Why was my swimmer disqualified in backstroke?

In backstroke, disqualifications are recorded in official results with no time or placing announced (Article 1.3). The most common reasons for a backstroke DQ include:

• **Underwater violations (15-meter rule):** Per Article 6.3, at least one part of the athlete's body must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and after each turn. By the 15-metre mark, the athlete's head must have broken the surface.

• **Turn violations:** Video Review Judges observe turns and finishes to ensure compliance with backstroke rules (Article 6.1). Improper touch technique or body position at the turn can result in disqualification.

•** Finish - When reaching for the finish wall, it is permissible for the Athlete to be completely submerged once his/her head has passed the 5 metre-mark. At the finish of the race, the Athlete must touch the finish wall while on the back.

If you believe the disqualification was in error, check with the Referee immediately after the race. Note that disqualifications cannot be appealed for eligibility rule breaches—those are handled by the Aquatics Integrity Unit (Article 6.1). For other technical violations, request clarification from the officiating team on which specific rule was breached.