Starting Commands for Y Meets

Forward start: use the following commands and words. DO NOT improvise……..

• 4 short whistle chirps -– alerts the swimmers to get ready.
• 1 long whistle alerts the swimmers to step up on the block.
• If the swimmers don't step up the referee or starter will give a verbal command to "step up". No other commands will be given.
• Turn the meet over to the starter by using a hand signal.
• The starter announces the event "100 yd Freestyle" and for the 500 freestyle also says "This is a gun lap event".
• The starter then says, "Take your mark".
• The starter then sounds the starting device.
• The only other command the starter shall use at this point is “stand up”.

Back start: use the following commands and words. DO NOT improvise…….

• 4 short whistle chirps -- alerts the swimmers to get ready
• 1 long whistle alerts the swimmers to step into the pool.
• If they don't step in the referee will give the command to "step in". No other commands will be given.
• A second long whistle is blown when the swimmers heads break the surface -- this whistle means place your feet.
• If they don't place their feet then the referee or starter will give command to "place your feet". No other command shall be given.
• Turn the meet over to the starter by using a hand signal.
• The starter announces the event "100 yd Backstroke".
• The starter then says, "Take your mark".
• The starter then sounds the starting device.
• The only other command the starter shall use at this point is “stand up”.