STROKE & TURN JUDGE / TIMER

STROKE & TURN JUDGE / TIMER
OFFICIALS TRAINING by Ed Saltzman STROKE & TURN JUDGE / TIMER VERSION 16.0 COPYRIGHT © GA SWIMMING, INC. 1

Why become a USA Swimming Official?
Maybe its because your child has chosen to participate in swimming and you want to share their experience, Maybe it’s to learn the technical rules of the different strokes, Maybe it’s because you like to volunteer your time to a worthy cause, Maybe it’s because you don’t like sitting in the stands during meets, Whatever the reason(s)…………….. You are about to take the same journey as thousands of other professionals, who are dedicated to the sport of swimming and its participants! 2

To courteously officiate within the swimming venue with: Honesty
As a Swimming Official, you will help establish, a safe, fair environment in which your swimmer will be able to participate, have fun and reach there full potential. The GA Swimming Official’s Vision is to engender uniformity in the sport of competitive swimming so that no swimmer gains an advantage over another swimmer. This can be achieved by adopting the following principles: To courteously officiate within the swimming venue with: Honesty Integrity Impartiality Sincerity without: Bias, Ignorance, or Prejudice 3

What is USA Swimming? What is FINA?
USA Swimming is the national governing body (NGB) for amateur competitive swimming in the United States. Established in 1978, USA Swimming, formally the Amateur Athletic Union(AAU), is headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. and oversees all USA Swimming sanctioned events held in the U.S. What is FINA? USA Swimming is affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur(FINA) which oversees international swimming competition, including the Olympic Games. 4

Federation Internationale de Natation
ASUA-UANA Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas

What is Georgia Swimming?
Within the United States, USA Swimming is divided into 59 Local Swimming Committees(LSCs), each one responsible for administering USA Swimming activities in a defined geographical area. The Georgia Swimming LSC geographical territory encompasses the State of Georgia and the Counties of Chambers and Russell, Alabama. 6

How do I become a Certified Official?
All USA Officials must be current, non-athlete members of USA Swimming. When you applied for this training class, you sent in an application to join USA Swimming along with the membership fee. Your current membership is on the way and you may already have received it. ??? GA Swimming requires all officials to take a training class, successfully pass the current USA official’s test(s), and apprentice at several swim meets for each officiating level. The ($15) fee, associated with the training class goes toward paying for rulebooks, CD’s, copying, certification cards, emblems, and mailing. This was sent in with your application. ???

Becoming a Certified Official, Con’t.
The certification requirements for Timer and Stroke & Turn judge will be outlined in the presentation. The certification requirements for all officiating positions is posted on the GA Swimming Official’s web site at: 8

This training segment is for Timer
This training segment is for Timer. Yes, believe it or not, there is an Official’s certification level for Timer. The volunteers that work as timers at swim meets you have attended are probably not certified officials. Most likely, they are volunteer parents. However, at all USA Swimming National Championships, the timers are all Certified USA Swimming Officials. So let’s view the certification requirements for Timer and begin the training with the USA Swimming Rules for Timer and Swim Meet Timing. As we move through the training, we will refer to the page numbers in the USA Swimming rulebook. We will also make reference to the rule numbers. Reference: Rule# 11

NOTE : THE GEORGIA SWIMMING OFFICIALS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ARE PATTERNED AFTER THE USA SWIMMING OFFICIALS CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES AND MEET OR EXCEED THE NATIONAL MINIMUM GUIDELINES CERTIFICATION T I M E R A. PRE-REQUISITE REQUIREMENT[s] 1. Be at least 11 years old. 2. Be a current non-athlete member of USA Swimming, Inc 3. Possess a current USA Swimming Rule Book. B. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT[s] 1. Take & pass the written Timer Test with a minimum score of 75%. {NOTE: The Trainer shall retain the test for a period of NOT LESS THAN two [2] calendar years.} 2. Apprentice at one session at a Georgia Swimming/Georgia Masters Swimming sanctioned / approved meet with satisfactory performance, attested in writing on the Apprentice form by the Timing Judge or Referee. 3. Complete the Apprentice Form appropriately and have the Referee for that session sign in ink. 4. Upon completion mail the Apprentice Form to the Certification Coordinator with a copy to your trainer, {suggest keeping a copy] 5. Certification must be completed within 1 year of the date of the clinic. This Certification shall be good for a period of two {2} years. When you attend the formal Stroke & Turn Training Class, you will automatically become certified as a Timer without having to apprentice. IGNORE 12

Reference: 102.17.1 Timing Personnel and Their Duties.
Chief Timer At the meets you have attended, the Chief Timer is usually called the “Head Timer” or “Backup Timer”. This person usually provides a watch to the timer on the lanes if a start is missed, or acts as a Relief Timer. Responsibilities: (A) Assure the assignment of Lane Timers to lanes and the designation of one timer on each lane to be the Head Lane Timer. (usually done by the Starter during the timers briefing) (B) On the starting signal, start a watch(es) on every race. The time of this watch shall be used if a Lane Timer's watch fails. (C) Be responsible for delivering all manual watch times, including those of disqualified swimmers, to the Timing Judge (if requested). Reference: Timing Personnel and Their Duties. 13

Head Lane Timer Responsibilities:
(A) Determine whether the swimmer or relay team is present and in the correct lane, heat and event, and that relay swimmers are swimming in the order listed. (B) Determine and record, on timer sheet or card, manual watch times or the absence of a swimmer or the relay team seeded in that lane. (C) Assign one timer to time relay splits and initial distance times if requested by the Chief Timer. (D) Report if the swimmer has delayed in touching or has missed the touch pad at the finish, or if there is reason to believe the semi-automatic or manual times may be inaccurate. (note on timer sheet) Reference: 14

Lane Timer Lane Timers - Officials assigned as Lane Timers may simultaneously operate two dissimilar devices (one watch and one button) but not two similar devices (two watches or two buttons). Responsibilities: (A) Be in position at the start to have an unobstructed view and shall start the watch at the instant of observing the visual starting signal. If neither is observed, the watch shall be started upon hearing the sound of the horn. (B) Stand directly over the assigned lane at the finish to observe a touch above, at, or below the surface of the water and stop the watch and/or push the semi-automatic system button when any part of the swimmer's body touches the wall. (C) Report the watch time to the Head Lane Timer or the designated recorder, report if a late or missed pad touch is observed; and, if requested, present the watch for inspection. Clear your watch and prepare for the next heat. 15 Reference:

1. Making sure the right swimmer is in the right lane.
At the swim meets you have attended, the timers actually have the responsibilities of both the Head Timer and the Lane Timer. There are several things to point out. You read that this individual is responsible for: 1. Making sure the right swimmer is in the right lane. 2. Starting and stopping the watch for each race. 3. Writing the watch time on the timing sheet or card. 4. Making sure that relay swimmers are in the order listed on the card. 5. Responsible for letting someone know if a swimmer missed the touch pad or touches the pad “lightly”. Since there are several situations that can occur where a swimmer or relay team can be disqualified for violations that occur in the timer’s jurisdiction, you can see that Timing is an important job. 16

Timing Equipment Operator (ATO)
Responsibilities: The Timing Equipment Operator operates the electronic timing system. This is the touch pads, backup buttons, starting system, and scoreboard. Advise the Referee or Admin Official of any system problems that might effect the accuracy of times. The timing equipment should be placed so that the operator is able to observe the finish of each race. Reference: 17

Requirements for Official Times
An “official” time can only be achieved: 1. In a USA sanctioned, approved or observed swim in accordance with all applicable rules. A “sanction” is a formal registration for USA meets where all swimmers are USA members. An “approval” can be obtained to allow the times to count, but not all the meet participants are USA members (Ex: High School Championship meets) An “official” time for an event or stroke can only be achieved: 2. In that event or stroke, or in an initial distance of that event or stroke. A freestyle event can only be used to achieve a freestyle time; no matter what stroke is used. 18 Reference: A

In other words: A swimmer can obtain official times in: Any heat
A swim-off A lead off leg of a relay A partial (initial) distance of a longer race – as long as they complete the entire distance and are not disqualified A time trial or record attempt Provided the conditions of the pool and officiating are in accordance with all applicable USA Rules. Examples: In the 400 Medley Relay, the backstroker’s time for the 100 distance is an official time, provided the backstroke swim is legal. The disqualification of other swimmers on the relay does NOT nullify the backstroke time. In a 200 Butterfly event, a swimmer may achieve an official time at the 100 distance, provided the swimmer finishes the race and is not disqualified. 19 Reference: & 2

The Official times achieved at swim meets can be used for:
All timing systems, including stop watches, must display the times to the one-hundredth (0.01) of a second. All times are to be recorded as such. If a device displays times to the thousandths (0.001), the digit representing the thousandths is dropped from the recording with no rounding, (Ex: = 30.15). The Official times achieved at swim meets can be used for: A. Meet entry qualification B. Recognition programs (Top Ten, Advanced Time Cuts, etc.) As the significance of the time increases, so does the requirement for the timing system(s) to be used. (see next slide) This insures the integrity of the result. 20 Reference: B&C

Timing Systems No swimmer shall be required to re-swim a race due to equipment failure……. Reference: D This means that swim meets should be set up with multiple levels of reliable and accurate systems, and the Timers need to pay attention! Timing System Designations Timing System Types Process Primary Automatic Computer Start/Stop Secondary Semi-Automatic Computer Start Manual Stop Tertiary Manual Manual Start/Stop Reference: 21

System Requirements for Specific Purposes
Primary Timing System Use of Official Time Level 1 Automatic Timing for all purposes World, American, and U.S. Open Records Initial distance splits and relay lead-off times Level 2 Semi-Automatic with 3 buttons NQT’s for 50m distances in a 50m pool National Age Group Records National reportable times Level 3 Semi-Automatic with 2 buttons Or Manual with 3 watches NQT’s, except for 50m distances in a 50m pool LSC and other local records, unless prohibited by the LSC Initial distance splits and relay lead-off times for age group time standards (A,B,C times) Level 4 Manual with 2 watches Zone, Regional or LSC sponsored meet time standards, unless Timing System 3 is specified Age group time standards (A,B,C times, etc.) As you can see, a World Record time would not be recognized from a meet where only watches were being used.

Determination of Official Time
At swim meets, the determination of which time will be used as the official time is usually made by one of the administrative officials. However, it is important for all officials to know the relationships between the different timing systems. Sometimes, one or more of the timing systems may not properly register a time for a race. It may be something as simple as a swimmer not touching the touchpad at the finish, or a timer forgetting to stop the watch. There may even be an electronic problem with the automatic timing system. This is why it is important to use several layers of timing systems. Whenever the primary system fails, the times obtained from the backup system(s) will need adjusting, to establish the official time. 23

Adjustment for Timing System Differences
Adjustment for Malfunction Equally Affecting an Entire Heat As was discussed in the previous slide, timing adjustments are typically made by one of the administrative officials, but a certified timer should know the process for making the determinations. 24

Time Adjustments Malfunction on a Single Lane
Example 1 - There is a primary system (pad), a secondary system (3 buttons), and a tertiary system (watch). For one reason or another, the pad in Lane 5 did not register a time, but the button was good. This is an example of a malfunction on a single lane. Correction: The proper button for each lane was identified and a difference between the button and lane pad calculated. Excluding Lane 5, all of the differences were averaged. The resulting average was added to the proper Lane 5 button time which is the official time. 25 Reference: D & Appendix 1

Time Adjustments Malfunction Across an Entire Heat
Example 2 - There is a primary system (pad), a secondary system (3 buttons), and a tertiary system (watch). For one reason or another, the automatic system did not register the electronic start and a manual start was entered. Since the buttons also operate off the automatic start, the only independent system that can be used for the adjustment is the watch times. This is an example of a malfunction across an entire heat. Correction: A difference between the watch time and lane pad was calculated. Since all lanes are affected, all of the differences were averaged. The resulting average was added to the pad time for each lane, which is the official time. 26 Reference: E & Appendix 1

Determining Order of Finish
At USA meets in Georgia, place judges are not used. However another official, (usually the Starter) is recording the finish order. This information is sometimes utilized by the administrative officials when there are timing discrepancies. This concludes the training on TIMER. We hope this presentation has been both interesting and informative. If you have questions, please review the presentation and rules, to see if your question can be answered. Reference: D 27

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified USA Swimming Official and for completing the Timer Training. 28

CERTIFICATION STROKE & TURN
A. PRE-REQUISITE REQUIREMENT[s] 1. Be at least 18* years old (* may not officiate and compete in the same session) 2. Satisfactorily complete USA Swimming Level 2 background check 3. Satisfactorily complete USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training 4. Be a current “Certified Official” member of USA Swimming, Inc. 5. Possess a current USA Swimming Rule Book. B. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT[s] 1. Attend a Stroke & Turn Clinic taught by a Georgia Certified Trainer. 2. Take & pass the current written Stroke & Turn / Timer exam with a minimum score of 80 %. 3. Turn the completed exam into the Certified Trainer under whom you matriculated. {NOTE: Referee shall retain the test for a period of NOT LESS THAN two [2] calendar years.} 4. Have the Trainer sign your Apprentice Form as indicated thereon. Approved: April 19, 2015 30

CERTIFICATION (Cont.) STROKE & TURN
5. Apprentice as S & T for a total of five [5] sessions at two [2] different sanctioned / approved meets under the direct supervision of Certified S & T Judges who have been certified for a minimum of one [1] year, (preferably five [5] different S&T Judges ). {NOTE: No more that two [2] apprentice sessions may be credited from out-of-state meet(s).} 6. Complete the Apprentice Form appropriately and have the Referee for that session sign in ink. 7. Upon completion mail the completed Apprentice Form to the Certification Coordinator with a copy to your trainer, (suggest keeping a copy) 8. Certification must be completed within one [1] year of the date of the clinic. 9. This Certification will be good for two [2] years. When you attend and successfully complete the Certification Clinic, your instructor will provide you with an apprentice form. 31

Judges The rule book defines 5 different types of judges: Chief Place
Stroke Turn Relay Take-Off During the timer training, we mentioned that Place Judges are not being used by GA. Swimming, so we will concentrate on the other 4 positions. Reference: 32

Judges The titles: Chief, Stroke, Turn, and Relay Take-Off, define the responsibility and jurisdiction that each of the judges has during a swim meet. Jurisdiction - The Referee will determine the respective areas of responsibility and jurisdiction which may include joint, concurrent, and coordinated responsibility. In other words, you may be filling one or all of these positions at the same time. Reference:

Joint responsibility and jurisdiction for a Stroke Judge would be to also observe the turns and finishes. Hence the term: “Stroke & Turn Judge” Likewise, during relays, a Stroke & Turn Judge may be assigned the responsibility to also observe the relay take-offs. At swim meets held in Georgia, the assignment of separate “Stroke” judges usually occurs only at “long course (50Meters)” swim meets. This is due to the inability of the turn judges at the pool ends to adequately observe the swimmer’s strokes through half of the pool. During “short course (25Yards or 25Meters)” meets, Stroke & Turn Judges are positioned at the pool ends with jurisdiction of their half the pool. The typical positioning of officials for short and long course is depicted on the next slide. Depending on the number of officials available, there may be fewer judges, each covering more lanes. 34

Judges S = Stroke Judge T= Turn Judge S&T = Stroke & Turn Judge
Short Course (25yd / 25M) Long Course (50M) T T T T S&T S&T S&T S&T RT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 RT RT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 RT S S S&T S&T S&T S&T S S S = Stroke Judge T= Turn Judge S&T = Stroke & Turn Judge RT = Relay Take-Off Judge (During relays only) T T T T 35

To summarize the Judges:
Chief Judge observes the position of the Judges and discusses the merits of potential disqualifications. This is an upper lever, experienced official. Stroke Judges observe the swimmer’s strokes, Turn Judges observe the swimmer’s turns and finishes. Relay Take-off Judges observe the take-off exchange between the relay swimmers. Stroke & Turn Judges have the responsibility and jurisdiction of both the Stroke and the Turn Judges. Reference: 36

Infraction Signal Judges are positioned at swim meets to observe the stroke, kick, turns, and finish of the swimmer(s). If a Stroke & Turn Judge sees an infraction during the swim, turn, or finish, the official is required to signal the infraction by immediately raising one hand overhead. The hand should be raised long enough for the Referee or Chief Judge to acknowledge the call. Infractions (Disqualifications), can only be called by the official that has jurisdiction over the swimmer and the official must be in position to properly see the infraction. Reference: 37

The swimmer always gets the Benefit of Doubt.
Example: You are assigned to observe Lanes 1 & 2 at the start end. You happen to see a violation in Lane 3. Since Lane 3 is not in your assigned jurisdiction, you can not make a call. Whenever an infraction is observed, the official making the call must be able to answer 3 important questions: Was I in position, to clearly see the violation? What did I see? What is the rule that covers the situation? And please remember that…. The swimmer always gets the Benefit of Doubt. 38

So let’s go to Article 101 - Individual Strokes and Relays
Being in the right position is to simply stand at the edge of the pool, over the lanes assigned to you, where you have a clear, unobstructed view of the pool and end wall. Officials must be able to articulate what they saw that violates a rule. Officials must be able to articulate that portion of the technical rules that apply to the situation. So let’s go to Article Individual Strokes and Relays 39

There are 4 individual strokes that will be discussed:
BREASTSTROKE BUTTERFLY BACKSTROKE FREESTYLE We will also learn about the INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY, which is a combination of the 4 individual strokes and we will go over RELAYS. 40

You might have noticed that the rules for the 4 individual strokes are broken up into separate categories, that define the unique aspects of each particular stroke. The definitions are: the START, the STROKE, the KICK, the TURNS, and the FINISH. The START describes the position a swimmer must be in, at the beginning of the race. Another certified official, the STARTER, is responsible for judging the swimmer’s position at the start. The STROKE describes the position and motion of various parts of a swimmer’s upper body (hips to head) during a race. 41

The KICK describes the position and motion of various parts of a swimmer’s lower body (legs to toes) during a race. The TURNS describe the position(s) of the swimmer’s body when changing direction during a race. This also includes any requirements for touching the end wall. For two of the strokes - Backstroke and Freestyle, the “touch” does not require the use of the hand(s). The FINISH describes the position a swimmer must be in, at the end of the race, including the touch. 42

And as stated before: The Swimmer always gets the benefit of doubt.
The terms SHALL, MUST, and MAY are used throughout the Technical Rules. “SHALL” and “MUST” describe mandatory actions to be taken by the swimmer. “MAY” describes actions that are permissive, but not required. The Technical Rules also make reference to different parts of the body, when describing positioning and motion. Unless otherwise stated, always envision the smallest portion of the appendage described. For instance, in the phrase “the hands must touch”, think of a fingernail as meeting the requirement. Same is true with “the head”. A tiny portion of a swim cap or hair meets the requirement. And as stated before: The Swimmer always gets the benefit of doubt. 43

Freestyle

Freestyle .1 Start - The forward start shall be used.
A forward start means that the swimmer must be in a position to make a forward entry into the pool. The swimmer may take this position on the starting block, on the wall, or even in the pool (*with one hand touching the wall or starting platform). * See for starts involving swimmers with disabilities. From the Block From the Deck In the Water 45 Reference: A &

Freestyle As we had previously mentioned, the “Starter” is responsible for making sure the swimmer is in the correct position for the start. .2 Stroke - In an event designated freestyle, the swimmer may swim any style, except that in a medley relay or an individual medley event, freestyle means any style other than butterfly, breaststroke or backstroke. In other words, in an event labeled “Freestyle”, there are no requirements for the arm or leg motion during the race. However, during a medley relay, or individual medley, the freestyle portion of the race can not be a repeat of one of the other three strokes. Reference: 46

Freestyle .2 con’t - Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point some part of the head must have broken the surface. Reference: 47

Freestyle .3 Turns - Upon Completion of each length the swimmer must touch the wall .4 Finish - The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his person touches the wall after completing the prescribed distance. Reference: & 48

Let’s review FREESTYLE:
1. The FORWARD start is used and the swimmer’s head must break the surface of the water before passing the 15 Meter mark. 2. There are no requirements for the arm and leg motion during a freestyle event. It is only during the “freestyle” portion of the Individual Medley or Medley relay that the motion must be something other than Breaststroke, Backstroke, or Butterfly. During a freestyle event, a swimmer can actually swim one of the other strokes so long as a forward start is used. The strokes are only judged under the freestyle rules. 3. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race. The swimmer has to touch the wall to complete each length. There are no requirements as to what part of the swimmer must touch. 4. The swimmer finishes the race by touching the wall after completing the distance of the event. If the swimmer executes the turn but, misses the wall, he may return to the wall to make the touch. Reference: 49

Freestyle Click White Arrow to Start Video

Backstroke

Backstroke .1 Start The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. Reference: 52

Backstroke Standing in or on the gutter, placing the toes above the lip of the gutter or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter, before or after the start is prohibited When using a backstroke ledge at the start, the toes of both feet must be in contact with the end wall or face of the touchpad. Bending the toes over the top of the touchpad is prohibited. 53 Reference:

Backstroke .2 Stroke —The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water. Remember; Standing in or on the gutter, placing the toes above the lip of the gutter or curling the toes over the lip of the gutter immediately after the start is not permitted. As previously discussed, it is the Starter’s job to make sure that the swimmers are in a legal starting position. However, once the starting signal occurs, the Stroke & Turn Judge has the responsibility to make sure the swimmers do not stand in the gutter…..etc. 54 Reference:

Backstroke The requirements for some part of the swimmer breaking the surface of the water and the head surfacing before passing the 15 Meter mark are the same as what we just learned in Freestyle. In Backstroke however, there is a position requirement for the swimmers to be on their backs. On the back requires the swimmer’s torso to be at vertical, or past vertical, toward the back. In the figures below, the first shows the swimmer completely on his back. The second shows the swimmer at a vertical position. 55

Backstroke .3 Turns — Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall. The swimmer must touch the wall to complete each length. Once again, like Freestyle, there is no requirement as to what part of the swimmer must touch. During the turn, the swimmer MAY, (but not required to), turn onto the breast to execute the turn. 56 Reference:

Backstroke If the swimmer chooses to turn onto the breast, he is allowed ONE arm pull. This pull may be made with either arm or with both arms simultaneously. Once the arm pull is complete, (arm is pulled back to the hip), the swimmer must be into the turn. The swimmer may continue to kick so long as it is part of the continuous action of turning. The key to judging this is to look for “A Continuous Turning Action”. The actions of moving from the back to the breast, taking and completing the arm pull, tucking and turning should occur in a contiguous fashion, flowing from one to the next without major breaks between the motions. 57

Backstroke .4 Finish — Upon the finish of the race, the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall after completing the required distance AND the swimmer must be on his back. Remember…... - “On the Back” means at the vertical or past the vertical toward the back. 58 Reference:

Backstroke Let’s review BACKSTROKE:
1. The Backstroke start is used. The Starter makes sure the swimmer is in the correct starting position. 2. Once the starting signal is given, the Stroke & Turn judge is responsible for making sure the swimmer does not stand in, or curl the toes over any gutter that may be part of the pool. However, it is permissible for the toes to come out of the water 3. The swimmer pushes off (on the back), and swims on the back throughout the race, using any kicking motion. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race however, after the start and the turns, the swimmer may travel underwater, for a distance not further than the 15 Meter marks. 4. The swimmer must touch the wall to complete each length and there is no requirement as to what part of the swimmer must touch. 59 Reference:

Backstroke 5. During the turns, the swimmer may, (but is not required to), rotate onto the breast to make the turn. If this occurs, the swimmer may take a single pull, with one arm, or both arms simultaneously. All motion, once the swimmer leaves the back, must be part of a continuous turning action. 6. The swimmer must be positioned on the back when the swimmer leaves the wall. 7. Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall at the finish while the swimmer is positioned on the back. Unlike Freestyle, if the swimmer rotates onto the breast, executes the turn but, misses the wall, the swimmer is Disqualified. 60 Reference:

Backstroke Click White Arrow to Start Video

We’re halfway through the strokes
We’re halfway through the strokes. Now is as good a time as any to discuss a couple of important officiating “concepts”. We have shown some demonstrations as to what the typical strokes may look like. It is important for a Stroke & Turn official to objectively judge the swimmer’s motions with the rules, rather than to judge the swimmer with a pre-conceived technique. Just because a swimmer has a different style than what you may be accustomed to seeing, it doesn’t mean it’s illegal. Ugly is Not Illegal An Official’s responsibility is to Insure Fairness for all Competitors. Never go to a meet anticipating disqualifications. And remember, where you have any doubt, the Swimmer always gets the benefit. 62

Breaststroke

Breaststroke .1 Start — The forward start shall be used. The forward start was discussed in Freestyle. The swimmer must be in a position to make a forward entry into the pool. .2 Stroke — From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time. Throughout the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order 64 Reference: &

Breaststroke “On the breast” is a little different than what can occur in Backstroke for “on the back”. The swimmer must be in a position which is on the breast rather than just past vertical toward the breast. All movement of the arms shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without any alternating movement. The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast, on, under, or over the water. Reference:

Breaststroke “From the Breast” means that the hands move forward between the shoulders. The hands can be pushed on the surface of the water, underwater, or over the surface so long as they remain in between the shoulders. 66

Breaststroke The elbows shall be under the water except for the final stroke before the turn, during the turn and for the last stroke at the finish. The hands shall be brought back on or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn. The figure above depicts the position of the arms following the underwater pull-out, which is the first stroke. 67 Reference:

Breaststroke During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer’s head shall break the surface of the water. After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. The rules for this stroke defines a “cycle” of motions. Arm pull, followed by leg kick, in that order. And during each cycle some part of the head must break the surface. Part of the head, means any part and does not require it to be the face. Just before the hands turn inward on the second stroke, the head must break the surface. 68 Reference:

Breaststroke .3 KICK After the start and after each turn, a single downward butterfly kick followed by a breaststroke kick is permitted while wholly submerged. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement. The swimmer may take one arm pull, one downward butterfly kick followed by a breaststroke kick while being completely submerged after the start and after each turn. (referred to as the “underwater pull-out”). Just before the hands turn inward on the second arm stroke, the head must break the surface of the water. Reference:

Breaststroke The feet must be turned outward during the propulsive part of the kick movement. A scissors, flutter, or downward butterfly kick is not permitted except as provided herein. Breaking the surface with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward butterfly kick. In Breaststroke, a scissors, flutter, or downward butterfly kick during the swim is not permitted. 70 Reference:

Breaststroke .4 Turns and Finish — At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface of the water at some point during any part of the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the touch. At Above Below 71 Reference:

Breaststroke There is no requirement as to what part(s) of the hands must touch (remember the fingernail?), and there is no requirement that the hands must be level. The fingertips may simply brush the wall. Just so both hands touch the wall, (at the same time). 72

Breaststroke Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired. The shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall and the form prescribed in .2 above must be attained from the beginning of the first arm stroke. “Horizontal Plane” has been mentioned in both the descriptions of the stroke and kick of this stroke. In swimming horizontal plane is parallel to the surface level of the water 73

Let’s review BREASTSTROKE
The forward start is used. 2. The body must be kept on the breast during the swim. 3. The arms move simultaneously and the legs move simultaneously. There is a defined cycle - (an arm pull) being followed by (a leg kick), in that order. 4. After the start and each turn, the swimmer may take one arm pull with the hands brought to the hips one downward butterfly kick followed by a breaststroke kick while totally submerged (underwater pull-out). But, the head must break the surface before the hands turn inward, (at the widest part) of the second stroke. The head then must break the surface during each cycle 5. The forward motion of the hands (the recovery) must occur from the breast which is in between the shoulders. The elbows shall be kept underwater. 6. The feet must be turned outward during the propulsive part of the kick. No scissors, flutter or downward butterfly kick allowed, except during the underwater pull-out (only one butterfly kick). 7. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously at the turns and the finish. 74

Breaststroke Click White Arrow to Start Video

Butterfly

Butterfly .1 Start — The forward start shall be used.
.2 Stroke — After the start and after each turn, the swimmer’s shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast. The swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks, but only one arm pull under water, which must bring him to the surface. It shall be permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface. The swimmer must remain on the surface until the next turn or finish. From the beginning of the first arm pull, the body shall be kept on the breast. Both arms must be brought forward over the water and pulled back simultaneously. 77 Reference: &

Butterfly In Butterfly, as in Breaststroke, there is a requirement for the body to remain on the breast during the swim. The shoulders must be at the vertical, or past vertical toward the breast, after the start and after each turn. The picture below depicts the swimmer at the vertical. There is no “cycle” in BUTTERFLY, so the swimmer may take one or more leg kicks after the start and each turn. One (1) simultaneous arm pull is allowed while the swimmer is underwater and the stroke must bring him to the surface. Like Freestyle and Backstroke, the swimmer’s head must break the surface before passing the 15 Meter marker. 78

Butterfly In Butterfly, the stroke rules require that the motions of the arms be simultaneous. The forward motion (the recovery) is required to be “over the water”. For Butterfly, the arm is described as that portion of the body between the shoulder and the wrist. So it is permissible for the hands to drag through the water. Beginning swimmers sometimes misjudge the final stroke before a turn or the finish. They start the final pull only to realize they are too close to the wall and quickly bring the arms together pushing them forward under the water. This is called an “Underwater Recovery and is a disqualification. 79

Butterfly .3 Kick — All up and down movements of the legs and feet must be simultaneous. The position of the legs or the feet need not be on the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each other. A scissors or breaststroke kicking movement is not permitted. 80 Reference:

Butterfly .4 Turns — At each turn the body shall be on the breast. The touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface. Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired. The shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall. The requirement for the touch in Butterfly is the same as in Breaststroke. The hands do not need to be at the same level, just so they touch simultaneously. .5 Finish — At the finish, the body shall be on the breast and the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface. 81 Reference: &

Butterfly Let’s review BUTTERFLY:
1. The Forward start is used, just like in Freestyle and Breaststroke. 2. Once the first arm pull commences, the body must be on the breast. 3. The swimmer is permitted multiple leg kicks, but only 1 arm pull while underwater. The head must break the surface before passing the 15 Meter mark and then some part of the body must break the surface until the next turn or finish. 4. The arms move forward simultaneously, over the water, and are pulled back simultaneously. 5. The legs must move up and down simultaneously. The feet however, do not need to be on the same level. 82

Butterfly 6. The touch at the turn and finish must be made with both hands, simultaneously. 83

Butterfly Click White Arrow to Start Video

Individual Medley

.1 Start - The forward Start shall be used.
Individual Medley The Individual Medley is an event combining all 4 strokes. Regardless of the total distance, the first 1/4th is Butterfly, the second - Backstroke, the third - Breaststroke, and the fourth - Freestyle, in that order. Event distances are 100, 200 and 400. .1 Start - The forward Start shall be used. .2 Stroke - The stroke for each one-fourth of the designated distance shall follow the prescribed rules for that stroke. The swimmer is simply judged by the rules for the stroke currently being executed. 86 Reference: &

Individual Medley .3 Turns
A. Intermediate turns within each stroke shall conform to the turn rules for that stroke. B. The turns when changing from one stroke to another shall conform to the finish rules for the stroke just completed, and shall be as follows: (1) Butterfly to backstroke — The swimmer must touch as described in Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner, but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the back when the swimmer leaves the wall. 87 Reference: A & .B(1)

Individual Medley (2) Backstroke to breaststroke — The swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall and the prescribed breaststroke form must be attained prior to the first arm stroke. (3) Breaststroke to freestyle — The swimmer must touch as described in Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner. .4 Finish - The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his/her person touches the wall after the prescribed distance. Reference: A & .B(2-3) & 88

Time to review the INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY:
Each individual swimmer swims a medley of the 4 different strokes; Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle, in that order. Any deviation to the prescribed order is not allowed. Since the first stroke is Butterfly, the forward start is used. While a swimmer is executing a particular stroke, the rules for that stroke apply. Even though each change of direction is considered a turn, the turn rules for the particular stroke only apply when a swimmer is making turns while swimming the same stroke (intermediate turns). When a swimmer is changing from one stroke to the next, the finish rules for that stroke apply. 89

Individual Medley Click White Arrow to Start Video

Relays

Relays .1 Freestyle Relay — Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s). Freestyle finish rules apply. Just as in Freestyle, the strokes are only judged using the Freestyle rules. .2 Medley Relay — Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the prescribed distance continuously in the following order: first, backstroke; second, breaststroke; third, butterfly; and fourth, freestyle. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. At the end of each leg, the finish rule for each stroke applies in each case. Reference: & 92

Relays The Medley Relay is a combination of the four strokes being swum in the prescribed order. Each leg of the relay is judged according to all of the pertinent rules for the specific stroke. .3 Mixed Gender Relays – must consist of (2) males & (2) females .4 Rules Pertaining to Relay Races: A. No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event. B. When automatic relay take-off judging is used, each swimmer must touch the touchplate or pad in his/her lane at the end of the course to have finished his/her leg of the relay race. C. In relay races a swimmer, other than the first swimmer, shall not start until his/her teammate has concluded his/her leg. Reference: & A-C 93

Relays D. Any relay team member and his/her relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member other than the swimmer designated to swim that leg shall jump into or enter the pool in the area where the race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race. Exception: when an in-the-water start is required or such start is approved by the Referee E. Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing his/her leg, except the last member. (This is to allow the automatic timing system to properly re-arm for the next swimmer) F. In relay races the team of a swimmer whose feet have lost touch with the starting platform (ground or deck) before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified. G. In Relay races involving in-the-water starts, the team of a swimmer who has lost touch with the end of the course before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified, unless the swimmer in default returns to the original starting point at the wall. 94 Reference: & D-G

Relays As a Stroke & Turn Judge, you will be asked to observe the relay takeoff exchanges between swimmers. The Relay rules state that a team will be disqualified if a swimmer’s feet have lost touch with the platform before the touch of his/her preceding teammate. In other words, an early takeoff. To properly judge the takeoff, the official should focus on the feet of the swimmer on the platform. When the feet leave the platform, the officials eyes should immediately move down to the finish wall and the finishing swimmer. If you see a touch, the exchange is good. 95

Relays The swimmer on the platform may be moving prior to the touch which is perfectly legal. That is why it is so important to watch the feet. Once again, we refer to the smallest portion of the feet. A toe nail, that is still touching the platform, is sufficient for a legal exchange. 96

Relays Click White Arrow to Start Video

DISQUALIFICATIONS .1 A disqualification can be made only by the official within whose jurisdiction the infraction has been committed. Except for the relay take-off judges when dual confirmation relay take-off judging, as provided in B, is used, the Referee, stroke, turn, or relay take-off judge upon observing an infraction, shall immediately raise one hand overhead. If the official does not do so, there shall be no disqualification. This was previously discussed. An official may only make a call within the lane(s) he/she is assigned. Observing an infraction is signaled by the official raising one hand overhead. When dual confirmation is used (ex. Relay Takeoffs), the hand is not raised, but the infraction is marked on a slip for later comparison. 98 Reference:

DISQUALIFICATIONS .2 The Referee or designated official making a disqualification shall make every reasonable effort to seek out the swimmer or his/her coach and inform him as to the reason for the dis-qualification. If a disqualification is made, it is the official’s responsibility to make a reasonable attempt to notify the swimmer of the infraction. This is a verbal notification and is limited to what was observed, (“You were disqualified for a non-simultaneous touch on turn 1”). Direct the swimmer to speak with his coach for further clarification. .3 Any swimmer who acts in an unsportsmanlike or unsafe manner within the swimming venue may be considered for appropriate action or penalty by the referee. 99 Reference: &

.4 A swimmer must start and finish the race in the same lane.
DISQUALIFICATIONS .4 A swimmer must start and finish the race in the same lane. It is permissible for a swimmer to cross over into another lane so long as the swimmer returns to the lane he/she started in and does not interfere with another swimmer. .5 Standing on the bottom during a freestyle race shall not disqualify a swimmer, but a swimmer must not leave the pool, or walk, or spring from the bottom. Standing on the bottom during any other stroke shall result in disqualification. During Freestyle, it is permissible for a swimmer to actually stand up on the bottom of the pool. However, the swimmer can not obtain an advantage by springing forward or walking. Because there are requirements for the position of the body during the other three strokes, standing on the bottom of the pool compromises those requirements and is a disqualification. 100 Reference: &

DISQUALIFICATIONS .6 Obstructing or otherwise interfering with another swimmer shall disqualify the offender, subject to the discretion of the Referee. .7 Any swimmer not entered in a race who enters the pool or course in the area in which said race is being conducted before all swimmers therein have completed the race shall be barred from the next individual event in which that swimmer is entered on that day or the next meet day, whichever is first. This is a good safety requirement. .8 Dipping goggles in the water or splashing water on the competitor’s face or body prior to an event shall not be considered as entering the pool unless the Referee finds that such action is interfering with the competition. 101 Reference:

.10 Grasping lane dividers to assist forward motion is not permitted.
DISQUALIFICATIONS .9 Should a foul endanger the chance of success of a swimmer(s), the Referee may allow the affected competitor(s) to reswim the event. In case of collusion to foul another swimmer, the Referee may, at his/her discretion, disqualify the swimmer for whose aid the foul was committed, as well as the swimmer committing the fouling. .10 Grasping lane dividers to assist forward motion is not permitted. .11 For relay disqualifications, refer to 102 Reference:

DISQUALIFICATIONS .12 The time and/or place of any swimmer or relay team disqualified either during or following an event shall not be recorded in the results of that event. If awards have been made prior to the decision to disqualify they shall be returned and made to the proper recipient(s) and if points have been scored by those disqualified the event shall be rescored. .13 Time and/or place officially recorded for a swimmer shall not be nullified for violations occurring subsequent to such performance. .14 Video replay footage from cameras approved in writing in advance of the competition by the Vice President of Program Operations may be used to review stroke or turn infractions called on deck. The official(s) reviewing the video may only confirm the call made on deck, overrule the call or advise the Referee that the review proved inconclusive. Reference: 103

Guidelines For Officiating Swimmers With A Disability
The Referee has the ability to modify the rules for a swimmer with a disability however, the modifications relate to the starting requirements and the allowance of assistants either on deck or in the water. There are no modifications made to the technical rules other than to simply judge the part(s) of the swimmer’s body that are present. If a part of the body is absent or cannot be used, it is not judged. A swimmer attempting a touch in Breaststroke, that is absent one hand, makes a legal touch by having both arms stretched forward simultaneously, while touching with the one hand present. The same would be true of simultaneous leg motions for a swimmer absent a leg or foot. It is also important to recognize that an injury is not classified as a disability, according to the definition of disability in the rules. 104

Georgia Swimming Officials Dress Code
The official uniform for Georgia Swimming Stroke & Turn Judges consists of navy blue slacks or shorts, (ladies may choose to wear a navy skirt), a white collared polo type shirt, and white shoes and socks. Blue jeans are not acceptable. The shirt should be void of any particular team logos and non-sponsor advertisements. As the typical swim meet sessions last for hours, it is recommended that the shoes provide comfort for periods of long term standing. The soles of the shoes also need to provide slip resistance for wet tile. The shoes are going to get wet, so it’s a good idea for the shoe covering to be constructed of a material that won’t melt. White running / walking shoes with a good tread design are usually what most officials wear. GA Swimming is a 501.C.3 organization and officials may deduct the cost of their uniform from their taxes. Note: Official’s dress code will vary from LSC to LSC – therefore, before attending a swim meet in another LSC – check with the Meet Referee about the proper uniform. 105

Click on USA Swimming logo below
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified USA Swimming Official and for completing the Stroke & Turn Judge Training. Now it’s time to take the Stroke & Turn Judge Test. USA Swimming Web Site – Online Stroke & Turn Test Click on USA Swimming logo below 106

Apprenticing Why? How? Then What?
Please contact Bruce Adams for instructions on how to proceed from here:

STROKE & TURN JUDGE / TIMER

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