Common Swim Terms

  • Backstroke (Back) - one of the four competitive racing strokes, basically any style of swimming on your back.

  • Blocks - the starting platforms located behind each lane.

  • Breaststroke (Breast) - one of the four competitive racing strokes.

  • Butterfly (Fly) - One of the four competitive racing strokes.

  • Check-In - The procedure required before a swimmer swims an event in a deck-seeded meet.

  • Deck - area around the swimming pool reserved for swimmer, officials, and coaches.

  • Disqualified (D/Q) - A swimmer's performance is not counted because of a rule infraction. A disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with open had above their head.

  • Dual Meet - type of meet where two teams/clubs compete against each other.

  • Entry - an individual, relay team, or club roster's event list into a swim competition.

  • Entry Fees - the amount per even a swimmer or relay is charged. This varies depending on the type of meet.

  • False Start - when a swimmer leaves the starting block before the horn or gun.

  • Free Relay - a swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a relay team, each swimmer swimming an equal distance of the freestyle stroke.

  • Freestyle (Free) - one of the four competitive racing strokes.

  • Heats - a division of an event when there are too many swimmers to compete at the same time.

  • Heat Sheet - the pre-meet printed listings of swimmers seed times in the various events at a swim meet.

  • IM (Individual Medley) - swimming event using all four of the competitive strokes on consecutive lengths of the race.

  • Long Course - a 50 meter pool.

  • Medley Relay - a swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a relay team, each swimmer swimming an equal distance of a different competitive stroke.

  • Relays - a swimming event in which four swimmers participate as a relay team, each swimmer swimming an equal distance of the race.

  • Touch Pad - The removable plate that is connected to an automatic timing system. A swimmer must properly touch the touchpad to register an official time in a race.