Swimming Disqualification (DQ) Manual

Introduction

Disqualifications (DQs) are an integral part of competitive swimming, helping to ensure that all swimmers follow the rules and maintain fair play. For young swimmers and their parents, understanding the rules around disqualifications can be daunting at first. However, learning these rules is essential for improving technique and achieving success in the pool. This guide provides a detailed explanation of common disqualification reasons, rules for each stroke, relay events, and the codes used to record infractions.

Common Reasons for Disqualifications

Disqualifications in swimming can happen during three key phases of a race: the start, the turns, and the finish. Below are general rules and frequent causes of DQs in each phase.

Disqualifications at the Start

  • Moving at the Start: Once the starter says, “Take your marks,” swimmers must remain completely still on the block or in the water until the starting signal. Movements such as adjusting goggles or flinching can result in a DQ.
  • Delaying the Start: Failure to promptly assume the starting position after the command may lead to disqualification.
  • Incorrect Foot Position (Backstroke): Toes must not curl over the edge of the gutter.

Disqualifications During the Race

  • Leaving the Lane: Swimmers must stay in their designated lane and not impede others.
  • Walking or Standing on the Bottom: While swimmers can stop and remain stationary if needed, stepping or walking on the bottom of the pool is not allowed.
  • Submersion Beyond 15 Meters: Swimmers must surface by the 15-meter mark after the start or a turn.

Disqualifications at the Finish

  • Improper Wall Touch: Swimmers must touch the wall in accordance with the rules for their stroke. For example, breaststroke and butterfly require a two-handed simultaneous touch, while freestyle and backstroke allow a one-hand touch.
  • Exiting the Pool Prematurely: Swimmers must remain in the water until authorized to leave by the referee.

Stroke-Specific Disqualification Rules

Each stroke has unique technical requirements, and failing to meet these can result in disqualification. Below are detailed rules for each stroke.

Freestyle

  • Wall Touch: Swimmers must touch the wall at every turn and at the finish.
  • Submersion: The swimmer must surface by the 15-meter mark after the start or any turn.
  • Turn: The swimmer must touch the wall with some part of their body during each turn.
  • Walking or Standing: Taking steps or walking on the bottom of the pool is prohibited.
  • Stroke Type: While freestyle technically allows any stroke, front crawl is most commonly used.

Backstroke

  • Start Position: Toes or feet must not curl over the gutter.
  • Submersion: The swimmer must surface at or before the 15-meter mark and remain on their back (shoulders not past vertical) except during turns.
  • Body Position: Swimmers must stay on their back throughout the race, except when initiating a turn.
  • Turn: Rolling onto the front for a turn is allowed, but the action must be continuous. Gliding or extra kicks after the arm pull are not permitted.
  • Finish: Swimmers must finish the race on their back, with shoulders not past vertical.

Practice Tip: Count strokes from the backstroke flags to the wall to avoid looking for it during turns and finishes.

Breaststroke

  • Arm Stroke and Kick Coordination: Arm and leg movements must be simultaneous and on the same horizontal plane.
  • Start and Turns: After the start and each turn, one arm pull and one breaststroke kick are permitted underwater. The swimmer’s head must break the surface before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. A single dolphin kick is allowed after the start and turns but must be followed by a breaststroke kick.
  • Two-Handed Touch: Swimmers must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at turns and the finish.
  • Feet Position: During the kick, feet must turn outward. Alternating, scissor, or butterfly kicks are not allowed.
  • Body Position: Swimmers must remain on their breast throughout the race.

Common Mistakes: Taking two strokes underwater at the start or after a turn. Bringing hands back beyond the hips (except during the start or turn).

Butterfly

  • Arm Movements: Arms must move forward together and backward simultaneously. There should be air between the arms and the water surface during the recovery phase.
  • Leg Movements: Legs must move together, with no alternating kicks allowed.
  • Two-Handed Touch: Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously at the turns and the finish.
  • Submersion: The swimmer’s head must break the surface by the 15-meter mark after the start and turns.
  • Body Position: Swimmers must remain on their breast throughout the race.

Individual Medley (IM)

  • Stroke Order: The sequence is butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
  • Turns: Swimmers must use the correct finish for each stroke (e.g., two-handed touch for butterfly and breaststroke, finish on the back for backstroke). Backstroke to breaststroke turns require the swimmer to touch the wall while still on their back before rotating onto their front.

Relays

Relay events require all swimmers to comply with the stroke rules for their segment. Additionally, the following rules apply:

  • Takeover: The outgoing swimmer must not leave the block until the incoming swimmer has touched the wall. Movement on the block is permitted as long as the feet do not lose contact before the touch.
  • Stroke Order in Medley Relay: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle.

Common Errors: Entering the water prematurely. Obstructing other swimmers or teams while leaving the pool.

Disqualification Codes

Disqualification codes are used to record the reason for a swimmer’s DQ. These codes are often listed alongside race results and may include details about the infraction.

How Codes Are Structured

  • Reason: Indicates the type of infraction (e.g., stroke, turn, finish).
  • Appeal Status: Blank (no appeal), “A” (appeal made), or “X” (appeal denied).
  • Length Code: Specifies the length of the pool where the infraction occurred (e.g., “3L” for third length).

Common Codes

Below are examples of common codes:

  • Freestyle: 5.2: Did not touch the wall at a turn or the finish. 5.3: Submerged beyond 15 meters during the race.
  • Backstroke: 6.1: Feet curled over the gutter at the start. 6.5: Did not finish on the back.
  • Breaststroke: 7.2: Arms or legs not moving simultaneously. 7.6: Did not touch with both hands simultaneously at the turn or finish.
  • Butterfly: 8.2: Arms not brought forward together. 8.4: Did not touch with both hands simultaneously at the turn or finish.
  • Relays: 10.11: Outgoing swimmer’s feet left the block before the incoming swimmer touched.

Key Tips to Avoid Disqualification

  • Starts: Practice staying completely still after “Take your marks.” Focus on the water or wall, not the starter.
  • Turns and Finishes: Develop a consistent approach to turns. Practice wall touches specific to your stroke.
  • Stroke Technique: Pay close attention to the technical requirements for each stroke, particularly arm and leg movements.
  • Relay Transitions: Rehearse takeovers with your teammates to perfect timing.
  • Coach Feedback: Regularly seek feedback on your technique during training sessions

Conclusion

Disqualifications are a natural part of a swimmer’s journey. By understanding the rules and focusing on technique, swimmers can minimize errors and improve performance. Remember, every DQ is an opportunity to learn and grow!

 

Download a copy of this information: TWSC DQ Manual