SWORSA Rules and Regulations 2008
SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING ASSOCIATION REGULATIONS - 2004
1. FINANCIAL & REGISTRATION YEAR: The registration and financial year ends on 31st August.
2. AGE ELIGIBILITY: A swimmer's eligibility for a particular age category is determined by the swimmer's age on 31st August of the current registration year.
3. AGE CATEGORIES:
1. 8 and under boys/girls
2. 9 and 10 boys/girls
3. 11 and 12 boys/girls
4. 13 and 14 boys/girls
5. 15 to 18 boys/girls (open)
4. POOL STAFF: Are eligible to be members of their swim team.
5. COACH OF THE DAY: Is not eligible to swim at that meet.
6. MEET DAYS: All meets should be held on Saturday mornings with warm-ups at 8:30 a.m. and the start of races at 9:00 a.m. The host club must inform participating teams at least two (2) weeks in advance if there are any changes to these times.
7. CANCELLATIONS: As soon as possible, the VISITING COACH shall notify the host club if they are unable to attend.
8. TIME CARDS: S.N.C. time cards will be used at all meets, blue for boys, pink for girls. Please fill in the swimmer's name, age, event number, distance, stroke, and indicate an "A" if you wish to have the Marshal place that swimmer in the fast heat. Swimmers are responsible for handing their time cards to the Marshal prior to the start of their event.
9. POINTS: Individual events and relays will receive the following points:
1st - 9 points
2nd - 7 points
3rd - 6 points
4th - 5 points
5th - 4 points
6th - 3 points
7th - 2 points
8th - 1 point
In the event of a tie, both teams will receive the same number of points for that position. The subsequent position will be eliminated.
10. MEMBERS of COMPETITIVE SWIM CLUBS, UNIVERSITY CLUBS, SWIMMING CANADA, and SWIM ONTARIO: SWORSA is not affiliated with Swim Ontario and therefore swimmers who are registered members of competitive swim clubs, university clubs, Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario or who have a nine digit Swimming Canada registration number may only participate in S.W.O.R.S.A. events after their current registration has expired. Swimmers who have registered in sessional programs at a competitive club or have had any affiliation with a competitive club during the current SWORSA year are not allowed to compete in SWORSA swim meets.
11. NUMBER OF EVENTS: Each participant (swimmer) is allowed to swim a maximum of four (4) events. This can be three (3) individual events and one (1) relay or two (2) individual events and two (2) relays. For 13 & 14 and Open groups, where there are 50m and 100m individual events in the same stroke, a swimmer may swim in both the 50m and 100m events in the same stroke.
12. EXHIBITION SWIMS: Participants may swim "exhibition" in any individual event, provided there is a free lane.
Note: Exhibition swims are not permitted at the Final Meet.
13. COMPOSITION OF RELAY TEAMS: A competitor may swim in two (2) different relays: one (1) Medley and one (1) Free Relay. The swimmer may swim in any age group except an age group below.
One boy or one girl may be added to a relay team of the opposite gender to enable the team to participate in the event.
Relay teams composed of 2 boys and 2 girls are permitted. Teams of 2 boys and 2 girls will be classified as boy teams.
Note: A mixed relay team cannot hold a record.
14. MEET RESULTS: The Host Club is required to send to all teams a complete summary of the meet, including team standings, and individual event results with the names, clubs and times of the swimmers. The summaries must be sent out within four (4) days of the meet. The results of the Final Meet will be distributed to all the clubs in S.W.O.R.S.A.
15. QUALIFICATION FOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL MEET: To qualify for the championship meet a swimmer must have placed in the top eight (8) of an event in the Semi-Final Meet and must have swum in at least one other scheduled S.W.O.R.S.A. Meet. It is the responsibility of each club (coach) to be sure swimmers have been swimming for the whole season and not just the Semi-Final and Championship Meets. Relay teams are allowed ONE (1) replacement for injury, bereavement, or illness. This replacement must be approved by the convenor.
In exceptional circumstances, a swimmer will be allowed to compete at the Semi-Final Meet without swimming in at least one preceeding scheduled S.W.O.R.S.A. Meet. Such an exemption will be subject to the approval of all member teams of SWORSA. Application to SWORSA for this exemption must be made by the swimmer's executive two weeks before the Semi-Finals. The application must include the reasons for the exception (a medical certificate may be requested), swimmer's name and age, and also give the swimmer's race times for the events which they will be swimming at Semi-Finals.
16. CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL MEET: Ribbons will be awarded to the 1st through 8th place finishers in each event. In the event of a tie in any event, the subsequent numerical placing will be eliminated. Medallions will be awarded to the swimmers in each age group, boys and girls, with the highest, second-highest, and third-highest number of points from individual events. In the event of a tie for medallions, one will be awarded to each tied swimmer. If the tied medallion winners are in 1st or 2nd place, medallions will also be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd placed winners. For a medallion, only the points from the swimmer’s correct age group will be counted. If the swimmer chooses to swim in a higher age group in one or more individual events, points from the higher age group will not be included in the total. A Championship trophy will be given to the team with the highest total points. A boys' and a girls' trophy will be awarded to the team or teams with the highest points for male and female swimmers respectively based on medallion counts. Three (3) points will be awarded for a gold medal, two (2) for a silver and one (1) for a bronze.
16. CHAMPIONSHIP MEET - TIME CARDS: Each team must send their SNC time cards (completed as in regulation 7) for all of their swimmers to the club hosting the Final Meet, at least one (1)week in advance of the Meet. The qualifying times must be shown.
17. ALLOWABLE TRAINING HOURS: Swimmers in S.W.O.R.S.A are allowed to train an average of two hours per week or up to a maximum of 104 hours per year. Exceptions to this rule will be allowed for swimmers in S.W.O.R.S.A. who are also members of high school swim teams provided they meet the requirements of Rule #9.
SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING ASSOCIATION RULES – 2008
II. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
A. Stop watches:
• Electric watches are mandatory.
B. Starting Pistol:
• Whistle starts are acceptable.
C. False Start Rope:
• Shall be placed at a distance not greater than 1/2 length of the pool, but closer to the starting end.
• Shall have some form of release mechanism to allow the rope to be dropped quickly after a false start and stop all of the swimmers.
Note: It is the host club's responsibility to supply the above equipment. This equipment may be supplied by a visiting club if the host club has requested the equipment prior to the day of the meet.
II. REQUIRED OFFICIALS:
A. 1 Head Timer.
B. 2 Timers per lane for regular meets, 3 Timers per lane for the Semi Finals and the Finals.
C. 2 Stroke Judges.
D. 1 False Start Rope Operator.
E. 1 Starter.
F. 2 Recorder(s)/Scorer(s).
G. 2 Marshals.
H. 1 Runner.
I. 1 Referee.
J. 1 Chief Place Judge.
K. 2 Place Judges for regular meets, 3 Place Judges for the Semi Finals and the Finals.
L. 2 Turn Judges.
1. Head Timer:
a. Shall supervise all timers.
b. Shall check all watches and timers prior to the start of the meet.
c. Shall satisfy themselves that all timers are competent and that all the watches are performing satisfactorily.
d. Shall instruct all Timers to re-set their watches on a pre-arranged signal.
e. Shall be responsible for recording the placing of First, Second, and Third in each heat.
2. Lane Timers:
a. Timers are the responsibility of the host club.
b. Each visiting club should be prepared to supply a minimum of 2 timers.
c. Every effort should be made to have experienced timers at every meet.
d. There should be 2 timers per lane during regular meets and 3 during the semis and finals.
e. Check that the swimmer is in the correct lane.
f. Must start their watch with the starter's signal and shall stop the watch when the swimmer has completed the required distance and any part of their body touches the wall or breaks the imaginary plane of the wall.
f. Shall take a position over the finish of their assigned lane to see when the swimmer has completed the race.
g. Must record the exact time shown on the watch.
3. Stroke Judges:
a. There should be 2 stroke judges. One judge on each side of the pool, walking and observing the swimmers in half of the pool.
b. Each judge shall observe the swimmers from the moment they enter the water until the finishing touch.
c. Shall observe the swimmers in all aspects of swimming including technique, touches, turns, finishing touches and relay take off according to the rules in Section VI.
d. Shall disqualify any swimmer who has not followed the rules listed in Section VI.
e. The judge must immediately inform the swimmer of the disqualification, and the reason.
f. Shall mark the time card with the letters "DISQ".
g. Shall at their discretion warn the swimmer of a close infraction.
4. False Start Rope Operator:
a. Shall position themselves by the release mechanism of the false start rope at the start of each race.
b. Shall upon a false start signal from the starter drop the rope to the surface of the water to stop all swimmers.
5. Starter:
a. Shall wait for the signal from the head timer to ensure the next event is ready to start (i.e. timers, judges, swimmers ready to go).
b. Upon receiving the signal shall instruct the swimmers to mount the blocks and to stand erect at the front of the blocks.
c. Shall announce the event number, distance, and stroke.
d. Shall raise their arm requesting quiet.
e. Shall wait for silence from the spectators and swimmers to ensure a fair start.
f. Shall give the command "Take Your Marks".
g. Shall pause 1 second to ensure that all swimmers are holding their stance.
h. Fire Starting Pistol.
i. Shall abide by all the rules regarding starts in Sections II.5 and V.
6. Recorder(s)/Scorer(s):
a. Shall receive and process all time cards.
b. Shall compile a list of swimmers in order of finishing time (including swimmer's name, age, club, and time).
c. Shall provide copies of the above lists for the bulletin board.
d. Shall keep a record of team and individual age group (boys/girls) points.
e. If 2 Timers per lane are used, both times are recorded on the card and the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) shall average the two times to the slowest hundredth of a second. If 3 Timers per lane are used, all three times are recorded on the card and the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) will post the middle time and the official time. In the event that 2 of the 3 times are identical, this time then becomes the official time.
7. Marshals:
a. Shall have full charge of all swimmers in the marshaling area.
b. Shall assist in maintaining quiet and stillness on the pool deck during starts.
c. Shall assign lanes to all swimmers reporting to the marshalling area for each event.
d. Shall ensure that all swimmers with an "A" marked on their card are placed in the fastest (i.e. last) heat.
e. Shall ensure that all swimmers move to the starting area at the appropriate time.
8. Runner(s):
a. Shall be responsible for picking up the time cards, and head timer placing after each heat and taking them directly to the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) table.
9. Referee:
a. The Referee shall have full control and authority over all officials, approve their assignments and instruct them regarding all special feature or rules and regulations related to the competition. The Referee may intervene in the competition at any stage to ensure that the rules and regulations are observed and shall adjudicate all protests to the competition. Where the Place Judge’s decision and the times recorded do not agree, the Referee shall determine placing. The Referee shall ensure that all necessary officials are in their respective posts for the conduct of the competition.
10. Chief Place Judge:
a. The Chief Place Judge shall ensure that all Place Judges are in their positions. After the race the Chief Place Judge shall collect the results from each Place Judge and establish the placing which will be recorded on the time cards. Where the Place Judge’s decision and the times recorded to not agree, the cards will be forwarded to the Referee for final placing.
11. Place Judges:
12. Turn Judges:
a. During the progress of the race, must ensure that each swimmer executes turns which are acceptable according to the rules for each stroke as outlined in section VI. Strokes, of this document.
III. THE WORKING DECK:
A. Certain areas of the pool shall be known as the working deck. These areas are out of bounds to all but working officials.
B. Repeated requests of officials to remove swimmers, coaches, spectators, or any other unauthorized personal may result in the disqualification of the swimmer.
C. The working deck is defined as the area within 1.8 metres of the sides and turning end of the pool and the 4.5 metres at the finishing end unless otherwise authorized by the convenor.
Note: Coaching of a swimmer is not permitted within the working deck.
IV. THE RACE:
A. All races shall be started according to the rules in Sections II.5 and V.
B. A swimmer will have finished the race after having completed the required distance, and any part of their body touches the wall.
C. At the finish of each race the swimmer should remain in the water in their own lane until all of the swimmers have finished. In relay events, the first three members of the team will leave the water as quickly as possible after finishing their portion of the race.
D. Once having left the water at the finish of the event no swimmer shall enter the water without permission from the starter.
E. Swimmers are not permitted to use or wear any devices that may aid their speed, buoyancy, or endurance during a race (such things as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Nose clips, bathing caps, and goggles are permitted.
V. FALSE STARTS:
A. A false start is defined as any action or lack of action on the part of one or more swimmers while under the command of the starter which delays or prevents a fair and legal start.
B. A swimmer may be disqualified at any time prior to and during the time they are under the jurisdiction of the starter for flagrantly delaying the progress of the meet.
C. False Start Rule: After 2 false starts the race will start on the 3rd start and will continue. Any swimmer who has false started on the 3rd start will be disqualified at the end of the race.
D. A false start occurs when any of the following conditions are present:
1. Slowness in obeying the command "Take Your Marks"
a. One or more swimmers is unnecessarily slow in assuming their stance.
b. The starter will direct the swimmers to relax.
c. If this infraction occurs on the 1st or 2nd start the starter will instruct the swimmer(s) to heed their command more quickly.
d. After the second attempt the starter will remind the swimmers that the "false start rule" is now in effect.
2. Re-introduction of movement after taking their marks.
a. One or more swimmers re-introduce movement after having achieved a motionless stance on their marks.
b. Leaving their marks before all swimmers are set. One or more swimmers starts without the starting signal being given.
c. Jumping the gun. One or more swimmers starts fractionally ahead of the starting signal.
Note: A misfiring of the gun or accidental firing of the gun will not constitute a false start.
VI. STROKES:
A. Freestyle
B. Backstroke
C. Breaststroke
D. Butterfly
E. Individual Medley
F. Relays
A. FREESTYLE
A.1 Freestyle means that in an event so designated the swimmer may swim any style, except that in individual medley and medley relay events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly.
A.2 Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall upon completion of each length and at the finish.
A.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface.
B. BACKSTROKE
B.1 Prior to the starting signal, the swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands holding the starting grips. Standing in or on the gutter or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter is prohibited.
B.2 At the signal for starting and after turning the swimmer shall push off and swim upon his back throughout the race except when executing a turn as set forth in VI.B.4. The normal position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not including 90 degrees from horizontal. The position of the head is not relevant.
B.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race. It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.
B.4 When executing the turn there must be a touch of the wall with some part of the swimmer's body. During the turn the shoulders may be turned over vertical to the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer must have returned to the position on the back upon leaving the wall.
B.5 Upon the finish of the race the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.
C. BREAST STROKE
C.1 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast. It is not permitted to roll on to the back at any time. Throughout the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order.
C.2 All movements of the arms shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane with out alternating movement.
C.3 The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over the water. The elbows shall be under the water except for the final stroke before the turn, during the turn and for the final stroke at the finish. The hands shall be brought back on or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn.
C.4 During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer's head shall break the surface of the water. After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. A single downward dolphin kick followed by a breaststroke kick is permitted while wholly submerged. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.
C.5 The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. A scissors, flutter or downward dolphin kick is not permitted except as in VI.C.4. Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward dolphin kick.
C.6 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the touch.
D. BUTTERFLY
D.1 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and each turn, the body shall kept on the breast. Under water kicking on the side is allowed. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time.
D.2 Both arms shall be brought forward together over the water and brought backward simultaneously through out the race, subject to VI.D.5.
D.3 All up and down movements of the legs must be simultaneous. The legs or the feet need not be on the same level, but they shall alternate in relation to each other. A breast stroke kicking movement is not permitted.
D.4 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously, at, above or below the water surface.
D.5 At the start and at turns, a swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks and one arm pull under the water, which must bring him to the surface. It shall be permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface. The swimmer must remain on the surface until the next turn or finish.
E. MEDLEY SWIMMING
E.1 In individual medley events, the swimmer covers the four swimming styles in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle.
E.2 In medley relay events, swimmers will cover the four swimming styles in the following order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle.
E.3 Each section must be finished in accordance with the rule which applies to the style concerned.
F. RELAYS
a. There will be four swimmers on each relay team. Each swimmer is required to swim 1/4 the prescribed distance.
b. Each leg of the relay must be swum according to the rules for that particular stroke. Any swimmer who fails to comply with the rules of complete the required distance shall cause their team to be disqualified.
c. The lead off swimmer starts off with the starting signal. Each succeeding teammate assumes a forward starting position in contact with the starting mark (top front edge of the starting block) in time to take off the instant the previous swimmer finishes their part of the race. The relieving swimmer may be in motion but their feet must be in contact with the mark until the preceding swimmer touches.
d. When a swimmer leaves the starting mark before the previous swimmer touches the wall, the team will be disqualified unless the swimmer returns to touch the wall before beginning their part of the relay.
e. A competitor may swim in two different relays (1 Medley and 1 Free Relay). The swimmer may swim in any age group except an age group below. One boy or one girl may be added to a relay team of the opposite sex to allow the team to participate in the event.
f. Freestyle Relay: There will be four swimmers on a team, each swimmer will swim one quarter of the prescribed distance.
g. Medley Relay: There will be four swimmers on a team, each swimmer will swim one quarter of the prescribed distance as follows: first, Backstroke; second, Breaststroke; third, Butterfly; fourth, Front Crawl.
VII. DISQUALIFICATION:
A. 8 & under - There will be no disqualification for strokes, touches, or starts unless the swimmer gains a distinct, unfair advantage.
B. 9 and 10 - There will be no disqualification for stroke technique as long as the stroke is reasonable accurate and no distinct advantage is gained. However, all starts, turns, and touches must be done according to the specific rules.
C. 11 and up - Swimmers are expected to know the correct stroke technique, starts, touches and turns applicable to each stroke, according to specific rules.
D. A disqualification can only be made by the Judges and the Starter, and only if they personally observe the infraction, and it is within their assigned sphere of responsibility. Please Note: Judges are responsible for relay take-overs and can disqualify a team for failing to abide by the rules in Section VI, Sub-section F.
E. Disqualification will be recorded on a form that includes the time of the infraction, the specific infraction, heat number, lane number, swimmer's name, and Judge/Starters signature.
F. This form shall be given to swimmer to give to his/her coach.
G. The disqualified swimmer will be informed of the disqualification and the reason immediately after the finish of the race.
H. The Judge/Starter will mark the time card with the letters 'DISQ'.
I. A disqualified swimmer will not be awarded points.
Please Note: Abusive language directed at an official by a swimmer, will result in that swimmer being scratched from the remainder of the meet.
VIII. PROTESTS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY OR DISQUALIFICATION:
A. Eligibility:
1. Any protest about eligibility should be made to the Convenor as soon as it becomes known. The protest is to be made by the Coach or their appointed representative, not by a swimmer, parent, or anyone else.
B. Disqualification:
1. Any protest about a disqualification should be made to the Convenor within 15 minutes of the disqualification, by the Coach or their appointed representative, not by a swimmer, parent, or anyone else.
In both of the above circumstances the Convenor will make a decision that will be final. At their discretion the Convenor may elect to discuss the situation with all the coaches at the meet.
Please Note: Failure to make a protest through the proper channels may result in the swimmer being scratched from the remainder of the meet.
1. FINANCIAL & REGISTRATION YEAR: The registration and financial year ends on 31st August.
2. AGE ELIGIBILITY: A swimmer's eligibility for a particular age category is determined by the swimmer's age on 31st August of the current registration year.
3. AGE CATEGORIES:
1. 8 and under boys/girls
2. 9 and 10 boys/girls
3. 11 and 12 boys/girls
4. 13 and 14 boys/girls
5. 15 to 18 boys/girls (open)
4. POOL STAFF: Are eligible to be members of their swim team.
5. COACH OF THE DAY: Is not eligible to swim at that meet.
6. MEET DAYS: All meets should be held on Saturday mornings with warm-ups at 8:30 a.m. and the start of races at 9:00 a.m. The host club must inform participating teams at least two (2) weeks in advance if there are any changes to these times.
7. CANCELLATIONS: As soon as possible, the VISITING COACH shall notify the host club if they are unable to attend.
8. TIME CARDS: S.N.C. time cards will be used at all meets, blue for boys, pink for girls. Please fill in the swimmer's name, age, event number, distance, stroke, and indicate an "A" if you wish to have the Marshal place that swimmer in the fast heat. Swimmers are responsible for handing their time cards to the Marshal prior to the start of their event.
9. POINTS: Individual events and relays will receive the following points:
1st - 9 points
2nd - 7 points
3rd - 6 points
4th - 5 points
5th - 4 points
6th - 3 points
7th - 2 points
8th - 1 point
In the event of a tie, both teams will receive the same number of points for that position. The subsequent position will be eliminated.
10. MEMBERS of COMPETITIVE SWIM CLUBS, UNIVERSITY CLUBS, SWIMMING CANADA, and SWIM ONTARIO: SWORSA is not affiliated with Swim Ontario and therefore swimmers who are registered members of competitive swim clubs, university clubs, Swimming Canada, Swim Ontario or who have a nine digit Swimming Canada registration number may only participate in S.W.O.R.S.A. events after their current registration has expired. Swimmers who have registered in sessional programs at a competitive club or have had any affiliation with a competitive club during the current SWORSA year are not allowed to compete in SWORSA swim meets.
11. NUMBER OF EVENTS: Each participant (swimmer) is allowed to swim a maximum of four (4) events. This can be three (3) individual events and one (1) relay or two (2) individual events and two (2) relays. For 13 & 14 and Open groups, where there are 50m and 100m individual events in the same stroke, a swimmer may swim in both the 50m and 100m events in the same stroke.
12. EXHIBITION SWIMS: Participants may swim "exhibition" in any individual event, provided there is a free lane.
Note: Exhibition swims are not permitted at the Final Meet.
13. COMPOSITION OF RELAY TEAMS: A competitor may swim in two (2) different relays: one (1) Medley and one (1) Free Relay. The swimmer may swim in any age group except an age group below.
One boy or one girl may be added to a relay team of the opposite gender to enable the team to participate in the event.
Relay teams composed of 2 boys and 2 girls are permitted. Teams of 2 boys and 2 girls will be classified as boy teams.
Note: A mixed relay team cannot hold a record.
14. MEET RESULTS: The Host Club is required to send to all teams a complete summary of the meet, including team standings, and individual event results with the names, clubs and times of the swimmers. The summaries must be sent out within four (4) days of the meet. The results of the Final Meet will be distributed to all the clubs in S.W.O.R.S.A.
15. QUALIFICATION FOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL MEET: To qualify for the championship meet a swimmer must have placed in the top eight (8) of an event in the Semi-Final Meet and must have swum in at least one other scheduled S.W.O.R.S.A. Meet. It is the responsibility of each club (coach) to be sure swimmers have been swimming for the whole season and not just the Semi-Final and Championship Meets. Relay teams are allowed ONE (1) replacement for injury, bereavement, or illness. This replacement must be approved by the convenor.
In exceptional circumstances, a swimmer will be allowed to compete at the Semi-Final Meet without swimming in at least one preceeding scheduled S.W.O.R.S.A. Meet. Such an exemption will be subject to the approval of all member teams of SWORSA. Application to SWORSA for this exemption must be made by the swimmer's executive two weeks before the Semi-Finals. The application must include the reasons for the exception (a medical certificate may be requested), swimmer's name and age, and also give the swimmer's race times for the events which they will be swimming at Semi-Finals.
16. CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL MEET: Ribbons will be awarded to the 1st through 8th place finishers in each event. In the event of a tie in any event, the subsequent numerical placing will be eliminated. Medallions will be awarded to the swimmers in each age group, boys and girls, with the highest, second-highest, and third-highest number of points from individual events. In the event of a tie for medallions, one will be awarded to each tied swimmer. If the tied medallion winners are in 1st or 2nd place, medallions will also be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd placed winners. For a medallion, only the points from the swimmer’s correct age group will be counted. If the swimmer chooses to swim in a higher age group in one or more individual events, points from the higher age group will not be included in the total. A Championship trophy will be given to the team with the highest total points. A boys' and a girls' trophy will be awarded to the team or teams with the highest points for male and female swimmers respectively based on medallion counts. Three (3) points will be awarded for a gold medal, two (2) for a silver and one (1) for a bronze.
16. CHAMPIONSHIP MEET - TIME CARDS: Each team must send their SNC time cards (completed as in regulation 7) for all of their swimmers to the club hosting the Final Meet, at least one (1)week in advance of the Meet. The qualifying times must be shown.
17. ALLOWABLE TRAINING HOURS: Swimmers in S.W.O.R.S.A are allowed to train an average of two hours per week or up to a maximum of 104 hours per year. Exceptions to this rule will be allowed for swimmers in S.W.O.R.S.A. who are also members of high school swim teams provided they meet the requirements of Rule #9.
SOUTH WESTERN ONTARIO RECREATIONAL SWIMMING ASSOCIATION RULES – 2008
II. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
A. Stop watches:
• Electric watches are mandatory.
B. Starting Pistol:
• Whistle starts are acceptable.
C. False Start Rope:
• Shall be placed at a distance not greater than 1/2 length of the pool, but closer to the starting end.
• Shall have some form of release mechanism to allow the rope to be dropped quickly after a false start and stop all of the swimmers.
Note: It is the host club's responsibility to supply the above equipment. This equipment may be supplied by a visiting club if the host club has requested the equipment prior to the day of the meet.
II. REQUIRED OFFICIALS:
A. 1 Head Timer.
B. 2 Timers per lane for regular meets, 3 Timers per lane for the Semi Finals and the Finals.
C. 2 Stroke Judges.
D. 1 False Start Rope Operator.
E. 1 Starter.
F. 2 Recorder(s)/Scorer(s).
G. 2 Marshals.
H. 1 Runner.
I. 1 Referee.
J. 1 Chief Place Judge.
K. 2 Place Judges for regular meets, 3 Place Judges for the Semi Finals and the Finals.
L. 2 Turn Judges.
1. Head Timer:
a. Shall supervise all timers.
b. Shall check all watches and timers prior to the start of the meet.
c. Shall satisfy themselves that all timers are competent and that all the watches are performing satisfactorily.
d. Shall instruct all Timers to re-set their watches on a pre-arranged signal.
e. Shall be responsible for recording the placing of First, Second, and Third in each heat.
2. Lane Timers:
a. Timers are the responsibility of the host club.
b. Each visiting club should be prepared to supply a minimum of 2 timers.
c. Every effort should be made to have experienced timers at every meet.
d. There should be 2 timers per lane during regular meets and 3 during the semis and finals.
e. Check that the swimmer is in the correct lane.
f. Must start their watch with the starter's signal and shall stop the watch when the swimmer has completed the required distance and any part of their body touches the wall or breaks the imaginary plane of the wall.
f. Shall take a position over the finish of their assigned lane to see when the swimmer has completed the race.
g. Must record the exact time shown on the watch.
3. Stroke Judges:
a. There should be 2 stroke judges. One judge on each side of the pool, walking and observing the swimmers in half of the pool.
b. Each judge shall observe the swimmers from the moment they enter the water until the finishing touch.
c. Shall observe the swimmers in all aspects of swimming including technique, touches, turns, finishing touches and relay take off according to the rules in Section VI.
d. Shall disqualify any swimmer who has not followed the rules listed in Section VI.
e. The judge must immediately inform the swimmer of the disqualification, and the reason.
f. Shall mark the time card with the letters "DISQ".
g. Shall at their discretion warn the swimmer of a close infraction.
4. False Start Rope Operator:
a. Shall position themselves by the release mechanism of the false start rope at the start of each race.
b. Shall upon a false start signal from the starter drop the rope to the surface of the water to stop all swimmers.
5. Starter:
a. Shall wait for the signal from the head timer to ensure the next event is ready to start (i.e. timers, judges, swimmers ready to go).
b. Upon receiving the signal shall instruct the swimmers to mount the blocks and to stand erect at the front of the blocks.
c. Shall announce the event number, distance, and stroke.
d. Shall raise their arm requesting quiet.
e. Shall wait for silence from the spectators and swimmers to ensure a fair start.
f. Shall give the command "Take Your Marks".
g. Shall pause 1 second to ensure that all swimmers are holding their stance.
h. Fire Starting Pistol.
i. Shall abide by all the rules regarding starts in Sections II.5 and V.
6. Recorder(s)/Scorer(s):
a. Shall receive and process all time cards.
b. Shall compile a list of swimmers in order of finishing time (including swimmer's name, age, club, and time).
c. Shall provide copies of the above lists for the bulletin board.
d. Shall keep a record of team and individual age group (boys/girls) points.
e. If 2 Timers per lane are used, both times are recorded on the card and the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) shall average the two times to the slowest hundredth of a second. If 3 Timers per lane are used, all three times are recorded on the card and the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) will post the middle time and the official time. In the event that 2 of the 3 times are identical, this time then becomes the official time.
7. Marshals:
a. Shall have full charge of all swimmers in the marshaling area.
b. Shall assist in maintaining quiet and stillness on the pool deck during starts.
c. Shall assign lanes to all swimmers reporting to the marshalling area for each event.
d. Shall ensure that all swimmers with an "A" marked on their card are placed in the fastest (i.e. last) heat.
e. Shall ensure that all swimmers move to the starting area at the appropriate time.
8. Runner(s):
a. Shall be responsible for picking up the time cards, and head timer placing after each heat and taking them directly to the Recorder(s)/Scorer(s) table.
9. Referee:
a. The Referee shall have full control and authority over all officials, approve their assignments and instruct them regarding all special feature or rules and regulations related to the competition. The Referee may intervene in the competition at any stage to ensure that the rules and regulations are observed and shall adjudicate all protests to the competition. Where the Place Judge’s decision and the times recorded do not agree, the Referee shall determine placing. The Referee shall ensure that all necessary officials are in their respective posts for the conduct of the competition.
10. Chief Place Judge:
a. The Chief Place Judge shall ensure that all Place Judges are in their positions. After the race the Chief Place Judge shall collect the results from each Place Judge and establish the placing which will be recorded on the time cards. Where the Place Judge’s decision and the times recorded to not agree, the cards will be forwarded to the Referee for final placing.
11. Place Judges:
12. Turn Judges:
a. During the progress of the race, must ensure that each swimmer executes turns which are acceptable according to the rules for each stroke as outlined in section VI. Strokes, of this document.
III. THE WORKING DECK:
A. Certain areas of the pool shall be known as the working deck. These areas are out of bounds to all but working officials.
B. Repeated requests of officials to remove swimmers, coaches, spectators, or any other unauthorized personal may result in the disqualification of the swimmer.
C. The working deck is defined as the area within 1.8 metres of the sides and turning end of the pool and the 4.5 metres at the finishing end unless otherwise authorized by the convenor.
Note: Coaching of a swimmer is not permitted within the working deck.
IV. THE RACE:
A. All races shall be started according to the rules in Sections II.5 and V.
B. A swimmer will have finished the race after having completed the required distance, and any part of their body touches the wall.
C. At the finish of each race the swimmer should remain in the water in their own lane until all of the swimmers have finished. In relay events, the first three members of the team will leave the water as quickly as possible after finishing their portion of the race.
D. Once having left the water at the finish of the event no swimmer shall enter the water without permission from the starter.
E. Swimmers are not permitted to use or wear any devices that may aid their speed, buoyancy, or endurance during a race (such things as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Nose clips, bathing caps, and goggles are permitted.
V. FALSE STARTS:
A. A false start is defined as any action or lack of action on the part of one or more swimmers while under the command of the starter which delays or prevents a fair and legal start.
B. A swimmer may be disqualified at any time prior to and during the time they are under the jurisdiction of the starter for flagrantly delaying the progress of the meet.
C. False Start Rule: After 2 false starts the race will start on the 3rd start and will continue. Any swimmer who has false started on the 3rd start will be disqualified at the end of the race.
D. A false start occurs when any of the following conditions are present:
1. Slowness in obeying the command "Take Your Marks"
a. One or more swimmers is unnecessarily slow in assuming their stance.
b. The starter will direct the swimmers to relax.
c. If this infraction occurs on the 1st or 2nd start the starter will instruct the swimmer(s) to heed their command more quickly.
d. After the second attempt the starter will remind the swimmers that the "false start rule" is now in effect.
2. Re-introduction of movement after taking their marks.
a. One or more swimmers re-introduce movement after having achieved a motionless stance on their marks.
b. Leaving their marks before all swimmers are set. One or more swimmers starts without the starting signal being given.
c. Jumping the gun. One or more swimmers starts fractionally ahead of the starting signal.
Note: A misfiring of the gun or accidental firing of the gun will not constitute a false start.
VI. STROKES:
A. Freestyle
B. Backstroke
C. Breaststroke
D. Butterfly
E. Individual Medley
F. Relays
A. FREESTYLE
A.1 Freestyle means that in an event so designated the swimmer may swim any style, except that in individual medley and medley relay events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly.
A.2 Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall upon completion of each length and at the finish.
A.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface.
B. BACKSTROKE
B.1 Prior to the starting signal, the swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands holding the starting grips. Standing in or on the gutter or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter is prohibited.
B.2 At the signal for starting and after turning the swimmer shall push off and swim upon his back throughout the race except when executing a turn as set forth in VI.B.4. The normal position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not including 90 degrees from horizontal. The position of the head is not relevant.
B.3 Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race. It is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.
B.4 When executing the turn there must be a touch of the wall with some part of the swimmer's body. During the turn the shoulders may be turned over vertical to the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer must have returned to the position on the back upon leaving the wall.
B.5 Upon the finish of the race the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.
C. BREAST STROKE
C.1 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast. It is not permitted to roll on to the back at any time. Throughout the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order.
C.2 All movements of the arms shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane with out alternating movement.
C.3 The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over the water. The elbows shall be under the water except for the final stroke before the turn, during the turn and for the final stroke at the finish. The hands shall be brought back on or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn.
C.4 During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer's head shall break the surface of the water. After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke. A single downward dolphin kick followed by a breaststroke kick is permitted while wholly submerged. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.
C.5 The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. A scissors, flutter or downward dolphin kick is not permitted except as in VI.C.4. Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward dolphin kick.
C.6 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the touch.
D. BUTTERFLY
D.1 From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and each turn, the body shall kept on the breast. Under water kicking on the side is allowed. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time.
D.2 Both arms shall be brought forward together over the water and brought backward simultaneously through out the race, subject to VI.D.5.
D.3 All up and down movements of the legs must be simultaneous. The legs or the feet need not be on the same level, but they shall alternate in relation to each other. A breast stroke kicking movement is not permitted.
D.4 At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously, at, above or below the water surface.
D.5 At the start and at turns, a swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks and one arm pull under the water, which must bring him to the surface. It shall be permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface. The swimmer must remain on the surface until the next turn or finish.
E. MEDLEY SWIMMING
E.1 In individual medley events, the swimmer covers the four swimming styles in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle.
E.2 In medley relay events, swimmers will cover the four swimming styles in the following order: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle.
E.3 Each section must be finished in accordance with the rule which applies to the style concerned.
F. RELAYS
a. There will be four swimmers on each relay team. Each swimmer is required to swim 1/4 the prescribed distance.
b. Each leg of the relay must be swum according to the rules for that particular stroke. Any swimmer who fails to comply with the rules of complete the required distance shall cause their team to be disqualified.
c. The lead off swimmer starts off with the starting signal. Each succeeding teammate assumes a forward starting position in contact with the starting mark (top front edge of the starting block) in time to take off the instant the previous swimmer finishes their part of the race. The relieving swimmer may be in motion but their feet must be in contact with the mark until the preceding swimmer touches.
d. When a swimmer leaves the starting mark before the previous swimmer touches the wall, the team will be disqualified unless the swimmer returns to touch the wall before beginning their part of the relay.
e. A competitor may swim in two different relays (1 Medley and 1 Free Relay). The swimmer may swim in any age group except an age group below. One boy or one girl may be added to a relay team of the opposite sex to allow the team to participate in the event.
f. Freestyle Relay: There will be four swimmers on a team, each swimmer will swim one quarter of the prescribed distance.
g. Medley Relay: There will be four swimmers on a team, each swimmer will swim one quarter of the prescribed distance as follows: first, Backstroke; second, Breaststroke; third, Butterfly; fourth, Front Crawl.
VII. DISQUALIFICATION:
A. 8 & under - There will be no disqualification for strokes, touches, or starts unless the swimmer gains a distinct, unfair advantage.
B. 9 and 10 - There will be no disqualification for stroke technique as long as the stroke is reasonable accurate and no distinct advantage is gained. However, all starts, turns, and touches must be done according to the specific rules.
C. 11 and up - Swimmers are expected to know the correct stroke technique, starts, touches and turns applicable to each stroke, according to specific rules.
D. A disqualification can only be made by the Judges and the Starter, and only if they personally observe the infraction, and it is within their assigned sphere of responsibility. Please Note: Judges are responsible for relay take-overs and can disqualify a team for failing to abide by the rules in Section VI, Sub-section F.
E. Disqualification will be recorded on a form that includes the time of the infraction, the specific infraction, heat number, lane number, swimmer's name, and Judge/Starters signature.
F. This form shall be given to swimmer to give to his/her coach.
G. The disqualified swimmer will be informed of the disqualification and the reason immediately after the finish of the race.
H. The Judge/Starter will mark the time card with the letters 'DISQ'.
I. A disqualified swimmer will not be awarded points.
Please Note: Abusive language directed at an official by a swimmer, will result in that swimmer being scratched from the remainder of the meet.
VIII. PROTESTS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY OR DISQUALIFICATION:
A. Eligibility:
1. Any protest about eligibility should be made to the Convenor as soon as it becomes known. The protest is to be made by the Coach or their appointed representative, not by a swimmer, parent, or anyone else.
B. Disqualification:
1. Any protest about a disqualification should be made to the Convenor within 15 minutes of the disqualification, by the Coach or their appointed representative, not by a swimmer, parent, or anyone else.
In both of the above circumstances the Convenor will make a decision that will be final. At their discretion the Convenor may elect to discuss the situation with all the coaches at the meet.
Please Note: Failure to make a protest through the proper channels may result in the swimmer being scratched from the remainder of the meet.
