About

RULES & REGULATIONS

As the National Governing Body for the sport of Swimming, USA Swimming is responsible for setting the rules and regulations governing competitive swimming. The USA Swimming Rule Book is the officialUSA Swimming Logo SMALL publication of USA Swimming. Changes to the rulebook are made on a yearly basis following the U.S. Aquatic Sports Convention. These changes include any new legislation, revisions and updates as voted on by the House of Delegates.

 

Any proposed changes to USA Swimming Rules and Regulations should be submitted to both the Chair and Secretary of the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Committee in accordance with Article 511.  For a summary of the provisions of Article 511 and the procedures for submitting legislations, click here.

 

Questions regarding USA Swimming Rules and Regulations, or any of the interpretations, may be directed to the Chair of the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Committee, Bruce Stratton.  

RULES & REGULATIONS FAQS

Q:  1) Article 101.4.2 states that it is permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged at the finish. What is the definition of “finish”?
Q:  2) Article 101.3.2 states that both arms must be brought forward over the water and pulled back simultaneously. What does the term “over the water” mean and how should it be judged?
Q:  3) The 2009 House of Delegates added to Article 202.3, Conditions for Sanction, and to Article 202.4, Requirements for Approval, the following provision, “The meet announcement shall include information about water depth measured for a distance of 3 feet 3½ inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from both end walls. What should be the nature of that statement?
Q:  4) Are we required to comply with the 4-hour rule in Article 205.3.1F? What is the penalty for not doing so?
Q:  5) Our club which is physically located in XYZ LSC is very close to ABC LSC and, for a variety of reasons; we would rather be a member of ABC LSC. Can we change our LSC affiliation and what is the process for doing so?
Q:  6) What is an “exhibition swim”?
Q:  7) My swimmer is 10 years old and would like to achieve a time in the 200 yard butterfly event, but the event is never offered for swimmers 10 years old. Can I enter him/her with the 11-12 age group which does offer the event?
Q:  8) Is any kind of tape allowed on the body during competition?
Q:  9) Swimsuits approved by FINA and included on its list of suits approved for use in competition are supposed to have a label affixed to the suit indicating it is “FINA Approved”. Does this mean that a suit must have a FINA label in order to be used in any competition?