Rules for All Races
* Starters will not hold up a race to wait for missing swimmers. If a swimmer or relay team is not at the ready bench or at the start end of the pool by the time the race is to begin, the starter will not wait for them to be found. The race will proceed on schedule and a makeup race will not be permitted.
* Starters will not hold up a race for a swimmer to locate cap or goggles.
* To easily avoid missing a race - plan to be at the ready bench on time and with all your gear.
Freestyle Rules
* You may not push off the bottom or the lane rope.
* The start must be forward.
* Your head must break the surface of the water before the 15 meter mark.
* Any kick or stroke is legal.
Backstroke Rules
* You may not touch the bottom or grab the lane rope.
* The start must be backward, and toes cannot be over the lip or top of the wall.
* The head must break the surface before the 15 meter mark.
* You must stay on your back at all times.
* Any stroke or kick is legal.
* Turns - you may turn towards your stomach for the turn, provided you only make one arm pull to execute the turn in one continuous motion. Ask your coach for a demonstration if necessary.
Breaststroke Rules
* You may not touch the bottom or pull on the lane rope and must remain on your breast the entire time.
* Arms must move simultaneously, and cannot go beyond the hipline (except on the start or after each turn).
* Legs must move simultaneously, and must be turned outward.
* Scissor, alternating and butterfly kicks are not permitted.
* Some part of the head must break the surface of the water on each arm stroke-leg stroke combination (except on the start of after each turn).
* Turns & finishes require a two-handed touch.
Exceptions for starts & turns
* Arms may go past hipline for one stroke after starts & turns.
* The head may remain underwater for one complete arm-leg stroke combination after starts & turns.
* One single downward butterfly kick may be performed followed by a breaststroke kick while completely submerged on starts & turns.
Butterfly Rules
* You may not touch the bottom or pull on the lane ropes.
* You must remain on your breast the entire time.
* The head must surface before the 15 meter mark.
* Arm stroke must be simultaneous.
* Leg movements must be simultaneous.
* Alternating, breaststroke & scissor kicks are not permitted.
* Turns and finishes require a two handed touch.
* Some part of the arm (between the wrist & shoulder) must break the surface of the water on each stroke.
Exceptions for starts & turns
* You may make multiple leg kicks, but only one arm pull underwater at the start or turn.
Relay Rules
The Stroke Judges will be looking for "Swimmer B's" feet to leave the wall and then verify that "Swimmer A" has touched the wall. If the "Swimmer A" has not touched the wall before "Swimmer B" dives in, then "Swimmer B" will be disqualified for an early start.