Central Hardin High School
Swim Team
Rules for All Races:
*Starters will not hold up a race to wait for missing swimmers. If a swimmer or relay team is not at the starting block by the time the race is to begin, the race will proceed on schedule and a makeup race will not be permitted.
*Starters will not hold up a race for a swimmer to locate cap or goggles.
*To easily avoid missing a race- plan to be a the starting block on time with all your gear.
Freestyle Rules:
*You may not touch the bottom of the pool or pull on the lane rope.
*The start must be forward.
*Your head must break the surface of the water before the 15 yard mark.
*Any kick or stroke is legal; however, the entire race must be completed with the same kick/stroke.
Backstroke Rule:
*You may not touch the bottom of the pool or pull on the lane rope.
*The start must be backward, and toes cannot be over the lip or top of the wall.
*You must stay on your back at all times.
*Turns: you may turn onto your stomach for the turn, provided you only make one arm pull to execute the turn in one continuous motion. Ask your coach for a demonstration if necessary.
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Breaststroke Rule:
*You may not touch the bottom of the pool or pull on the lane rope.
*You must remain on your breast the entire time.
*Arms must move simultaneously, and cannot go beyond the hipline (except on the start or after each turn).
*Legs must move simultaneously, and must be turned outward.
*Scissor, alternating and butterfly kicks are not permitted.
*Some part of the head must break the surface of the water on water on each arm stroke-leg stroke combination (except on the start and after each turn).
*Underwater recovery (occurs at start and turns) allows the swimmer to do one dolphin kick and one arm pull underwater. The swimmer must be able to break the surface of the water after their one kick/one pull combo.
*Turns & finishes require a two-handed touch.
Butterfly Rule:
*You may not touch the bottom of the pool or pull on the lane rope.
*You must remain on your breast the entire time.
*The head must surface before the 15 yard mark.
*Arm strokes must be simultaneous.
*Leg movements must be simultaneous.
*Alternating, breaststroke & scissor kicks are not permitted.
*Turns and finishes require a two handed kick.
*Some part of the arm (between the wrist & shoulder) must break the surface of the water on each stroke.
***Exceptions for starts & turn***
Relay Rules:
The Stroke Judges will be looking for "Swimmers B's" feet to leave the block and then verify that "Swimmer A" has touched the wall. If the "Swimmer A" has not touched the wall before "Swimmer B" dives in, the "Swimmer B" will de disqualified for an early start.
Swim Meet 101
Meet Entries:
Meet events are typically split by gender, (boys against boys and girls against girls); however, State level meets will have separate sessions for boys and girls. Each swimmer may swim up to 3 individual events and 2 relays. Coaches will determine relay teams and review at practice. Once a commitment has been made to attend a meet, you must attend that meet.
Day of the Meet:
What does my child need for meets?
Team Suit
Towels (2)
Snacks for themselves (orange slices, apples, crackers, gatorade, water, etc..)
Team Cap and back up swim cap
Goggles and back up goggles
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We will be sending out meet sign ups either via goggle doc or signup genius. Please make sure to fill this form out for every meet. If we do not have a form for a swimmer we will assume that they will not be attending and will not be added to individual events and/or relays.
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How long do these meets run?
Times vary depending on several factors; the number of swimmers, weather and how organized the teams can be to keep the swimmers up to date with the line up of their events. Most meets can be completed in about 3 hours (sometimes a little longer). This is why it is important for swimmers to know their events.
Eat or not to Eat?
EAT! Swimmers burn up a ton of calories at practice and at meets. No, they should not be eating a full course meal before swimming. Any type of carbs, protein, and fruits are great to eat about an hour or so before the meet. Your swimmer should also have snacks to munch on after every event. Pretzels, goldfish, crackers, watermelon, granola bars, etc...
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
Water is best, but gatorade, Powerade and other sports drinks are ok in moderation. Some have lots of sugar and sodium, so read those labels. Soda is not the best but can be a quick sugar fix if your swimmer needs it. Swimmers can and often do dehydrate, please encourage hydration. SWIMMERS SWEAT, YOU JUST CAN'T SEE IT!
Heat Sheets
Heat Sheets list the stroke, distance and heats for each event. This will provide you with information on which event, heat and pool lane your swimmer will swim in during the meet.
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Why you need a heat sheet?
Everyone always ask this question. Heat sheets help the team.
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​The help you know who is swimming in each lane and in which event they are swimming.
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They help with the overall organization of the meet.