Backstroke Rules
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Start
To begin the backstroke race, you should line up in the water facing the starting end with both hands placed on the gutter or starting grips. Remember, you can't stand in or on the gutter, place your toes above the lip of the gutter, or bend your toes over the lip of the gutter before or after the start. If you use a backstroke ledge at the start, make sure that at least one toe of both feet is in contact with the end wall or face of the touchpad, and avoid bending your toes over the top of the touchpad.
Stroke
Throughout the backstroke race, you must push off on your back and continue swimming on your back. Keep in mind that some part of your body must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except for when you're completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point, your head must have broken the surface of the water.
Turns
After completing each length, you must touch the wall with some part of your body. During the turn, you can turn your shoulders past the vertical toward the breast, and then use an immediate continuous single arm pull or immediate continuous simultaneous double-arm pull to initiate the turn. However, you must return to a position on your back upon leaving the wall.
Finish
To finish the backstroke race, you must touch the wall while on your back.