SWIMMING RULE QUICK REFERENCE INFRACTION SHEET

This card is to assist as a quick reference guide for Judges of Stroke and Inspectors of Turns.
It must not be used as a substitute for the thorough knowledge of FINA Rules 2017-2021 Edition

Version 22 August 2019

STARTS FINA RULE
Starting before the starting signal SW 4.4
Note: A DQ at the start must be observed and confirmed by both the starter and the referee SW 2.1.6

FREESTYLE SWIMMING FINA RULE

Backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly swum in the freestyle section of a medley SW 5.1
Did not touch the wall at the turn or finish SW 5.2
Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn SW 5.3
Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) SW 5.3

BACKSTROKE SWIMMING FINA RULE

Note: When using a backstroke ledge, toes of both feet must be in contact with the wall or touchpad SW 6.1
Left position on the back other than to execute a turn SW 6.2
Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn SW 6.3
Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) SW 6.3
Did not start executing the turn immediately after turning onto the breast SW 6.4
Turn not initiated at completion of arm pull SW 6.4
Did not touch the wall during the turn SW 6.4
Not on the back upon leaving the wall following the turn SW 6.4
Did not finish the race whilst on the back SW 6.5

BREASTSTROKE SWIMMING FINA RULE

More than one butterfly kick prior to the first breaststroke kick SW 7.1
Head did not break the surface before the hands turned inward at the widest part of the second stroke after the
SW 7.1
start or turn
Body not on the breast (except when executing a turn) SW 7.2
Stroke cycle not 1 arm stroke to 1 leg kick in that order (except at the finish as in SW 7.6) SW 7.2
Arm movements not simultaneous SW 7.2
Arm movements not on the same horizontal plane SW 7.2
Hands not pushed forward together from the breast SW 7.3
Elbows over the water (except for final stroke before the turn, during the turn or the final stroke at the finish) SW 7.3
Hands brought back beyond the hip line (except during the 1st stroke following the start or turn) SW 7.3
Head did not break the surface during each stroke cycle (except first cycle following the start or turn) SW 7.4
Leg movements not simultaneous (or alternating movement) SW 7.4
Leg movements not on the same horizontal plane SW 7.4
Feet not turned out in the propulsive part of the kick SW 7.5
Executed a downward butterfly kick (except after the start and each turn as in SW 7.1) SW 7.5
Touch at the turn or finish not made with both hands separated/simultaneously SW 7.6

BUTTERFLY SWIMMING FINA RULE

Body not on the breast (except when executing a turn) SW 8.1
Arms not brought forward simultaneously over the water SW 8.2
Arms not brought backward simultaneously under the water SW 8.2
Alternating movement of legs or feet SW 8.3
Breaststroke kicking movement SW 8.3
Touch at the turn or finish not made with both hands separated/simultaneously SW 8.4
More than one arm pull under water following the start or turn SW 8.5
Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn SW 8.5
Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) SW 8.5

MEDLEY SWIMMING FINA RULE

Incorrect individual medley stroke order (correct: fly, back, breast, free - 1/4 each) SW 9.1
In the freestyle section, did not return to the breast before any kick or stroke SW 9.2
Incorrect medley relay stroke order (correct: back, breast, fly, free - 1/4 each) SW 9.3
Finish of each section not in accordance with rules for the particular stroke SW 9.4

THE RACE FINA RULE

Did not remain in the same lane in which they started SW 10.3
When turning did not make contact with the end of the pool SW 10.4
Took a stride or step from the bottom of the pool SW 10.4
Stood on the bottom of the pool (except in freestyle) SW 10.5
Pulled on the lane rope SW 10.6
Obstructing another swimmer SW 10.7/10.14
Use of non-approved device, swimsuit, adhesive substance or body tape SW 10.8
Entered the water during a race not entered in SW 10.9
Feet lost touch with the starting platform before the preceding team-mate touched the wall SW 10.11
Relay team member re-entered the water before all teams finished the race SW 10.12
Relay team did not swim in the order listed SW 10.13
Failed to leave the pool as soon as possible at the end of the race or section in a relay SW 10.14
Device or plan used for pace-making SW 10.16