DQs

What is a DQ?

The stroke rules are often very technical, and disqualifications result from technical rules violations. DQs are necessary to keep the competition fair and equitable for all competitors. All swimmers are held to the same rules, there is not one set of rules for 8 year olds and another for 18 year olds. An infraction on any one stroke will result in a DQ.

In many instances, a DQ results from the fact that the swimmer does not understand/forgets the technical requirements of the stroke. Most young swimmers disqualify several times during the course of learning how to “stay legal” in the various strokes. Coaches expect this and will simply work with the children to help them understand the reasons for the DQ.

The following are common causes of DQs:

Freestyle: Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not touching the wall on a turn, or not completing the distance.

Touching the lane rope or wall is legal as long as the swimmer does not pull on it.

Backstroke: Delay in initiating arm pull at turn. Delay in initiating turn. No touch at the turn. Not on back at the finish.

Butterfly: Alternating movements of the arms or legs; pushing the arms forward under instead of over the water surface (underwater recovery); a breaststroke style of kick; a scissors kick; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish; non-simultaneous touch at turn or finish.

Breaststroke: An illegal kick such as flutter (freestyle), dolphin (butterfly), or scissors (side stroke); not on the breast; alternating movements of the arms; taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is under water; pulling hands below waist (a "pullout") except for one stroke at start and turn; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish; non-simultaneous touch at turn or finish.

Who determines a DQ?

A stroke and turn judge will identify a possible violation, and raise his or her hand to signal the referee. After the race, the judge will tell the referee what he or she saw and why it is a violation. If the referee agrees that the swimmer violated a stroke rule, the judge prepares a DQ slip that explains the rule violation. The DQ slip will be given to the coach or team rep.

You may sometimes see an ugly stroke and wonder why no violation is called. There are two reasons: first, an ugly stroke can be a legal stroke, and, second, the judge may have missed an infraction. A stroke and turn judge watches three lanes at a time, and will only call an infraction that he or she actually sees (they will not assume "what must have happened"). If there is a doubt, there is no infraction.

What is a false start?

A false start occurs whenever a swimmer moves towards the pool after having assumed a still position (taking his/her mark) and before the Starter has started the race. When this occurs, a swimmer is usually trying to anticipate the starting signal and beat the other swimmers into the water.

In an A meet, if the false start is detected before the starting signal is sounded, the offending swimmer is removed from the race prior to it starting. In B meets, younger swimmers often lean a little too far at the start and fall in. They are allowed to get back on the deck and participate in the race.

If a false start occurs but the starting signal has sounded, the race will not be stopped.

What to do after a DQ?

If your child is disqualified in an event, he or she will not receive a time, and will get a "competitor" ribbon, rather than a place ribbon. A DQ should be treated as a learning experience because it alerts the swimmer and coach to what portions of the swimmer's stroke need to be corrected. They should be considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in schoolwork-they point out areas that need further practice. A supportive attitude on the part of the official, coach, and parent can make a positive situation out of the disqualification.

If you have any questions about the reason for the DQ, talk with the coach or the Team Reps, after the meet. Please do not ask the stroke and turn judge or the folks at the table.