Rules
Freestyle swimming: you can swim any type of swim and change it in the middle of the race. When turning, you must touch the wall. After the start and the turn you may dive up to 15 meters.
Backstroke: the start, swim and finish must be done on your back. For turns it is sufficient to touch the wall with the feet. On the last stroke it is allowed to turn on the belly for a voltaic turn. Diving is allowed up to a maximum of 15 metres.
Breaststroke: you may only swim breaststroke. You may only put your hands behind your hips after the start and turn in the so-called «through» stroke. Both hands must be touching the wall during turns and finish entries. The elbows must not rise above the water surface.
Butterfly stroke: you may only swim the butterfly stroke. Both hands must be touching the wall during turns and in the finish. After the start and the turn, the swimmer may dive up to 15 meters, but may also remain on his/her side until the first arm stroke.
A swimmer will be disqualified if he swims against the rules. Disqualifications are often due to incorrect turns or false starts.
Ready, set, go!
The start is the journey from the platform to the start of the swim. It includes starting, entering the water, sliding and surfacing. Swimmers, especially those who swim short distances, should hone all aspects. The start can be a win or a loss of several tenths of a point.
The race starts at the start mark. The swimmer does either a sprint or a drift. In the backstroke, the swimmer starts from the water with the face towards the start line. After the start signal, the swimmer pushes sharply into the water with arms outstretched. The body is as straight as possible.
In a sprint start, one foot is on the front edge of the starting ramp, the other on the back of the ramp. In the outrun, the feet are parallel so that the toes come over the edge. In the backstroke, the swimmer places his or her grip around the tube on the rack, feet side by side underwater against the end.
The Masters swimmer may start the race either from the start rack, from the edge of the pool or from the pool.
In relay races, the first competitor starts from the starting mark and the rest when the previous competitor touches the pool end at the end of their leg.
START = Put your toes over the edge and bend down with your head between your hands. Take hold of the front of the starter stool with your hands. The position is relaxed, not loose or stiff. Put your weight slightly on your heels, but be careful not to get wet in the water. When you hear the start signal, be the first to jerk your hands down. The rest of your body follows. Jump into the water as if into a small hole.
LONG RANGE START = Place your front foot on the front of the starting stool with your toes over the edge. Place the stronger foot against the backboard so that the feet are about hip-width apart. Take a firm grip on the front of the starter stool with your hands. Place the head between the hands. The centre of gravity is slightly on the front foot.
After the starting mark, do the following: bring your hands down, push with your back foot and then your front foot. Remember a good entry and glide into the water. Many swimmers hit the water too flat on their stomach.
BACK = Push off the wall after the starting signal with your back arched. Quickly bring your head back and arms out to the side or body-first swimming position. Aim to enter the water as if from a small hole.
