YMCA of the USA Competitive Swimming and Diving Fo: Backstroke vs IM Turns

Message

   Why is the "flip-turn" or turning past the vertical with continuous arm(s) pulls allowed in backstroke events except for the IM transition from back-to-breast? 

Otherwise, why is the swimmer required to touch on while on the back during the back-to-breast turn in IM's, and allowed to turn in no-IM backstroke events?

Author	Message
MartinesM New Member Joined: Nov/22/2010 Location: United States Posts: 2	Topic: Backstroke vs IM Turns Posted: Nov/22/2010 at 10:50pm
	Why is the "flip-turn" or turning past the vertical with continuous arm(s) pulls allowed in backstroke events except for the IM transition from back-to-breast? Otherwise, why is the swimmer required to touch on while on the back during the back-to-breast turn in IM's, and allowed to turn in no-IM backstroke events?
	Manny

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Ed Miller Moderator Group Moderator - Officials Joined: Apr/29/2006 Location: United States Posts: 159	Posted: Dec/01/2010 at 8:56am
	Rule 101.6.3.B clearly states that "The turns when changing from one stroke to another shall conform to the finish rules for the stroke just completed". Rule 101.6.3.B(2) addresses that rule as it relates to the transition from backstroke to breaststroke. The individual medley is made up of four distinct segments and thus requires each segment to be swum according to all the rules for that stroke, including finishing the stroke in accordance with the applicable finish rules. Ed Miller National Officials' Committee Chair
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MartinesM New Member Joined: Nov/22/2010 Location: United States Posts: 2	Posted: Dec/01/2010 at 10:58am
	Thanks for your reply. The point taken then, is that the transition "turn" at the end of each IM stroke is to be judged as the stroke finish. Sounds like a good question for the exams and clinics. Edited by MartinesM - Dec/01/2010 at 11:17am
	Manny
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Ed Miller Moderator Group Moderator - Officials Joined: Apr/29/2006 Location: United States Posts: 159	Posted: Dec/03/2010 at 10:38am
	That is correct; transition turns are judged according to the finish rules for the stroke being completed. That question is on the Level I tests. Ed Miller National Officials' Committee Chair
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