Most Common Reasons for Disqualifications (DQ)

This is not the complete set of rules.

Freestyle

• Pushing off the bottom (often at start of race)
• Pulling on the lane rope
• Not touching the wall on a turn

Backstroke

• Not remaining on back except during turns
• Pulling or kicking into the wall after turned pass vertical (only one single or double arm pull is allowed after turning to the breast)
• After turning past vertical and finishing arm pull, not immediately starting turn
• Not remaining on back until touching the wall at the finish of the race

Breaststroke

• Using an illegal kick such as flutter, dolphin (butterfly), or scissors (side stroke) or feet not turn outward
• Alternating movements of the arms
• Pulls past hip line after start or turn (one full pull past hip is allow after start or turn)
• Taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is under water (one butterfly/dolphin kick after start and turn is allowed)
• Stroke must be one arm pull followed by one leg kick
• Touching with only one hand at the turns or finish

Butterfly

• Pushing the arms forward under instead of over the water (underwater recovery) (shoulder to wrist must break the surface of the water on each stroke including at turns or finish)
• Alternating movements of the arms or legs (all arm & leg movements must be simultaneous)
• Using an illegal kick such as flutter, scissors, or breaststroke kick
• Touching with only one hand at the turns or finish

Individual Relay

• Not swimming the strokes in order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, free
• Not following the rules for stroke
• Not finishing a segment with the touch required by the stroke rules

Medley Relay

• Not swimming the strokes in order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, free
• Not following the rules for stroke
• Not finishing a segment with the touch required by the stroke rules
• Leaving the block or side before the previous swimmer touches the wall