What are the rules on stroke judging, and who can disqualify me?

Question

Accepted Answer

Judges of Stroke stand on each side of the pool. They check that the rules for the stroke in the event are followed, watch turns and finishes to assist the Inspectors of Turns, and report any breach they see to the Referee. Inspectors of Turns check the rules after the start, at each turn and at the finish, and report any breach (including stroke rules) within their jurisdiction to the Referee. In relays they also check that the next swimmer is in contact with the starting platform when the previous swimmer touches the wall. Video Review Judges and a Video Review Supervisor are used if required. The Referee has full control over the technical officials and decides disqualifications. If the Referee personally sees a breach they will disqualify you. If another technical official reports a breach verbally, the Referee may disqualify you; once confirmed, the reporting official completes and signs a disqualification card with the event, lane number and infraction. A false start disqualification requires the start to be observed and confirmed by both the Starter and the Referee. If automatic officiating equipment is available the Referee may use it to verify, in which case the Referee and Starter do not both have to agree. Results must state the reason for a disqualification with the relevant code. At the National Championships the minimum is two Referees, four Judges of Stroke and four Inspectors of Turns at each end of the pool. Other meets use the same numbers unless the state body sanctioning the meet approves fewer. Source: Masters Swimming Australia Swimming Rules, June 2026, SW 2 (https://mastersswimming.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MSA-Swimming-Rules-inc-Multi-Class-Rules-June-2026-1.pdf).