REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.

Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

MODULE XV: Swimming

Lesson 1:

Introduction

Objectives
Pretest

Reading

Each SOKY Sport Development Team (SDT) is made up of 4-8 volunteers

who come from a wide range of backgrounds including, but not limited to,
high school/college coaches and officials, professionals in the field,
instructors, and representatives from sport governing bodies and
organizations, local program coaches and Special Olympics athletes. Using
the guidelines set by Special Olympics International and under the guidance
of the state Program Director, the group will design policies, restructure rules,
and help grow and
strengthen our state’s program. The goal of this collaborative effort is to
make sure our sports programs continue to be the best for our athletes. The
primary goals of each SDT are:
Improve the quality of training and competition for SOKY athletes.
Assess the needs of the respective sport and help develop and implement
strategies to meet those needs.
Identify and recruit sport-specific resources.

The SDT values the input from each athlete, coach, volunteer and parent.
These individuals are invited to share their thoughts at SDT meetings.

Swimming Sport Development Team Members

Amanda Wade- SOKY Program Director

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

213
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

Jan Krekel- Area 4 Brandi Wathen- Area 4

Developmental Official Athlete Staging/
Assistant Coach: Area 4 Dolphins

Bill Krekel- Area 4 Philip Norris- Area 8

Head of Awards Head Coach: Sunfish

Debbie Ogden- Area 7 Pat Harkleroad- Area 4

Head Coach: NKY Dolphins Assistant Coach: Stingrays
The Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules shall govern all Special
Olympics Swimming Competitions. Special Olympics has created these rules
based upon International Governing Body Rules, (FINA) and National
Governing Body Rules, United States Swimming, (USA). USA Rules shall
be employed except when they conflict with the Special Olympics Sports
Rules. In such cases, official Special Olympics Rules shall apply. Athletes
can register for up to two (2) individual events and one (1) relay event at each
competition.

SHORT COURSE EVENTS OFFERED - All distances measured in yards.

25 Freestyle* 25 Backstroke*
25 Breaststroke 25 Butterfly
50 Freestyle 50 Backstroke
50 Breaststroke 50 Butterfly
100 Freestyle 100 Backstroke
100 Breaststroke100 Butterfly
200 Breaststroke 200 Freestyle
200 Backstroke 200 Butterfly
4 x 25 Individual Medley 4 x 50 Individual Medley

4 x 25 Freestyle Relay 4 x 25 Unified Freestyle Relay

4 x 50 Freestyle Relay 4 x 50 Unified Freestyle Relay
4 x 100 Freestyle Relay 4 x 25 Medley Relay
4 x 50 Medley Relay

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

214
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

*During competition, any male who swims the 25 freestyle or 25 backstroke in 25.00 seconds and under will be
disqualified and receive a participation ribbon. Any female who swim the 25 freestyle or 25 backstroke in 30.00
seconds and under will be disqualified and receive a participation ribbon.

DEVELOPMENTAL EVENTS
COACHES WHO HAVE ATHLETES IN DEVELOPMENTAL EVENTS NEED TO BE FAMILIAR
WITH ENTRY RULES CONCERNING LEAD-UP EVENTS.

These events are intended for athletes of lower skill levels.

15 Walk
15 Flotation
15 Flotation Kickboard
15 Kickboard
15 Assisted Freestyle
15 Assisted Backstroke
15 Unassisted Freestyle
15 Unassisted Backstroke
25 Transitional Freestyle
25 Transitional Backstroke
25 Flotation
2 x 25 Flotation Relay
2 x 25 Kickboard Relay
2 x 25 Relay*
2 x 25 Unified Relay*
* Any combination of developmental events

General Rules
The technical rules of competition are noted in the USA Rule Book. The USA Rule Book will be
used for all events. Some exceptions to these rules are listed below.

ALL EVENTS
The Meet Referee shall have the authority to adjust these rules on a case
by case basis for the safety and well being of an athlete. The referee may
intervene in the competition at any stage to ensure that the appropriate
regulations are observed.
REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:
CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

215
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

The Meet Referee shall have the discretion to allow for certain
modifications/interpretations of the current technical rules based upon a
physical disability characteristic. Such interpretation shall not give
advantage over another swimmer. Stroke interpretations will be concerned
with the action a limb is performing. The stroke judge shall be concerned
with what action the arm or leg action constitutes.
The Referee shall have full control and authority over all officials, approve
their assignments and instruct them regarding all Special Olympics
regulations related to competition. He/she shall enforce all rules and
decisions of the Official Special Olympics Rules book and USA rules and
shall decide all questions to the actual conduct of the meet.
During freestyle events, athletes may use any stroke and may change that
stroke during the course of the race should they choose to do so. The only
exception is during the individual medley or medley relay. In those events,
athletes may use any stroke EXCEPT backstroke, breaststroke and
butterfly during the freestyle portion.
Standing on the bottom during freestyle events or during the freestyle portion
of the medley events shall not disqualify a competitor BUT the swimmer
shall not be allowed to walk making forward progress. Standing on the
bottom is allowed only for the purpose of resting. Walking on or jumping
from the bottom is cause for disqualification.
A coach may guide the swimmer by voice only. A coach is not allowed to
touch the swimmer from the time of the starting signal until all swimmers
have completed the race.
Assistant starters may be used to assist athletes in maintaining their
positions at the starting line.
No competitor shall be permitted to use or wear any device that may aid his
speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition such as; webbed gloves,
flippers, etc. Goggles may be worn.
Swimmers may be assisted from the water if needed. Athletes are not to be
pulled out of the water by their arms.
During competition, athletes who finish their race should remain in their
lane until everyone finishes except during relay races.
If your athlete has a physical restraint/disability that affects their stroke
technique, you should submit a Stroke Difficulty Form to the state office
before the first meet.
An athlete is NOT allowed to grasp lane dividers to assist in forward
motion.
REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:
CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

216
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

Breaststroke and butterfly turns are initiated by touching the wall with
both hands.

EQUIPMENT
Starting device, (whistle, horn, gun). A visual start may be used for the
hearing impaired. A strobe light in accordance with USA rules is
recommended.
Lanes Lines.
Electronic Timing System and/or Stopwatches – at least one per lane
Backstroke Flags.

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

217
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

RELAY EVENTS
There shall be four (4) swimmers on each relay team.
Individual stroke relay teams (4x25 Free, 4x50 Free and 4x100 Free) are
allowed to have one (1) alternate. This alternate must be listed on the
registration form, cannot be registered for any other relays (as a member
or as an alternate), and must be the slowest leg of the relay team.
Each swimmer shall swim ¼ the distance of the total relay. No swimmer
shall swim more than one leg of any relay.
A relay team that combines genders to include both male and female athletes
shall compete as a male relay.
Relay swimmers should exit the pool as soon as possible following the
completion of their relay leg.
Unified Relays – teams shall consist of two (2) athletes and two (2) partners
and the swimmers may be assigned in any order.
Unified Partners are allowed to enter one (1) short course relay event and
one (1) developmental relay event per meet.

DEVELOPMENTAL EVENTS
Athletes participating in developmental events cannot enter short course
events at the same meet.
All athletes entering the 15 unassisted swim, the 25 transitional freestyle
or the 25 transitional backstroke must possess recovery skills. A recovery
skill is the method of recovering from a prone (horizontal) position to a
standing (vertical position) without assistance or difficulty. Every attempt
should be made to train the athlete to complete the distance with assistance
only at the start. The athlete needs to possess the endurance to move 15-25
yards.
FLOTATION DEVICES are those that encircle the body. Water wings are not
acceptable. Flotations that may be used are: 1) Head floats 2) Inner tubes 3)
Life Jackets/belts. Flotations must fit the athlete securely. KICKBOARDS
CANNOT BE USED AS FLOTATIONS. Coaches are to provide all flotation
devices and kickboards. Floatation does not have to be a Coast Guard
approval device.
Coaches are responsible for obtaining assistants for lifting athletes in and
out of the pool. Please follow good lifting techniques, ensure all safety and
make sure all wheelchair brakes are in the lock position. (i.e. feet planted,
weight evenly distributed, bend knees, lift with legs and not back,

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

213
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

etc.)With the exception of the unassisted swim and the transitional swim,
it is required that an assistant accompany the athlete into the water.
Assistants’ hands must be visible at all times (out of the water is
preferred). Any sculling or under water hand movements may move the
athlete forward, causing disqualification. Persons assisting athletes in an
event are to guide or direct the athlete without assisting in forward
movement.
A touch cue may be necessary to communicate with the athlete. This can be
done with a tap to the back, shoulder, arm, leg, etc. Immediately following
the cue, the hands MUST be visible.
Standing on the bottom in the racing course is allowed in flotation events,
assisted events and the 15 M unassisted event for the purpose of resting.
Walking on or jumping from the bottom must disqualify the competitor.
This rule will not apply for the 15 M walk.

Guidelines for hosting a swim meet

Meet Officials – The following should be USA Certified:
Referee - assign jobs - runs the deck
Starter - starts race
Stroke and Turn Judges

Additional Personnel needed:

Head Timer - responsible for organizing timers
Timers - two per lane
Clerk of Course - staging person, swimmers check, scratches, etc.
Awards – person to organize the awards process
First Aid

Facilities
Six to eight lane pool
Starting blocks
Lane lines
Depth of 4 ft. minimum
Backstroke flags

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

214
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

False start rope

1 Lifeguard for every 25 swimmers

Entries
Ensure all entries have valid SOKY medical
Pre-meet packet – must include schedule, directions, specifics for
meet

Keys
Keep staging away from pool deck
Flow - Two Escorts/Heat

Swim Meet Information

(Times are estimations and are subject to change from meet to
meet)

Meet requirements – All athletes must swim in 2 swim meets during

the regular aquatics season to qualify for the state meet. If an
athlete receives a participation ribbon at a meet, that meet will
count as one of the two required.

Delegation check-in will begin 1 ½ hours before the scheduled start

time of the meet and conclude 30 minutes prior to the start of
the meet.

Scratches must be turned in at least 30 minutes prior to the start

of the meet.

Warm-ups – Athletes will have a 15 to 30-minute period in the

water to warm- up. The warm-up will conclude 15 minutes
prior to the start of the meet.

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

215
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

Coaches Meeting – 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the event there
will be a brief coaches meeting conducted by SOKY staff and
meet directors. All head coaches are required to attend the coaches
meeting.

Adequate # of coaches / chaperones – Teams need to have enough

personnel available at meets to supervise team members who are
awaiting or finished competition

Staging – Coaches and chaperones will listen for the clerk of

course to call for events. The staging of athletes will stay 3 to 4
events ahead of the current event. When an athlete’s event is
called, a coach / chaperone will bring him or her to the staging
area. The athlete should be checked in using their wristband and
seated. Athletes will be seated in lane order. They will also
receive a sponge that has their lane assignment on it. Escorts
will lead the athletes to the starting blocks in a single file line,
wait for the completion of the event and then lead the athletes
back to their designated team area.

Getting athletes to staging is the coach’s responsibility. Announcements will not be

made for individual swimmers. It is imperative that coaches and chaperones actively
listen for events to be called. They must look ahead in the event program to ensure
that each athlete is ready to go to staging.
Athletes must bring everything they need for the event to staging: goggles, swim
cap, water, and towel.

USA Concerning Whistle Starts

All Special Olympics Kentucky sanctioned swim meets will use
this rule.
Coaches, please train your athletes using the whistle start!

THE RULE STATES:

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:
CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

216
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

“At the commencement of each heat, the Referee shall signal to

the swimmers by a short series of whistles, to remove all
clothing except for swim wear and to stand ready at least one
foot distance from the block area. Next, swimmers will hear a
long whistle indicating that they should take one of the
following positions and remain there:

On the platform (if diving from the block)

pool edge (if diving from the side of the pool)
or in the water (if performing an in water start)

When the swimmers and officials are ready, the Referee shall
signal with an outstretched arm to the Starter that the swimmers
are under the Starter’s control.

On the Starter’s command “take you mark”, the swimmers shall

immediately assume their starting position with at least one foot
at the front of the block, on the side or holding the wall with an
outstretched arm in the water. When all swimmers are
stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.”

Important classification on false starts

Under USA Swimming, there is No “Recall” for false starts.

Under the no recall starting procedure, the penalty for a false start is
imposed on the offender after the completion of the swim. Races will not
be called back, even if the entire division false starts. The first start
generally is the swimmer’s best effort.
Therefore, swimmers should not be penalized for a good start
by having a race recalled due to someone false starting. The
starter may recall a heat for usual circumstances, such as a lane

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

217
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

line break, sudden noise interfering with the start signal, or

anything that may affect fair conduct of the race.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
BASIC RULES
There shall be at least one certified lifeguard on duty for every
25 swimmers in the water. (includes everyone in the pool)
The sole function of the lifeguard shall be to guard. If no relief
lifeguard is available, the pool must be emptied even for short
durations when a lifeguard must leave the pool side.
The head coach and assistants will review the emergency action
plan.
Athlete medical forms shall be on site for all practice sessions and
meets.
Pool depth must be marked and visible.
Water depth should be 6 feet deep before beginning to teach the
dive start from the deck. At competition or practice, the
minimum depth of the pool shall be 1.52 meters (5 ft) for racing
starts from a starting block. A swimmer may dive from the side
of the pool without a starting block if the depth is at least
1.22 meters (4 ft).
Safety lines must be in place to divide shallow and deepwater
areas during recreational aquatic activities.
A pool facility shall not be used unless a satisfactory inspection
rating is received prior to any Special Olympics athlete entering
the water.
All rescue and first aid equipment should be inspected on a
regular basis and should be easily accessible.
An athlete with Down Syndrome who has been diagnosed with
Atlanto-axial instability may not participate in the butterfly
stroke and/or dive starts.

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

218
 REGENCY POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, INC.
Gen.San Drive, Brgy. Morales, Purok Springs I, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Phil., 9506
E-mail Add.: regencypolytechniccollege@yahoo.com/
regencypolytechniccollege@gmail.com
Administration Office Tel. No.: (+83) 228-19-94/Mobile No.: (+63) 936-039-0107
Website: http://www.regencypolytechniccollege.com.ph

Coaches need to keep important medical devices and

medications with them during practices and meets (including
nebulizers, inhalers, and vegal nerve stimulators.)

Self-Assessment Question (SAQ)

Answer Briefly the following questions:

Summary
REFERENCE
http://soky.org/pdfs/swimming_manual.pdf

REVISION NO: PREPARED BY: VERIFIED BY: APPROVED BY:

CHERYBE P. SANTIAGO

DATE: DATE: DATE: DATE:

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