Start Rules for Far North Coast Swimmers

START RULES

The following information has been extracted from FINA's swimming rules.

The start in Freestyle, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley races shall be with a dive. On the long whistle from the referee the swimmers shall step onto the starting platform and remain there. On the starter's command "take your marks", they shall immediately take up a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platforms. The position of the hands is not relevant. When all swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.

The start in Backstroke and Medley Relay races shall be from the water. At the referee's first long whistle, the swimmers shall immediately enter the water. At the Referee's second long whistle the swimmers shall return without undue delay to the starting position. When all swimmers have assumed their starting positions, the starter shall give the command "take your marks". When all swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.

When using the one start rule, any swimmer starting before the starting signal has been given, shall be disqualified. If the starting signal sounds before the disqualification is declared, the race shall continue and the swimmer or swimmers shall be disqualified upon completion of the race.
If the disqualification is declared before the starting signal, the signal shall not be given, but the remaining swimmers shall be called back, be reminded by the starter of the penalties, and start again.

FALSE START SIGNAL

The signal for a false start shall be the same as the starting signal but repeated along with dropping of the false start rope. Alternatively, if the referee decides that the start is false he shall blow his whistle, which shall be followed by the starter's signal (repeated) and dropping of the false start rope.