1. STROKE & TURN JUDGE 1 VERSION 1.0 September 1, 2014

2. Agenda PART 1 Introduction Purpose of Clinic Philosophy of Officiating Organization Swim Meets Levels of Certification Certification Requirements ----------Break ----------

3. PART 2 Stroke & Turn Freestyle Backstroke Breaststroke Butterfly Individual Medley Relays DQ Slips Relay Take Offs Jurisdiction Dress Code Q&A Test How Do I Work a Swim Meet?

4. Why do I want to become a USMS Swimming Official? Please take a moment to answer this question…….. 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’re injured and can’t compete right now, but don’t want to walk away from swimming all together, Whatever the reason(s)…………….. You are about to take the same journey as other professionals, who are dedicated to the sport of swimming and its participants! 4

5. Become a Certified USMS Swimming Official What is U.S. Masters Swimming? United States Masters Swimming is an organization of sportswomen and sportsmen founded in 1970 and dedicated to the premise that the lives of participants will be enhanced through aquatic physical conditioning. USMS supports and encourages competitions among its members and those of other nations. That is…………Learning to………... U.S. Masters Swimming is affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur(FINA) which oversees international swimming competition, including the Olympic Games. 5

7. How do I become a Certified Official? 1. All USMS Officials must be current, members of the corporation (USMS)????? 7 2. USMS requires all officials to take a training class, successfully pass the current USMS official’s test(s), and apprentice at several swim meets for each officiating level. The number of apprentice sessions required will be determined by the Officials Chair of your LMSC. The certification requirements for Stroke & Turn judge will be outlined in this presentation.

9. 9 Remember….. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail! Remember….. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail!

10. STROKE & TURN JUDGE 10

11. 11 The USMS 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, and Sincerity without: Bias, Ignorance, or Prejudice

12. 12 CERTIFICATION STROKE & TURN A. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT[s] 1.Be at least 19 years old. 2.Attend LMSC conducted Stroke and Turn Clinic or complete self-paced tutorial. 3. Serve on-deck as a trainee for at least four (4) sessions at a minimum of two (2) different non-championship meets. 4. Perform at each session to the satisfaction of the evaluating Referee. Such performance is reported on the Official’s Certification Application Form. 5. Pass all sections of the USMS Officials tests with an aggregate grade of at least 90 percent. 6. Complete certification requirements within 12 months of having attended the Stroke and Turn clinic or completed the self-paced course. 7. Certification is good until the December 31 following two years after the date of issuance. When you attend and successfully complete the Certification Clinic, your instructor will provide you with an apprentice form.

13. 13 RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS STROKE & TURN 1. Previously certified by USMS. 2. Work at least eight (8) sessions at a USMS sanctioned meet. 3. Attend LMSC or USA Swimming conducted Stroke and Turn clinic at least once every two years. 4. Pass all sections of the USMS Officials tests every two years with an aggregate grade of at least 90 percent. 5. Retain valid registration with USMS. 6. Recertification is good for two years.

14. There are 4 different types of judges: Chief, Stroke, Turn, and Relay Take-Off. 14 JUDGES 103.10.1 Chief—An overall “chief judge” may assign and supervise the activities of all stroke, turn, and takeoff judges and may report their decisions. If desired, any judging category may have a designated “chief.” Any “chief” may act as liaison for the judges and may serve simultaneously in one of the judging positions, and shall assign those judges within the category.

15. 15 JUDGES 103.10.2 Stroke Judges—Shall operate on both sides of the pool, preferably walking slightly behind the swimmers during all strokes except freestyle, during which events they may leave poolside, at the referee’s discretion; shall ensure that the rules relating to the style of swimming designated for the event are being observed; and shall report any violations to the referee on signed slips detailing the event, the heat number, the lane number, and the infraction observed. 103.10.3 Turn Judges—Shall operate on both ends of the pool; shall ensure that after the start and when turning or finishing, the swimmer complies with the rules applicable to the stroke used; and shall report any violations to the referee on signed slips detailing the event, the heat number, the lane number, and the infraction observed.

16. JUDGES 103.10.4 Jurisdiction of Stroke and Turn Judges—Before the competition begins, the referee shall determine the respective areas of stroke and turn responsibility and jurisdiction, which may include joint, concurrent and coordinated responsibility and jurisdiction. The referee shall ensure that all swimmers shall have fair, equitable, and uniform conditions of judging.

17. JUDGES 103.10.5 Relay Takeoff Judges A. Relay takeoff judges shall be assigned by the referee and shall stand so that they can clearly see both the feet of the departing swimmer(s) as they leave the starting platform and the touch of the incoming swimmer(s), and shall judge whether the swimmer is in contact with the platform when the incoming swimmer touches the end of the pool. B. If dual relay takeoff judging is used, the lane and side takeoff judges shall independently report infractions in writing without the use of the infraction hand signal. A relay shall be disqualified only if the lane takeoff judge has reported an infraction and the assigned side takeoff judge has confirmed the same infraction. C. When automatic relay exchange judging equipment is in use, the sys- tem printout will provide the information to judge relay exchanges. Integrated backup timing cameras may be reviewed by the referee to confirm the automatic system’s results. When backup timing cameras are not available, the referee will determine the confirmation process.

18. 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. JUDGES

19. 12345678 12345678 Short Course (25yd / 25M)Long Course (50M) S S S S S&T TTTT TTTT S = Stroke Judge T= Turn Judge S&T = Stroke & Turn Judge RT = Relay Take-Off Judge (During relays only) RT 19

20. 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. To summarize the Judges: 20

21. 21 DISQUALIFICATIONS Judges are positioned at swim meets to observe the stroke, kick, turns, and finish of the swimmer(s). Infractions (Disqualifications or DQs), 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. 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.

22. 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. Whenever an infraction is observed, the official making the call must be able to answer 3 important questions: 22 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. 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.

23. 23 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 applies to the situation.

24. 24 There are 4 individual strokes that will be discussed: We will also learn about the INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY, which is a combination of the 4 individual strokes and we will go over RELAYS. BREASTSTROKE BUTTERFLY BACKSTROKE FREESTYLE

25. 25 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.

26. 26 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. The FINISH describes the position a swimmer must be in, at the end of the race, including the touch. For two of the strokes - Backstroke and Freestyle, the “touch” does not require the use of the hand(s).

27. 27 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. 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. OFFICIAL GLOSSARY - Swimming Words & Terms

28. 28 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). The swimmer may also choose to use a Backstroke start in a Freestyle event. FREESTYLE

29. 29 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. FREESTYLE 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 the head must have broken the surface.

30. 30 FREESTYLE 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. Note: Other strokes swum during a Freestyle event will only count for Freestyle

31. 31 4. Finish - The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of their person touches the wall after completing the prescribed distance. 3. Turns - Upon Completion of each length the swimmer must touch the wall FREESTYLE

32. 1. The FORWARD start is used and the swimmer’s head must break the surface of the water before passing the 15 Meter mark. Let’s review FREESTYLE: 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. 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. 32 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; anytime prior to touching the other end of the pool.

33. 33 1. Start A. The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. BACKSTROKE

34. 34 B. 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 A backstroke starting block may be used. 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.

35. 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. 35 BACKSTROKE

36. 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. 36 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. BACKSTROKE

37. 37 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 execute 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. BACKSTROKE

38. 38 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 initiate the turn. Failure to do so is “Delay Initiating 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. BACKSTROKE

39. 39 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. The body may be submerged at the touch. BACKSTROKE

40. 40 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. BACKSTROKE 1. The Backstroke start is used. The Starter makes sure the swimmer is in the correct starting position. Let’s review BACKSTROKE:

41. 41 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. It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged at the finish. BACKSTROKE 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.

42. 42 The Starter is responsible for the position of the swimmers hands and toes prior to the start BACKSTROKE At the turn, three (3) things can happen: 1) Swimmer touches wall while on the back – may turn in any manner – must be past vertical toward back then feet leave wall. 2) Swimmer begins to turn past vertical toward breast but touches wall with some part of body before executing turn is legal as long as the turning motion was continuous after leaving position on back. 3) Swimmer turns past vertical towards breast and initiates turning action by taking an arm pull ………….. At the turn, three (3) things can happen: 1) Swimmer touches wall while on the back – may turn in any manner – must be past vertical toward back then feet leave wall. 2) Swimmer begins to turn past vertical toward breast but touches wall with some part of body before executing turn is legal as long as the turning motion was continuous after leaving position on back. 3) Swimmer turns past vertical towards breast and initiates turning action by taking an arm pull ………….. Unlike the Freestyle, If the swimmer executes the turn but, misses the wall, they are disqualified.

43. 43 We’re halfway through the strokes. Now is as good a time as any to discuss a couple of important officiating “concepts”. 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.

44. 44 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. Swimmer may start on the blocks, on the deck or in the water. BREASTSTROKE 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 “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.

45. BREASTSTROKE 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. “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.

46. 46 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. BREASTSTROKE

47. 47 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. BREASTSTROKE

48. 3. KICK After the start and after each turn, and after initiation of the first arm pull, which has been defined as any “outward lateral movement of the hands or arms”, a single downward butterfly kick may be taken, which must then be 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.

49. 49 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. A scissors kick occurs when propulsion is obtained by the use of the top of the one foot and the bottom of the other foot. BREASTSTROKE

50. 50 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 BREASTSTROKE

51. 51 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). However, the hands may not be “stacked” on top of each other. BREASTSTROKE

52. 52 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 previously 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 BREASTSTROKE

53. 53 BREASTSTROKE Let’s review BREASTSTROKE 1.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 kept on the breast during the swim.

54. 54 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. 7. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously at the turns and the finish. BREASTSTROKE

55. 55 1. Start — The forward start shall be used. The swimmer may start on the blocks, on the deck or in the water..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. (Note: After the start and after each turn, only one breaststroke kick is allowed prior to the arm pull that brings the swimmer 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. BUTTERFLY

56. 56 In Butterfly, as in Breaststroke, there is a requirement for the 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 (except if a breaststroke kick is used – see “kick”). 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. BUTTERFLY

57. 57 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. BUTTERFLY

58. 58 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. An alternating or scissors kicking movement is not permitted. The breaststroke or whip kick may be used exclusively or interchangeably with the dolphin kick while doing the butterfly stroke at any time during the race. Only one breaststroke or whip kick is permitted per arm pull, except that a single breaststroke or whip kick is permitted prior to the turn or the finish without an arm pull. BUTTERFLY

59. 59 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. **The hands may not be stacked. 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. **The hands may not be stacked. BUTTERFLY

60. 60 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. Only one breaststroke kick is permitted at the start and after each turn, before the first arm pull brings the swimmer to the surface. 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. The breaststroke or whip kick may be used exclusively or interchangeably with the dolphin kick while doing the butterfly stroke at any time during the race. 6.The touch at the turn and finish must be made with both hands, simultaneously. BUTTERFLY

61. 61 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. The swimmer may start on the blocks, the deck or in the water. 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. INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

62. 62 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 101.3.5. 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. When a swimmer turns during a portion of a stroke distance, the turn rules for that stroke apply. **However, when a swimmer changes to another stroke, the finish rules for the stroke being completed apply. INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

63. (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 101.2.4. 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. 63 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

64. 64 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. INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

65. In Butterfly, Breaststroke, and Freestyle, the turn rules and the finish rules are the same. The only stroke where there is a difference is Backstroke. So when a swimmer is making turns during the Backstroke distance, he/she can turn past vertical on to the breast and make the turn. But when changing from Backstroke to Breaststroke, the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. 65 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

66. 66 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. RELAYS

67. 67 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. 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. RELAYS

68. 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. E If swimmers are unable to exit the pool at the end of their leg; they are permitted to remain in the water – but must hang on the lane lines, avoiding any contact with the touch pads or interference with incoming swimmers, until instructed to exit the pool by the officials. 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. 68 RELAYS

69. 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. 69 RELAYS

70. 70 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. RELAYS A typical relay exchange will look like what is depicted in the example below.

71. 71 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 is used, the referee, stroke, or turn judge, upon observing an infraction, shall immediately raise one hand overhead. If the official does not do so, there shall be no disqualification. When dual confirmation is used (ex. Relay Takeoffs), the hand is not raised, but the infraction is marked on a slip for later comparison. DISQUALIFICATIONS

72. 72 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 them as to the reason for the disqualification. This is a verbal notification and is limited to what was observed. 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. 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. DISQUALIFICATIONS

73. 73 5. 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. 6. Obstructing another swimmer by swimming across or otherwise interfering shall disqualify the offender, subject to the discretion of the Referee. DISQUALIFICATIONS

74. 74 7. 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. 8. 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 doing the fouling. DISQUALIFICATIONS

75. 75 9. No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help his/her speed or buoyancy during a race. Goggles may be worn, and rubdown oil applied if not considered excessive by the Referee. 10. Grasping lane dividers to assist forward motion is not permitted. 11. For relay disqualifications, refer to 101.7.3. DISQUALIFICATIONS

76. 76 12. The time, place and/or initial splits 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. A swimmer who misrepresents a seed time, causing a significant delay of the meet, may be disqualified at the discretion of the referee. The disqualified swimmer shall be removed from the lane as soon as practical. DISQUALIFICATIONS

77. 77 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. Guidelines For Officiating Swimmers With A Disability

78. 78 The official uniform for Stroke & Turn Judges will be determined by the LMSC Officials Chair or the Meet Referee. Blue jeans are not acceptable. As the typical swim meet sessions last for 3 - 4 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.

79. Thank you for your interest in becoming a Certified USMS Swimming Official and for completing the Stroke & Turn Judge Training. Now it’s time to take the Stroke & Turn Judge Test. A copy of the test was provided to you in the packet. It’s open book and there is no time limit. Indicate your answer by placing an ‘x’ on the line to the left of your choice. You will also need to mark the reference(s) [rule(s)] that apply. There is only one correct answer for each question but there may be more than one applicable reference or rule. The trainer will go over the answers with you. The trainer will keep your test for proof of completion. 79

80. Apprenticing Why? How? Then What?