What is the rule for the outgoing swimmer in a relay?

• A. They may leave after 5 seconds.
• B. They may leave when the starter says Go.
• C. They may leave after a countdown.
• D. They cannot leave the block until the incoming swimmer touches the wall.

Answer: (D)

In a relay, the handoff happens when the incoming swimmer touches the wall. The outgoing swimmer may leave the starting block only after that touch signal, ensuring a clean, fair exchange and preventing any early departure that could give an unfair advantage. If the swimmer leaves before the touch, the team can be disqualified for a false start on the relay handoff. There isn’t a fixed time, countdown, or starter cue involved in the relay exchange—the official signal is the incoming swimmer’s touch on the wall.