New USA Swimming Rule Changes as of May 7, 2026

Susan Huckeby

The new USA Swimming technical rule amendments have been issued. See the Rules and Policies page on the USA Swimming website. These new rules are effective immediately (May 7, 2026).

Quick summary:

1) Counting and ringing bells for 400 meter and longer freestyle events

2) Swimmers may be submerged while finishing the butterfly and freestyle

3) Therapeutic elastic tape is no longer prohibited