Swim tracking guide
DQ, DNS and DNF in swimming explained
Three short codes can take the shine off a result sheet: DQ, DNS and DNF. They look harsh, but each simply records what happened to the swim, and a DQ in particular is a normal part of learning the strokes.
Direct answer
DQ means disqualified, so the swim is not a legal time. DNS means did not start and DNF means did not finish. None of the three produce a usable time, so none of them can be a PB, and a DQ does not stand as a result for that swim.
What each code means
DQ, disqualified, means an official judged the swim to break a rule, so it does not count as a legal time. The swimmer still swam, but the time is not recorded as valid.
DNS, did not start, means the swimmer was entered but did not race, often through withdrawal or illness. DNF, did not finish, means the swimmer started but did not complete the race.
Common reasons for a DQ
Many disqualifications are technical and stroke-specific. Breaststroke and butterfly see more DQs because of the two-hand touch, the kick rules and the pull-out, which are precise and easy to get wrong while learning.
Other common reasons include a false start, an early take-over in a relay, not touching the wall at a turn, or an illegal turn. These are skills, and they improve with practice and feedback.
How to respond as a swimmer or family
A DQ is information, not a verdict on the swimmer. It points to one specific thing to work on, and most swimmers collect a few while they master the technical strokes.
Ask the coach what the DQ code referred to, then treat it as a target for training. The swim that was disqualified often felt fast, which is worth remembering, even though the time cannot stand.
Recording them honestly
Do not log a DQ time as a PB or a valid result, because it is not a legal swim. It is fine to keep a short note that the event was a DQ, with the reason if you know it, so the gap in the history makes sense later.
In PB Pathway you record legal times as results, and a swim that did not produce a valid time simply does not become a PB. That keeps the progress view honest while still letting you note what happened.
FAQ
Does a DQ time count as a PB?
No. A disqualified swim is not a legal time, so it cannot be a personal best or stand as a result for that event.
What is the difference between DNS and DNF?
DNS means the swimmer did not start the race. DNF means they started but did not finish it. Neither produces a usable time.
Why are breaststroke and butterfly disqualified more often?
Both have precise rules, such as the two-hand touch and specific kick and pull-out rules, which are easy to get wrong while a swimmer is still learning them.
Is a DQ something to worry about?
Not on its own. It points to one technical thing to work on. Most swimmers pick up a few DQs while mastering the strokes.
Should I record a DQ in my tracking?
Do not record it as a valid time. A short note explaining the DQ is useful so the history is clear, but it should not become a PB.
Related resources
Swimming gala terms glossary
A plain-English glossary of UK swimming gala terms, from seed times and heats to splits, DQ and age groups, written for swimmers and swim families.
How to read swim meet results
A practical guide to reading swim meet result sheets, final times, splits, course labels, PBs and manually entered records.
What to look for after a swimming race
How to read a single swimming race well: PB or not, how it was paced, the context around it and how to talk about it without piling on pressure.
How to track breaststroke PBs
How to track breaststroke PBs across 50m, 100m and 200m, why it is the most technical stroke for disqualifications, and how to log progress and DQs honestly.
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