This card is to assist as a quick reference guide for Judges of Stroke and Inspectors of Turns. It must not be used as a substitute for the thorough knowledge of FINA Rules 2017-2021 Edition
Version 22 August 2019
| STARTS | FINA RULE |
| Starting before the starting signal | SW 4.4 |
| Note: A DQ at the start must be observed and confirmed by both the starter and the referee | SW 2.1.6 |
| FREESTYLE SWIMMING | FINA RULE |
| Backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly swum in the freestyle section of a medley | SW 5.1 |
| Did not touch the wall at the turn or finish | SW 5.2 |
| Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn | SW 5.3 |
| Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) | SW 5.3 |
| BACKSTROKE SWIMMING | FINA RULE |
| Note: When using a backstroke ledge, toes of both feet must be in contact with the wall or touchpad | SW 6.1 |
| Left position on the back other than to execute a turn | SW 6.2 |
| Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn | SW 6.3 |
| Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) | SW 6.3 |
| Did not start executing the turn immediately after turning onto the breast | SW 6.4 |
| Turn not initiated at completion of arm pull | SW 6.4 |
| Did not touch the wall during the turn | SW 6.4 |
| Not on the back upon leaving the wall following the turn | SW 6.4 |
| Did not finish the race whilst on the back | SW 6.5 |
| BREASTSTROKE SWIMMING | FINA RULE |
| More than one butterfly kick prior to the first breaststroke kick | SW 7.1 |
| Head did not break the surface before the hands turned inward at the widest part of the second stroke after the start or turn | SW 7.1 |
| Body not on the breast (except when executing a turn) | SW 7.2 |
| Stroke cycle not 1 arm stroke to 1 leg kick in that order (except at the finish as in SW 7.6) | SW 7.2 |
| Arm movements not simultaneous | SW 7.2 |
| Arm movements not on the same horizontal plane | SW 7.2 |
| Hands not pushed forward together from the breast | SW 7.3 |
| Elbows over the water (except for final stroke before the turn, during the turn or the final stroke at the finish) | SW 7.3 |
| Hands brought back beyond the hip line (except during the 1st stroke following the start or turn) | SW 7.3 |
| Head did not break the surface during each stroke cycle (except first cycle following the start or turn) | SW 7.4 |
| Leg movements not simultaneous (or alternating movement) | SW 7.4 |
| Leg movements not on the same horizontal plane | SW 7.4 |
| Feet not turned out in the propulsive part of the kick | SW 7.5 |
| Executed a downward butterfly kick (except after the start and each turn as in SW 7.1) | SW 7.5 |
| Touch at the turn or finish not made with both hands separated/simultaneously | SW 7.6 |
| BUTTERFLY SWIMMING | FINA RULE |
| Body not on the breast (except when executing a turn) | SW 8.1 |
| Arms not brought forward simultaneously over the water | SW 8.2 |
| Arms not brought backward simultaneously under the water | SW 8.2 |
| Alternating movement of legs or feet | SW 8.3 |
| Breaststroke kicking movement | SW 8.3 |
| Touch at the turn or finish not made with both hands separated/simultaneously | SW 8.4 |
| More than one arm pull under water following the start or turn | SW 8.5 |
| Head did not break surface of water at or before the 15m mark following the start or turn | SW 8.5 |
| Totally submerged during the race (except for first 15m following the start or turn) | SW 8.5 |
| MEDLEY SWIMMING | FINA RULE |
| Incorrect individual medley stroke order (correct: fly, back, breast, free – 1/4 each) | SW 9.1 |
| In the freestyle section, did not return to the breast before any kick or stroke | SW 9.2 |
| Incorrect medley relay stroke order (correct: back, breast, fly, free – 1/4 each) | SW 9.3 |
| Finish of each section not in accordance with rules for the particular stroke | SW 9.4 |
| THE RACE | FINA RULE |
| Did not remain in the same lane in which they started | SW 10.3 |
| When turning did not make contact with the end of the pool | SW 10.4 |
| Took a stride or step from the bottom of the pool | SW 10.4 |
| Stood on the bottom of the pool (except in freestyle) | SW 10.5 |
| Pulled on the lane rope | SW 10.6 |
| Obstructing another swimmer | SW 10.7/10.14 |
| Use of non-approved device, swimsuit, adhesive substance or body tape | SW 10.8 |
| Entered the water during a race not entered in | SW 10.9 |
| Feet lost touch with the starting platform before the preceding team-mate touched the wall | SW 10.11 |
| Relay team member re-entered the water before all teams finished the race | SW 10.12 |
| Relay team did not swim in the order listed | SW 10.13 |
| Failed to leave the pool as soon as possible at the end of the race or section in a relay | SW 10.14 |
| Device or plan used for pace-making | SW 10.16 |