Does anyone know the rule on underwater dolphin during the freestyle starts and turns? The 15m rule doesn't apply, does it?
Freestyle is freestlye, most people don't go that far because it is slower, except Phelps/Leveaux. Just wondering though, if I went 40 meters on the first 50 of a 400 free LCM, that would be allowed, right?
Is there documentation to verify this, in case of dispute?
From the USA Swimming rule book, rule 101.5.2:
"Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn"
So, you can stay underwater continuously until the 15m mark or surface and submerge again, as long as the swimmer's head breaks the surface prior to the 15m mark and then some part of the swimmer breaks the surface of the water after that.
From the USA Swimming rule book, rule 101.5.2:
"Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn"
So, you can stay underwater continuously until the 15m mark or surface and submerge again, as long as the swimmer's head breaks the surface prior to the 15m mark and then some part of the swimmer breaks the surface of the water after that.
