| In swimming, the rules must be followed in total or a disqualification (DQ), is committed. It can be traumatic the first time a swimmer is DQ'd for just one mistake, but they are meant to help. A DQ helps all swimmers identify where they need to train and practice to prevent getting the same DQ over and over again. Starting last year, DQs begin from the very first meet. Our coaches will work with swimmers to prevent DQ’s and as a feedback tool during or after meets. Some of the more common reasons for a DQ are as follows: |
Freestyle
- Failure to touch the wall at the turning end of the pool
- Walking on the bottom or pulling on the lane ropes
- Exiting the pool before swimming the specified distance
Backstroke
- Past vertical towards the breast at any time except during a flip turn
- Leaving the wall after a turn past vertical towards the breast
- Improper flip turn (older swimmers)
- Finishing the race completely submerged
Breaststroke
- Incorrect kick, such as a Scissors kick or flutter kick
- Non-Simultaneous two hand touch or one hand touch at turn or finish
- Toes not pointed outward during the propulsive part of the kick
- More than one stroke underwater with arms fully extended at start or turn
- Arm recovery past waist except on first stroke after start or turn
- Head didn't break surface by conclusion of second arm pull underwater after a start or turn
Butterfly
- Non-Simultaneous or one handed wall touch at the turn or finish
- Non-Simultaneous leg movement during kicks
- Arms don't break water surface during recovery (judged at the elbows)
- Non Simultaneous arm movement during recovery
Relay Races
- A swimmer leaves the deck before the previous swimmer touches the wall or deck
False Start
- A swimmer starts the race early
- A swimmer moves after the Referee’s long whistle
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How will I know a DQ occurred?
When a Referee observes a violation, he raises his hand to signify that he has observed a violation then writes it up on the swimmer’s entry card. Another clue that a DQ has occurred is a Referee writing and a longer than normal pause between events.
