by Dr. Paul Hutinger
Question: On the backstroke turn, can my legs kick when I roll over? Can I roll over and touch the wall while on my stomach? I'm fairly new to Maters swimming and am confused by the differences in officiating.
Answer: Yes. The rule states: "...a continuous single or a continuous doublearm pull may be used to execute the turn. Once the body has left the position on the back, there shall be no kick or arm pull independent of a continuous turning action."
You may use either the dolphin kick (used by world record holder Bill Specht) or the flutter kick. Perfect your turns in practice by knowing your stroke count under the flags before you begin to roll over. Once you have turned, adjust your out-of-water arm so you will maintain the continuity in your turn. You cannot roll over, hold your arm straight ahead or at your side, and kick in. That would not be continuous.
The answer is yes for your second question. From the rule book: "...turns past vertical, and in a continuous motion, bragx the wall before pushing off with the feet while on the back...." Not all swimmers feel comfortable doing the rollover turn, and this rollover open turn is an alternative comtinuous turning action, available in Masters swimming and not USA age group.
When this rule first appeared ten years ago, videos were available to train swimmers, coaches, and officials on proper technique, which was useful for uniformity in judging turns. I share your confusion about officiating calls, as some officials apparently have not kept pace with the rollover back turn. In the St. Petersburg area, I've seen elite swimmers DQ'd doing back rollover and open back rollover turns, for "kicking in" and "not continuous." These same swimmers and turns are legal in other meets. There is no advantage to not being continuous.
Anyone wanting additional information, or having personal questions, please send a large SASE to: Dr. Paul Hutinger, 1755 Georgia Ave NE, St. Petersburg FL 33703. You can e-mail me at phut@usms.org.