On November 30, USA Swimming issued a change to Rule 101.2.3 that eliminates the requirement that the single butterfly kick must be preceded by the start of the arm pull. The rule now only requires that the single butterfly kick must occur prior to the first breaststroke kick. This change applies to the start and each turn. This change is effective November 30, 2014.   

Rule 101.2.3 now reads:

Kick - After the start and each turn, at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick a single butterfly kick is permitted. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.

Link to Official Notification

Ed Miller of the National YMCA Competitive Swim Committee has issued an email directing that the YMCA will adopt this change immediately.

All Referees should explain this rule change to all officials and to the coaches at all Penn Del meets for the remainder of the 2014-15 season. This change simplifies the observation of the butterfly kick during the breaststroke as S&T officials no longer have to determine if the first stroke was initiated prior to the butterfly kick. The rule still only permits one butterfly kick, the butterfly kick still must occur before the first breaststroke kick, and the butterfly kick must be followed by a breaststroke kick. The butterfly kick is optional.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Fred Polaski
Penn Del Officials Chair.