INTERPRETATIONS MADE BY THE
USA SWIMMING RULES AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE


BACKSTROKE:
  • June 1, 1997: Adopted the following parameters regarding DQs for being completely submerged prior to the touch at the finish:

The turn judge should, when possible, be given jurisdiction and should watch the swimmer approaching the wall. If the swimmer completely submerges prior to the turn judge having to shift his attention to the touch at the wall, this would be a DQ. Once the turn judge must watch for the touch, this DQ would be too close to call.

  • May 30, 1998: Reviewed question as to whether, on backstroke starts with flat walls or full touch pads, it is illegal for the athlete to bring the feet above the water surface after the start signal has been given. Since the rule pertaining to "after the start", Section 101.3.2, refers only to "standing in or on the gutter or curling the toes over the lipe of the gutter", it was agreed this would not be illegal when there is no gutter.
BREASTSTROKE:
  • June 3, 1995: Clarified that, in conformance with FINA's intent, the requirement for the elbows to remain under water on the breaststroke applies only to the recovery (forward) portion of the arm stroke, not to the backwards pull.
  • June 1, 1997: Agreed that the breaststroke must start with an arm pull to comply with the cycle of "one arm stroke and one leg kick, in that order" as stated in the rule. A swimmer starting with a leg kick first would be disqualified.
  • May 30, 1998: Reiterated that, under the March 6, 1998 rule changes by FINA, the arms must be in the same horizontal plane during the first pull at the start and after each turn.
BUTTERFLY:
  • May 30, 1998: In view of the March 6, 1998 rule changes by FIN
    • A, agreed that the shoulders need not be parallel with the water surface after the last pull into the wall at the turns and finishes.
INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY & MEDLEY RELAY:
  • June 1, 1997: Adopted the following FINA Technical Committee interpretation regarding the freestyle leg of these events:
When a swimmer has traveled a sufficient distance that the official can with certainty judge that the competitor is swimming in the style of butterfly, breaststroke or backstroke, then a DQ is appropriate.