Backstroke Rules

101.4 BACKSTROKE

.1 Start — In lieu of USA Swimming Rules, the following is the NVSL backstroke start rule --

(a) The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end and may secure a handhold only below the knees of another person to prepare for the start. The heels of the persons providing such assistance shall not extend over the vertical plane of the end of the pool. Only one person may assist the person whose legs are grasped by the backstroker. Assistance shall not be rendered by Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Timers, or anyone officiating the meet.

(b) A towel may be draped over the pool edge to facilitate the swimmer's traction on the pool wall. Towels shall be removed from the pool edge before the swimmer returns to the starting end.

(c) Prior to the command "take your mark" and until the feet leave the wall at the starting signal, the swimmer's heels shall be in contact with the water. Standing in or on the gutter is not permitted before or during the start. Curling of the toes over the edge of the gutter is permitted. A standing start shall not be used. NVSL Rule 12.b.4

.2 Stroke — The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters

(16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water.

.3 Turns — Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which an immediate continuous single arm pull or immediate continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer

must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall.

.4 Finish — Upon the finish of the race, the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.