Section 6: Scoring
6.1 Determination of Results — Individual Events
The winner of each event is the swimmer who completes the prescribed distance in the shortest time. Results are determined by the Automatic Officiating Equipment (AOE) touchpad system as the primary source. AOE times are recorded to 0.001 seconds (one thousandth of a second); however, official results are presented and ranked to 0.01 seconds (hundredths of a second) per SW Rule SW 2.3. Any digit beyond 0.01 s is truncated (not rounded) for official rankings.
6.2 Ties in Individual Events
When two or more swimmers record identical official times (to 0.01 s), they are declared tied and both receive the same place. If a tie occurs for a qualifying position in a final, the tied swimmers shall both advance. If lane availability does not permit all tied swimmers to advance, a swimoff shall be conducted. World Aquatics may prescribe specific swimoff procedures for its championships.
6.3 Relay Results
Relay results are determined the same way as individual results using AOE. The team time is measured from the starting signal to the final swimmer's touch on the touchpad. Relay exchange legality is verified by the AOE relay judging system (where available) or by Stroke and Turn Judges.
6.4 World Records (SW Rule SW 3 — World Record Requirements)
To be eligible for a World Record ratification, the following conditions must be met:
- The performance must be achieved in a World Aquatics-sanctioned competition.
- A full doping control must be conducted for the swimmer(s) involved within the window specified by World Aquatics Anti-Doping Rules.
- The pool must be FINA/World Aquatics certified; the AOE must be Omega or equivalent certified.
- The swimsuit worn must appear on the World Aquatics Approved Swimwear List at the time of the performance.
- World Records are maintained for both long course (50 m) and short course (25 m) for all standard events.
- Any record set in relay leadoff legs (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle) is eligible as an individual world record if the swimmer performs a legal start and completes the full relay leg distance.
6.5 Championship Points — Team Scoring
At World Aquatics Championships, individual event results contribute points to national team totals based on final placement. World Aquatics publishes the specific points table for each championship. Relay events typically carry higher point values reflecting the team nature of the effort. Disqualified swimmers score no points.
6.6 Heat Seeding and Lane Assignments
In preliminary heats, swimmers are seeded by submitted entry times. The fastest swimmer is placed in lane 4 of the final heat (in an 8-lane pool). Lane assignments proceed outward from lane 4 in an alternating pattern: 4, 5, 3, 6, 2, 7, 1, 8. Slower heats are conducted first; the fastest heat is last. In finals, lane assignments are determined by placing finalists by their heat times using the same seeding pattern.