Introduction

On July 4, 2024, officials volunteering at NAA meets requested an official directive concerning in-
water relay takeovers. Currently, no official documentation of the Association provides clear guidelines with regard to such situations and the disqualifications therefrom. The present Directive shall define a clear standard.

The present Directive was developed with the feedback of officials.

Application

The current Directive shall be applied at all swimming competitions of the Association, until amended by the General Assembly or superseded by a revised directive.

Directive

During in-water relay takeovers, departing swimmers must start with one (1) hand on the wall. Swimmers shall not hold onto a diving block or backstroke bar.

An inspector of turns (IT) must assess when the feet of the departing swimmer leaves the wall, in relation to when the arriving swimmer touches the wall. If the feet of the departing swimmer loses contact with the wall before the hand of the arriving swimmer touches the wall, the relay team shall be disqualified.

Should the departing swimmer position themselves without their feet on the wall, an inspector of turns must assess when the hand of the departing swimmer is no longer in contact with the wall, in order to determine whether an infraction has been committed.

Only in the ‘8 & Under’ category, coaches may place, without putting pressure, their palm over the hand of the departing swimmer, in order to advise the said swimmer of when they should leave. Notwithstanding this, the coach must not hold or grab a swimmer, or prevent them from departing at their own discretion. In such a situation, the relay team shall be disqualified.