. This can be accomplished with timely announcements, information or
enthusiastic description of the race.
03. A few pertinent announcements are far more effective than too many.
04. Should be familiar with existing records and be able to announce if there is a
possibility that a record has been broken. This will add to the spectators' interest and
show proper recognition of the swimmer or swimmers involved.
05. Shall not make any announcement not pertinent to the actual conduct of the meet
without prior approval of the referee.
06. Should clearly announce the event number, event, heat number, swimmers and their
lane assignments prior to each event,
07. Announce all official results
08. Finalist should be announced as soon as the they are determined unless they are shown
on the final scoreboard.
09. Should coordinate the timing of the result announcement so that it does not conflict
with the start of another race.
10. The result of the last final event should be announced before the next event is
announced.
11. Should not make any announcement between the whistle is blown and the starting
signal is given except to silence the audience when requested by the referee.
12. Should speak clearly, talk slowly and pronounce names correctly. It is important to
correctly identify swimmers and their club or team affiliations as well as the correct
times and places in the results.
13. Should allow time for burst of cheering and applause.
14. Should never show displeasure with any aspect of the competition.
15. Should establish a set of routine for announcing the awards.
16. Keep everyone informed of the progress of the meet in pleasing and entertaining
manner.
17. Turn of the microphone except when making an announcement and follow all
approved scripts.

GUIDELINES FOR INSTRUCTING SWIMMERS

01. A starter should not confuse swimmers with unnecessary comments

02. Should be familiar with any special starting rules that apply to swimmers with
disabilities.
STARTING PROCEDURES

01. Referee blows a series of short whistles to inform swimmers to remove all clothing
except for the swimmer and determines that all swimmers are present. If a swimmer
takes up a position on the blocks, the Referee will instruct the starter, through his
microphone, to ask the swimmer to step down.
02. Remind the crowd to observe silence during the start if necessary.
03. Referee blows a long whistle indicating that swimmers should take up their positions
on the starting platform. For backstroke and medley relay, immediately enter the
water. As soon as the head of t his swimmer comes out of the water a second long
whistle is blown by the referee, which shall immediately bring back the backstroke and
medley swimmers to the starting position. When the swimmers and officials are
prepared for the start, the referee gestures a stretched out arm to the starter held until
the start has been achieved or aborted by the referee.
04. When the starter observes that all swimmers are ready, the command “take your
marks” is given. Each swimmer must immediately respond by assuming a starting
platform (for backstroke and medley, assume a starting position in the water).Starters
should speak in as low, distinct voice and avoid rapid instructions and sharp
commands. Be consistent with the tone of command
05. If starter would recall swimmers, the command “swimmers, stand up “or when in the
water, “swimmers relax” or “stand down”. If upon hearing the “stand up” command
causes any swimmer to enter the water, the starter and Referee have the authority to
relieve that swimmer of a false start. This, however, does not prevent disqualification
for deliberate delay if the swimmer intentionally enters the water.
06. When all swimmers are ready, the starting signal is given. If a malfunction of
equipment occurs, it may necessary recall swimmers.
07. Any swimmer who moves before the starting signal will be informed of the
disqualification after the race. The starter recommends the violation to the Referee
through a properly filled out infraction form. This disqualification may be ignored if,
in the opinion of the starter and the Referee, the swimmer moved due to outside
interference.

GUIDELINES FOR STARTERS

01. Starter responsibility requires concentration, quick reaction and fair decisions.
02. Don’t break swimmer’s concentration with unexpected orders or remarks.
03. Ensures that all competitors are given a fair start.
04. be calm, clear and confident with instructions with instruction. Swimmers
Should not be threatened with the tone of voice used. The starter shall instruct
rather than order.
05. Pause between any instructions adds the command “take your marks”.
06. Use standard command.
07. Address the swimmers with respect.
08. Be fair ad consistent.
09. Prepare for starting the next race the moment the previous race has started. This
Is a good time to observe the swimmers’ readiness?
10. Find clues that can help the starter predict how the swimmer will respond on the
Block and anticipate what needs to be done to the swimmers to obtain a good
Start.
11. Direct attention toward the entire field of swimmers.
12. Maintain proper posture and attire.

EQUIPMENT TO PREPARE

01. Automatic Officiating starting signal

 02. Back-up starting gun or portable horn
03. Starting caps good enough for the whole duration of the competition
04. Clipboard
05. Pen
06. Heat sheets
07. Plastics bottled water
08. Hats and shaded glasses

CHIEF FINISH JUDGE

Assign the position of each finish judge. After the race, the result sheets from each finish
judge shall be summarized and placing established and sent to the referee.

FINISH JUDGES

When either Automatic, Semi-Automatic or three manual digital watches per lane is used,
order of placing by the finish judges shall take precedence over the timekeepers report.
Minimum number of finish judges in a competition is three.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF FINISH JUDGES

01. Should position on elevated stands both slides of the finish end of the pool with
A clear, unobstructed view of the finish.
02. Observe a finish when any part of the swimmers body touches the wall or pad
And record on official forms provided the order of finish of the race by lane. All
Reports must be clearly and properly filled out together with the event and heat
Number.
03. Award a tie if the judges are unable to determine a close finish for a particular
place.
04. Signs finish judge report and submit to the chief finish judge.
05. Refrain from recording an inaccurate order of finish.
06. Must not leave the assigned position while a race is in progress.
07. Should not guess but only record the finishes they observed.
08. Should not offer an opinion about stroke, finish or turn legality.
09. Must closely observe the finish and ensures that underwater touches are seen.
10. Should only dive information of finishes to the chief judge at finish and the
referee.
11. Sit during the start and stand or sit when judging finishes of swimmers.

EQUIPMENT TO PREPARE

01. Finish judges report sheets

02. Clipboard
03. Pen
04. Heat Sheet
05. Plastic bottled water
06. Hats and shaded glasses

JUDGES OF STROKE

RESPONSIBILITIES

01. Review the handbook and know the technical rules.

02. Apply the rules uniformly. It should make no difference whether the swimmer is
An Olympian or a 10 year old.
 03. Observe swimmers to verify conformity with the rules. Although the outside
Lanes are the easiest to see; all assigned lanes must be watched. The official’s
Attention must be on the swimmers at all times during the race.
04. Ensures that the rules relating to the stroke are observed after the start.
05. Report infraction observed to the referee through properly filled out and signed
Infraction forms, clearly stating the infringement as per rule, the event, heat and
Lane number.
06. DO NOT REPORT INFRACTIONS IF YOU HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE
DOUBT.
07. Call the infraction when the rules are broken. A rule is either broken or it is not.
08. Be courteous in explaining an infraction to a swimmer and coach. Swimmers
Have the right to have a disqualification explained so that they understand a rule
Violation.

PROCEDURES IN ESTABLISHING POSITIONS

01. Strokes are best judge from the sides of the pool, as the judge walks abreast of
or slightly behind the swimmers. It is recommended that two judges be assigned
to each side of the pool. Judges should walk at a pace that is sufficient to stay
the swimmers.
02. Referee assigns an area of responsibility to each official prior to the start of the
meet.
03. Develop a pattern of observation that assures that all swimmers are judged
fairly. If the field starts to spread out, the judge should maintain a position
slightly ahead of the trailing swimmers. By turning at the waist, the judge will
be able to observe each swimmer. The shift of the eyes from head to arms to
feet and from lane to lane will vary. The key is consistency.
04. Give equal attention to each swimmer and use the same procedures of
observation .
05. Maintain proper position and movement to ensure that each swimmer receives
fair judging through accurate observation.
06. When an infraction is observed, the judge should note the lane, hat and event
number while continuing to observe the race. At the end of the race, an
infraction report sheet is properly filled out and signed by the judge, noting
the details of infraction and reported to the referee for discussion and approval.
07. Referee and/or stroke judge explains the disqualification to the swimmer and/or
coach. If the in case there is a protest, it should be directed to the referee in
writing. The disqualification and reason should be announced.
08. Must be able to mark the 15 meters after each start and turn.

JUDGES OF STROKE / INSPECTOR OF TURN

RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMBINED POSITION

01. Ensures that the rules relating to the stroke, turn and finishes are observed after
the start.
02. The referee, prior to the start of the competition, determines Judges’ respective
area of stroke, finish and turn responsibility and jurisdiction.
03. Judges from the side of the pool and if possible could judges turns and finishes
from the ends of the pool slightly to the side of the oncoming swimmer or move
to a best position to observe all assigned lanes.
04. The techniques for watching the swimmers are the same as when assigned only
one position.
05. Movement is the key to good officiating performance.
CHIEF INSPECTOR OF TURNS

RESPONSIBILITIES

01. Receives report of inspector of turns through properly filled out infraction form
and ascertain infraction being reported.
02. Advices the referee of the infraction being reported together with infraction
form.
03. Ensures that the inspector of turns fulfill his/her duties and responsibilities during
the competition.

INSPECTOR OF TURNS

RESPONSIBILITIES

01. Read the technical handbook and know the rules.

02. Apply the rule uniformly.
03. When the infraction has been observed, remain standing at the end of the pool to
indicate that there was a violation at the turn or finish.
04. Ensures that the swimmer complies with the turn and finish rules of the stroke
used. Any violation should be reported to the Chief Inspector of Turns on signed
infraction forms detailing the infraction, event, heat and lane number.
05. Establish an area of responsibility assigned by the referee.
06. Calls a disqualification when the rules are broken.
07. Judges relay take-off and exchanges in relay events.
08. Maintain proper position and movement to ensure that each swimmer receives
fair judging through accurate observation.

PROCEDURE

01. One inspector of turns shall be assigned to each end of the pool.
02. Inspector of turns at the starting end of the pool must move to a position to be
able to step forward quickly and observe the swimmer as soon as the starting
signal is given. They should stay as close to the end of the pool as possible to
observe the first kick and ending with the completion of the first arm pull.
03. The inspector of turns at the finish end shall ensure that the swimmers finish
their race according to the current rules.
04. Each inspector of turns at the starting end shall give a warming signal when the
swimmer in his lane has two lengths plus five (5) meters to swim to finish in
individual events of 800 and 1500 meters. A repeated warming signal of a bell
or whistle is given until after the turn when the swimmer reaches the five (5) meters
mark on the lane rope.
05. Shall determine, in relay events, whether the swimmer is in contact with the starting
platform when the preceding swimmer touches the starting wall.
06. Inspector of turns at the turning end of the pool shall record the number of laps
completed by the swimmer in his lane and keep the swimmer informed of the
remaining number of laps to be completed by “displaying lap cards”.
07. Shall stand slightly to the side of the oncoming swimmer from the end of the pool
to best judge the swimmer’ turn and finishes. Backstroke turns should be judge
from a position directly over the swimmer as the turn is executed.
08. Ensure that swimmers comply with the relevant rules for turning, commencing from
the beginning of the last arm stroke before touching and ending with the completion
of the first stroke.
09. Report any violation on signed forms after the race detailing the infringement,
event, heat and lane number, delivered to the chief inspector of turns for discussion,
 who shall immediately convey the report to the referee for approval.
10. Must not block the timekeepers’ view of the starter or the starter’s view of the
swimmer at the start.
11. Assume appropriate position when incoming swimmer is about ten (10) meters
away from the wall.

GUIDELINES FOR JUDGING THE STROKES AND TURNS

FREESTYLE
o Any stroke may be used.
o Any part of the swimmer’s body must touch the solid end of the pool or touch pad at
the turns and finish.
o If any stroke other than the “crawl” is used, it does not have to conform to the rules for
that stroke. Any stroke or combination of strokes may be used. Except in the
Individual Medley or Medley Relay, freestyle is defined as any style other than
butterfly, backstroke or breaststroke.
o It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a
distance of not more than 15 meters after the start each turn. By that point the head
must have broken the surface.
o If a swimmer stops during a freestyle race and stands on the bottom, it is not a
disqualification as long as the swimmer does not leave the pool, walk, push off or
spring from the bottom.

BACKSTROKE
o Immediately before the start, the swimmer must not stand in or on the gutter or curl the
toes over the lip of the gutter.
o This event must be swum on the back.
o The swimmer must be on the back expect when executing the turn. The normal
position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not including,
90 degrees from the horizontal. During the turn, the shoulders may be turned over the
vertical to the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous double
arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. Once the body has left the position on the
back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action. The swimmer
must have returned to the position on the back when the feet leaves the wall. When
executing the turn, there must be a touch of the wall with some part of the swimmer’s
body.
o It is 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.
o Upon the finish of the race the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. The
body may be submerged at the touch.
o Two-handed or two-arm backstroke is legal as long as swimmer remains on the back
position.
o A swimmer who stops who stops and stands is no longer on the back position.

BUTTERFLY

o The swimmer may used only one underwater arm pull at the start and after each turn,
then the arms must be brought forward together over the water. One or more dolphin
or side kicks are allowed underwater at the start and after turn.
o It is 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. The swimmer must remain on the surface until the next
turn or finish.
o Both arms shall be brought forward together over the water and brought backward
simultaneously throughout the race, subject to SW 8.5.
o All up and down movements of the legs must be simultaneous. The position of the legs
and feet need not be on the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each
other. A breaststroke kicking movement is not permitted.
o At the turn or finish, touch shall be made with both hands on the wall simultaneously,
but they may be at different level.
o The body shall be kept on the breast position from the beginning of the first arm stroke
after the start and each turn. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time.
o Underwater recovery is not permitted.

BREASTSTROKE

o All movements of the arms must be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane
without alternating movement.
o Some part of the swimmer’s head must break the surface of the water during each
complete cycle of one arm stroke and one leg kick except during the first cycle after
the start and each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back
beyond the hip line and one leg kick while submerged. The head must beak the
surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second
stroke.
o The swimmers body must be kept on the breast position. The hands shall be pushed
forward together from the breast on, under or over the water and shall be brought
back on or under the surface of then water.
o The elbows shall be under the water except for the final stroke before turn, during
the turn and for the final stroke at the finish.
o All movements of the legs must be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane
without alternating movements.
o The feet must be turned outwards during then propulsive part of the kick. A scissors,
flutter or downward dolphin kick is not permitted. Breaking the surface of the water
with the feet is allowed.
o At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch must be made be made with both
hands simultaneously at, above or below the water surface. The head may be
submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the sur5face
of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the
touch.

INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

The swimmer shall swim the individual medley in the following order: butterfly,
backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. Each stroke must conform to the rules for that stroke.
Turns from one stroke to another are considered finishes and must conform to the finish rules
for each stroke.

STROKE CHANGES

Butterfly to backstroke - Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn
in any manner desired. The swimmer must have returned to a position where the shoulders are
at past the vertical toward the back position before the leave the wall.
Backstroke to breaststroke – Upon the finish of backstroke, the swimmer must touch the wall
while on the back. Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired.
The shoulders must be past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave the wall. The
prescribe stroke from must be attained prior to the first arm stroke.

Breaststroke to freestyle – Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any
manner desired. The freestyle leg may not be the backstroke, butterfly; or breaststroke.

RELAYS

FREESTYLE RELAY

There are four swimmers on a team, with each individual swimming one-fourth of
the distance using any desired stroke. Freestyle finishes rules apply. Each relay card list the
swimmers in the order they are to swim. They may not swim out of turn and no swimmer may
more than one leg of the relay.

MEDLEY RELAY

There are four swimmers on a time, with each individual swimming one-fourth of
the distance. The stroke orders are as follows: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
Rules that pertain to each stroke must be followed. At the end each leg, the finish rule for that
stroke applies. Swimmers must swim in the order listed on the deck card.

RELAY TAKE-OFF JUDGING

ROLE

In relay events, the starting swimmer must not leave the starting block until the
incoming swimmer has touched the wall. The responsibility of then individual assigned as
relay take-off judge is to determine if this exchange has occurred properly. This function is
often assigned to the inspector of turns or the lane timekeepers.

RELAY TAKE-OFF RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Watch the swimmer on the block (focus on the feet) and also notice the incoming
swimmer’s touch on the end of the pool.
2. If an infraction is observed, signal the Chief Inspector of Turns or the Referee
according to a pre-determined.
3. Report all violations on official forms to the Chief Inspector of turns or the Referee.

POSITION

The relay take-off judges should stand beside the starting blocks, allowing enough
of not to distract the starting swimmer; so that touch of the incoming swimmer and then feet
of then starting swimmer can be clearly observed.

The judge should not kneel or crouch beside the starting swimmer.

The judges should not touch the swimmers or instruct them when to go.

PROCEDURES
 1. Relay take-off judges should watch their assigned lanes only.
2. The feet of the starting swimmer should be watched until the feet lose contact with the
block. The feet of the swimmer need not be at the front edge of the block. The motion
of the swimmer on the blocks should not distract the relay take-off judge. At the
instance that the feet lose contact with the starting block when the incoming swimmer
has not made contact with the end of the pool, there is a break in the relay and an
infraction has occurred.
3. The finish occurs when any part of the swimmer’s body has touched the wall,
regardless of the legality of the touch.

PROCEDURES FOR DISQUALIFACATION

1. If an infraction occurs, the judge should signal the Chief Inspector of Turns or the
Referee.
2. The judge should record and sign the infraction, nothing the event, heat and lane.
3. An early take-off is recorded on official forms, which is collected and passed on the
Chief Inspector of Turns and to the Referee after the completion of the event.

TIPS FOR RELAY TAKE-OFF JUDGING

o Ignore the splash of the Incoming swimmer, keeping eyes focused on the touch on the
wall and the feet of the starting swimmer leaving the block.
o The feet of the starting swimmer need not be at the front edge of the starting platform.
The feet may move their relative position on the starting platform as long as at least
one foot has contact with the starting platform when the incoming swimmer’s touch is
made.
o Be absolutely sue before calling an infraction. If there is any doubt, the judge should
not call it.
o Know that a swimmer may be in motion before the incoming touch as long as the feet
don’t leave the starting platform until the touch is made.
o Watch all subsequent exchanges even if an infraction has been called on the first
exchange.

AUTOMATIC RELAY TAKE-OFF DEVICE

At major events, the company supplying the automatic officiating equipment supplies the
automatic relay take-off device. Also a video back-up system may be supplied.

In judging the relay take-off, such system takes precedence over the judges. Before the start,
the supplier should be consulted concerning the measuring of the take over time (0.00-0.03 or
other).

ANNOUNCER

The announcer plays an important role in the meet. Through close coordination with the
referee and the starter, the announcer controls the tempo of the meet.

PRIOR TO THE START

1. Should arrive early at the meet.

2. Check and make sure the P.A. system is working properly.
3. Verify names and pronunciation of swimmers, coaches, VIP’S, teams, etc.
4. Be familiar with names, teams, federation names, abbreviations, position of federation
officials, etc.