Is it my job to decide whether a touch or relay exchange is legal?
Rule- USA
- USA Swimming
- Swim meets
- All ages
- Timing
- 2026 rules
- Timers
No. Under Article 102.16.3, it is not within a lane timer's jurisdiction to judge whether a swimmer's touch meets the finish rules, or whether a relay take-off infraction happened, unless the Referee has also assigned you as a turn judge or relay take-off judge.
- Disqualifications are made only by the official whose jurisdiction covers the infraction (102.21.1).
- No one may time and judge the order of finish at the same time (102.10.3).
What you should report is timing information: a late or missed touchpad touch, a watch that didn't start, or anything that makes you think a time is wrong.
Added 21 Oct 2026