Swimming disqualifications and common violations

What a disqualification really is

A disqualification, or DQ, means an official decided a swim did not follow the rules, so the result does not count. It is not a judgment of your child's character or effort. In youth swimming, most DQs come from small technique details that swimmers are still learning, and nearly every swimmer collects a few on the way up.

The rules are written so that every swimmer races under the same conditions. Officials are not trying to catch anyone out. They are checking the same short list of points at every meet. For the big picture of how meets work, see swimming rules for beginners.

Who decides, and how it is communicated

Officials stand along the sides and ends of the pool and watch strokes, turns and finishes. They are often volunteers who have been trained in the rules. If an official sees something that looks like a violation, they report it to the referee, who makes the call. The details of the process vary by league and meet, but in general:

1. The official notes what they saw, including the event, heat, lane and the type of violation.
2. The referee reviews the report and decides whether to disqualify the swim.
3. The swimmer's coach is told, and the result is marked as a DQ on the results.

Parents are usually not the right people to approach an official. Let the coach ask questions, because coaches know the correct way to do it and often get a clear explanation of what was seen.

Common stroke violations

Each stroke has its own technique rules. These are among the most frequent reasons for a DQ in general terms.

Freestyle

Not touching the wall at a turn or at the finish is a common issue. Pulling on the lane line or walking or pushing off the bottom of the pool is also not allowed. Details differ slightly by rule set.

Backstroke

Rolling onto the stomach and continuing to swim, outside of the turn itself, can be a violation. Swimmers must also finish on their backs.

Breaststroke

Common problems include a one-hand touch, a kick that is not symmetrical, such as a flutter or scissor kick, and arm movements that alternate instead of moving together.

Butterfly

Typical violations include alternating arms, a flutter kick instead of a dolphin kick, and a one-hand touch at a turn or finish.

Which strokes use a two-hand touch is covered in the strokes, IM, relays and events guide. Individual medley swimmers have extra chances for a DQ, because the rules apply again at every change of stroke.

Violations that are not about stroke technique

• False start: leaving the block or wall before the starting signal. Some rule sets disqualify the swimmer right away, and others have different procedures, so ask your team how your meet handles it.
• Relay early takeoff: a teammate leaving the block before the incoming swimmer has touched the wall. This can disqualify the whole relay team.
• Lane interference: swimming into another lane in a way that affects another swimmer.
• Wrong event or wrong stroke: swimming a different stroke than the event calls for, or swimming the strokes in the wrong order in a medley.
• Incomplete distance: missing a length or finishing early. Swimmers sometimes lose count in longer events, which is one reason many teams use lap counters in distance races.
• Illegal equipment or conduct: using something not allowed in the event, or ignoring official instructions. Dress and equipment rules differ by meet.

How to respond as a parent

The first minute after a DQ sets the tone. Try this approach.

1. Greet your swimmer warmly before anything else. A hug and a smile do more than an explanation.
2. Let the coach talk to your swimmer first. Coaches know what the official reported and how to explain it simply.
3. Ask your swimmer what they learned, not what went wrong.
4. Remind them that DQs are a normal part of learning. Many strong swimmers have had them.
5. Do not argue with officials or the referee. Their role is to apply the rules, and arguing from the stands only adds stress for your swimmer.

Preventing DQs in practice

Coaches reduce DQs with repetition. Swimmers practice touches, turns and relay exchanges again and again, so the correct habit becomes automatic. At home, you can help by asking your swimmer to explain the rules of their stroke to you. Teaching someone else is a good way to remember a rule. If your child gets nervous and rushes at meets, mention it to the coach, who may have a calming routine.

Some teams hold a practice meet or ask a parent official to watch a few swims and give feedback, so ask what your team offers. Parents who want to help at meets can often take a short officials course through their league, which is also a good way to learn the rules. See swimming terms for new parents for the vocabulary you will hear on deck.

Keeping perspective

A DQ is information. It points to one specific thing to practice, and the fix is usually small. Swimmers who learn to handle a DQ calmly also tend to handle other setbacks well, such as a slower time or a missed goal. Celebrate the effort, keep the focus on the next swim and let the coach guide the technical work. For the routine that helps on meet day, read how to prepare for swim season.

Frequently asked questions

Why do swimmers get disqualified?

An official saw a rule broken, such as a wrong touch at the wall, the wrong kick for the stroke or a relay takeoff that was too early. Most youth DQs are small technique details.

Can I argue a DQ with the official?

It is best not to. Let the coach ask the meet's referee questions, since coaches know the proper process.

Is a DQ a bad mark on my child?

No. It is a normal part of learning the sport, and the fix is usually a small change in technique.

Which strokes have the most DQs?

Breaststroke and butterfly often produce DQs for new swimmers because of the two-hand touch and the kick rules.