What are the rules for relay entries and changes?
Rule- USA
- USA Swimming
- Age group swimming
- 18 and under
- 2026 rules
- Coaches
Under Articles 101.7 and 102.3:
- Same club: relays can't swim unattached. All four swimmers must be USA Swimming members of the same club (except LSC teams at Zone or all-star meets).
- Two or more teams in one event are entered as Team A, Team B and so on, with an entry time that can't be changed for seeding.
- Names and order go to the clerk of course or head lane timer. Any change must be declared to the head lane timer before the heat starts. No changes are allowed after that.
- Prelims to finals: the lineup can change. If a relay is disqualified in prelims, all four swimmers are barred from that event's finals.
- Each swimmer swims only one leg. Swimmers 2 to 4 can't start until the incoming teammate touches, and can't start from on top of the adjustable back plate.
- Mixed relays need two men and two women. Below LSC championship level, other combinations are allowed if the meet announcement says so, but those relay times aren't loaded into SWIMS (eligible lead-off times are).
- A relay swimmer's lead-off split can count as an official time, even if the relay is later disqualified for a teammate's infraction.
Added 21 Oct 2026