FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Q: I had a question on my jurisdiction as judge. Who do I see?
  A: The referees have the final say in determining the jurisdiction for the Stroke & Turn judges. Usually this will be covered in the pre-meet briefing. But if you have questions, direct them to the referees.
• Q: I need some help evaluating the kick in breaststroke?
  A: The position of the feet is key to evaluating the breaststroke kick. If the feet are pointed outward during the propulsive part of the kick, it is usually a legal kick. If the feet are pointed downward, you will probably see either a dolphin like kick or an alternating movement of the feet (both illegal). If the feet are pointed in roughly the same sideways direction, look at the legs/knees. You will probably see either a scissors like action with the legs, or an alternating kick (less likely).
• Q: Do I have to watch both stroke & turn and early takeoffs during the medley relay?
  A: You cannot effectively do both. Talk to the referees and ask them to provide someone else to look at early takeoffs. Place judges are already in position and can do that with minimal training. Other options include the starter, referees, 2nd half S&T judges, and at last resort, ask a parent to do it. Remember, look at the feet of the outgoing swimmer, when they have left the edge of the pool, look down. If the incoming swimmer has not touched the wall, then it is an early takeoff violation.
• Q: Could you explain again the special LSA rules for 8 and under swimmers?
  A: These rules were put in place to help out these swimmers complete their races. If an 8 & under, at any time, swims the incorrect stroke, it is a disqualification. However, if that swimmer is attempting the correct stroke and kick, and does it incorrectly for less than half the length, then it is OK. A couple of examples of common things seen by the younger swimmers : A breastroke swimmer bring his arms below the hipline less than half the length of the pool: A butterfly swimmer starts the race recovering over the water, but toward the end (and less than half the length), does not have the strength to get the arms out of the water on the recovery. Always mark the DQ sheet with approximate length you observer the infraction (1/2, 1/4).
• Q: Any other special age rules?
  A: Yes, 6 and under swimmers are allowed to turn over on their breast during the last 6 feet of a backstroke race.
• Q: Do those 8 & under and 6 & under rules apply during the medley relay and IM races?
  A: The rules are essentially the same for both races: Each swimmer shall adhere to the position, stroke, kick, turn and finish rules governing the stroke being swum. No provision for age differences.
• Q: On breaststroke, when does the head have to break the surface after the start and each turn?
  A: A swimmer is allow a pull below the hipline, followed by a kick, followed by a second pull (not below the hipline). The head must break the surface before the hands begin the recovery (forward motion) after the 2nd arm pull.
• Q: When does the head have to break the surface on the other strokes?
  A: On butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle, the head must break the surface of the water by the mid-point of the pool.