How to Get Disqualified Swimming Backstroke

With the backstroke, the swimmer starts in the water facing the wall. The only time the swimmer is allowed to turn toward the water on their stomach is when entering a turn. Because the backstroke is different from the other competitive swimming strokes, disqualification can occur for reasons that do not apply to the other strokes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stay submerged past 15 meters off the start. Backstroke starts can originate underwater, but you must be on top of the water by the 15-meter mark to avoid disqualification.
2. Push off the bottom of the pool. Backstroke starts that go too deep often tempt swimmers to race to the top of the water by pushing off the bottom. This action will get you to the top, but you will be immediately disqualified.
3. Turn onto your stomach in the middle of the lap. You must stay on your back throughout the event, except when entering a turn.
4. Kick or pull after flipping onto your stomach for a turn. Turns must be continuous motions; kicks and pulls after the initial flip onto your stomach for a turn are not permitted.
5. Miss the wall on a turn. Your hand or foot must touch the wall before you can move on to the next lap.
6. Pull on the lane line. If you grab the lane line to propel you forward during a race, you're disqualified.
7. Finish the race on your stomach. A backstroke event must be finished on your back. A turn onto your stomach for the final touch will disqualify you.

Tips & Warnings

• Accidentally hitting the lane line with your hand does not immediately disqualify you. However, if you grab the lane line during this mishap you may be disqualified. Fumble through the collision without grabbing the lane line, even if it takes some time. You may be able to make up the time while you finish the race.