EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY 3/10/2023 --  BACKSTROKE FINISH CHANGE

USA Swimming Rule 101.4.2 (pp 24) – To Comply with World Aquatics SW6.3 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. Additionally, once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5 meter mark (long course and short course meters) or 5 yard mark (short course yards) immediately prior to reaching the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged prior to the touch.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY 3/10/2023 -- CHANGE IN SAYING "TAKE YOUR MARKS"

Multiple USA Swimming Rules – To comply with World Aquatics SW4

101.1.2C (pp 21) – On the Starter’s command “take your marks,” the swimmers shall immediately assume their starting position, in the forward start, with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform or the deck. Swimmers starting in the water must have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.

101.1.2D (pp 22) – When a swimmer does not respond promptly to the command "take your marks," the Starter shall immediately release all swimmers with the command "stand up" upon which the swimmers may stand up or step off the blocks.

105.3 Figure 1 C (pp 57) – Arm moves to shoulder level — signal to "take your marks"

105.3 Figure 1 E (pp 57) – Arm raised overhead with palm up (at any time after C. [“Take Your Marks”] and prior to D. [starting signal] — swimmer released from “Take Your Marks” command)

105.3 Figure 2 D (pp 57) – Arm moves to shoulder level — signal to “take your marks”

105.3 Figure 2 F (pp 57) – Arm raised overhead with palm up (at any time after D. [“Take Your Marks”] and prior to E. [starting signal] — swimmer released from “Take Your Marks” command)

701.2.2B (pp 111) – In all starts, the start signal shall be both audible and visible. For fixed platform starts, the Starter shall give the command, “Take your marks,” at which time the swimmers will assume a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.

701.17.4 (pp 117) – when swimmers are starting from a fixed platform, give the command, “Take your marks,” at which time the swimmers will assume a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.

Differences Between USA Swimming and USMS Rules – Forward Start (pp 123) – The forward start may be taken from the starting block, the pool deck, or a push from the wall. The forward start or the backstroke start shall be used for freestyle events. The referee’s long whistle indicates that the swimmer may take and maintain a position with at least one foot at the front of the platform or the deck (prior to “take your marks”). On the command, “Take your marks,” the swimmer shall immediately assume the starting position that maintains at least one foot at the front of the platform or the deck.

REFEREES........PLEASE COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT TO ALLOW TAPE, SPLINTS, OR CASTS:

Tape or Splints on Swimmers
 
The prohibition against using equipment or other means to maintain or enhance a swimmer's performance includes the use of tapes or taping on any part of the swimmer's body or swimsuit.  However, the referee will have the discretion to allow the use of items, such as tape or other binding material, to close a wound or repair a swimsuit.  Use of tape, elastic or other material intended or believed to alleviate or prevent pain will not be allowed, even with a recommendation or requirement of a health care professional (since a swimmer should not be allowed to swim so injured that he/she needs assistance to perform).  This prohibition includes but is not limited to kinesio tape and binding of more than two fingers or toes together.  Taping all fingers together like they would look in a mitten, shall not be allowed since that could give a competitive advantage.  Since there is nothing in the rule book from preventing an athlete of wearing a splint or cast, it should be allowed as long as it does not give a competitive advantage.  If a splint or cast is to be worn, caution is to be used during warm up.