Change the last sentenceof 101.3.2__Stroke to read " Both arms shall be brought forward in an overarm manner and pulled back simultaneously". .
Change the second sentence of 101.3.3__Kick to read, "A scissors kicking movement is never permitted in the Butterfly Stroke".
Since these two proposed changes are being proposed only because of the widely differing interpretation encountered in the last couple of years, they can be incorporated without further ado other than the agreement of the rules committees before the meet, whether it be tomorrow, next month, or next year.
Regarding the armstroke: officials generally use common sense when judging "Both arms must be brought forward over the water...simultaneously". Inconsistencies in judging that part of the rule are appropriately addressed in officials' education and in officials' briefings at meets.
Regarding the kick: the current language of the kick rule does not allow for a scissors kick. For dolphin kick, "All up and down movements of the feet and legs must be simultaneous." When breaststroke kick is used, 101.2.3 "Kick" (breaststroke rule) applies, and it states, "A scissors...kick is not permitted...".
Kathy Casey, Chair
USMS Rules Committee
Regarding the armstroke: officials generally use common sense when judging "Both arms must be brought forward over the water...simultaneously". Inconsistencies in judging that part of the rule are appropriately addressed in officials' education and in officials' briefings at meets.
Regarding the kick: the current language of the kick rule does not allow for a scissors kick. For dolphin kick, "All up and down movements of the feet and legs must be simultaneous." When breaststroke kick is used, 101.2.3 "Kick" (breaststroke rule) applies, and it states, "A scissors...kick is not permitted...".
Kathy Casey, Chair
USMS Rules Committee
