A deep dive: How Olympic swimming competitions are judged

By Maggie Brown, WRAL Multiplatform producer

Cary, N.C. — During the men's 400 meter medley swimming trials in Tokyo, two countries were disqualified from competing after judges determined that the athletes launched off the starting block too soon.

Without the Brazilian and Lithuanian men's team disqualifications, Team U.S.A. might not have made it past the trials. Judges determined that the two teams' reaction time — or the time it takes after the starting sound for a swimmer's feet to leave the block — were milliseconds too fast.

These technicalities can cost a team the race, and it's important to know about while you're watching swimming competitions from home.

Mark Frank, director of operations at the Triangle Aquatic Center, is a proud U.S.A Swimming official.

"I was a swimmer, I never wanted to be an official, but here I am, 17 years later," he said.

There's specific rules for each type of race, put into place by the Fédération Internationale de Natation, or FINA.

For example, while a swimmer is competing in a backstroke race, they have to swim at a 91-degree current, Frank said. After each lap, the swimmer has to turn toward their breast and make one simultaneous double arm pull and then turn. Once swimmers leave the wall, their body must positioned forward.

These details are muscle memory for the athletes in the water.

Several judges are watching each athlete while they race, Frank said. Turn officials are on the pool deck, watching each lane for any mistakes. Stroke officials walk along the side of the pool, and along the center for each strokes.

Frank said there are also judges who watch for the "15 meter rule," or any swimmers who remain under the surface of the water for more than 15 meters.

"I highly recommend anyone who wants to get involved in swimming, especially those swim parents," Frank said. "It's the greatest way to get involved in your kids activity."

The Triangle Aquatic Center often offers free clinics on how to become a U.S.A official, with the next one coming up in September.

"You get an opportunity to learn how to be one of the types of judges," Frank said.

There's training offered on how to become an admin official who makes sure all times are accurate. Others can learn how to be a starter, who are the people who alert swimmers to "Take your mark!"

Frank was swimmer all his life, and both his daughters now swim. He's been an official since his oldest daughter was 6-years-old, he said.

"Most importantly, you get to be a part of the action with your swimmer," he said.