Competitive swimmers must follow specific rules regarding race conduct and the execution of particular strokes. USA Swimming, the governing body for competitive swimming in this country, follows most FINA rules and regulations. FINA, or the Federation Internationale de Natation, provides the rules for the Olympics as well as other international championships and competitions.
Start
Races start with a dive in freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley events. Entrants must step onto the starting platform at the referee's whistle, and then take their marks at the starter's direction. Each swimmer must have at least one foot on the front of his starting platform. The starter gives the signal for swimmers to enter the pool.
Races start from the water in backstroke and medley relay events. Swimmers enter the water at the referee's first whistle and then assume the starting position at the second whistle. Swimmers then take their marks and start the race at the starter's direction.
Stroke Regulations
Except during turns, swimmers must remain on their backs throughout backstroke events. Swimmers can roll slightly but not more than 90 degrees. Except during turns, swimmers must remain on their stomachs throughout breaststroke and butterfly events. Breaststroke swimmers must maintain a consistent stroke cycle of arm stroke and then leg kick. In breaststroke and butterfly stroke, the swimmer's arms must move together without alternating, as must the legs. Breaststroke swimmers may not perform scissor or dolphin kicks, and butterfly swimmers may not perform scissor or breaststroke kicks. In the breaststroke, the swimmer's elbows must remain underwater at all times and the swimmer's head must rise above the surface of the water during each stroke cycle.
Medleys
Individual and relay medley swimmers must swim four strokes in the proper order. Individual medley swimmers must swim the butterfly stroke first, followed by backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. In relay medley events, swimmers must swim the backstroke first, followed by breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. Relay medley teams must have four swimmers.
General
Competitive swimming races must take place as separate gender events. Swimmers must remain in their own lanes, and they must touch the wall after each length and upon finishing the race. Some part of the swimmer's body must break the water's surface throughout the race, except during the turn and for the first 15 meters of each length. Swimmers may not wear webbed gloves, fins or any other apparel or devices that aid speed or buoyancy.
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