2023 Stroke & Turn Training

Thursday May 18th, 7:00pm Bermuda Run Clubhouse

Tuesday May 23rd, 7:00pm Brookberry Farms Barn

Wednesday May 31st, 7:00pm Forsyth Country Club Pool

Saturday June 10th, 9:00am Chadwyk Pool 

Stroke & Turn RULES 

GFSL will, unless noted otherwise, adhere to the current USA Swimming stroke rules found in the Technical Rules – Article 101.1 – 101.7. We have made provision for three exceptions: the backstroke turn, which will use NFHS (high school) language, “head catchers”, and relay starts, which will use language drafted by our league.

Backstroke: USA swimming rules will apply with the exception of the turn: - The turn requires that some part of the swimmer's body contact the end wall. After the swimmer's head has passed the backstroke flag, prior to the turn, the swimmer's upper shoulder may (but is not required to) rotate past the vertical toward the breast before the touch is completed, provided such rotation is accompanied by an initiation of the turning action or continuation into the wall.

1. The initiation of the turning action shall be accomplished by a single-arm or simultaneous double-arm pull, or in the absence of such pulls, by an upward or downward, underwater movement of the head.

After the initiation of the turning action, no additional arm pulls may be started; however, kicking and gliding actions are permitted.

The swimmer shall assume a position on the back before the feet leave the wall;

Head catchers: Adults and coaches only are permitted to serve as “head catchers” for swimmers in the 10 and under age groups for backstroke. Hand(s) must be flat against the wall to avoid disqualifying the swimmer.

Relay starts: 2nd, 3rd, 4th leg swimmers must use a track style start, having at least one foot planted on the pool edge at the start of the leg. No walking or running starts allowed.