Breaststroke rule simplified in US high school swimming

Read High School OT

High school swimmers in the breaststroke event will now be permitted to execute a single butterfly kick on the start or turn at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick.

“It was extremely difficult for officials to observe and consistently judge the initiation of the arm stroke on the start and turns,” said Becky Oakes, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. “The committee wanted to provide consistency for the swimmers as to when the butterfly kick is permitted and the observation by the officials across all lanes for a legal or illegal use of the butterfly kick. Swimmers may now use the butterfly kick in the location that best benefits the individual swimmer before the breaststroke kick.”