Instant answers from the World Aquatics Swimming Competition Regulations, reviewed by certified Technical Officials.
Two free questions, no signup required. Each answer cites the specific World Aquatics article it draws from.
Every reason below is grounded in a specific World Aquatics article. Tap any card to ask the AI for the full ruling.
In breaststroke and butterfly, the touch at every turn and finish must be made with both hands separated and simultaneously, at, above, or below the water surface. The hands cannot be stacked one on top of the other. A one-handed or staggered touch results in disqualification.
SW 7.7 / SW 8.5After every start and turn in freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke, the swimmer's head must break the water surface no later than 15 meters from the wall. Failing to break the surface by that mark is a DQ.
SW 5.3 / SW 6.3 / SW 8.6Any swimmer who initiates the start before the starting signal may be disqualified. The disqualification is confirmed when both the Starter and the Referee observe the early initiation, with video review used when Automatic Officiating Equipment is available.
SW 4.4When executing a backstroke turn, the shoulders may be turned over the vertical to the breast, after which an immediate continuous single arm pull or immediate continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer must return to the back upon leaving the wall.
SW 6.4At the finish of a backstroke race, the swimmer must touch the finish wall while on the back. Finishing on the chest or in transition results in a DQ.
SW 6.5Standing or walking on the pool bottom is prohibited in all strokes — except during Freestyle events or the Freestyle leg of Medley events, where standing is permitted. Walking, however, is never permitted as it provides forward propulsion.
SW 10.2.3 / SW 10.2.4Using the lane line for propulsion or balance during the race results in disqualification.
SW 10.2.5In butterfly, both arms must be brought forward simultaneously over the water and backward simultaneously under the water. In breaststroke, all arm movements must be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement. Asymmetry can lead to a DQ.
SW 7.3 / SW 8.3Until the swimmer in the water touches the wall to complete their leg, the feet of the next relay team member must remain in contact with the starting platform. Leaving early disqualifies the relay team.
SW 10.4.5A swimmer who enters a pool while a race is in progress, before all racers have completed the course, will be disqualified from the next race they are scheduled to compete in.
SW 10.2.7 / SW 10.3Each answer is grounded in a specific World Aquatics article. Tap any to expand.
Three plans, every one of them grounded in the same regulations the officials use on deck.
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