Competitive Swimming: Relay Race
Relay races are very much a team event for all competitive swimmers. It allows the team members to work with the team rather than having a good old competition against each other. Usually it is a nice change of pace during a competitive swim meet. For those just coming into the competitive swimming world there is a four part team for the relay. The team members are going to swim one fourth the distance to complete their leg. The team member must touch the wall before the other team member on the starting block can dive into the water. If the team member dives before the other member secures the wall, the entire team is disqualified for a false start. Any stroke can be used during the relay race.
Usually the swimmer is going to pick their number one stroke over the others. For instance one who usually races the butterfly as their top event will most likely take that stroke. The only rule that applies for the strokes is that the freestyle must be used on the last leg of the relay race.