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Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Unsportsmanlike Conduct Any action(s) that warrants a coach(es) ejection will subject the coach(es) to a minimum next game suspension and the school to a minimum fine of $300. Ejections that subject a player to a next game suspension will result in a minimum of suspension of two (2) games for all sports except football and lacrosse. (i.e. flagrant fouls, malicious contact, spiting, biting, fighting, disrespectfully addressing officials, profanity)

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming and Diving Rules Changes Major Editorial Changes Points of Emphasis

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Rules Changes

Starting Platforms Rule 2-7-2b  Track-style starting blocks with wedges are permitted

Uniforms Rule 3-3-3, Penalties  The penalty for wearing a swimsuit that is not compliant with Rule has been reduced in its severity  A swimmer violating the rule who is observed after the start of the race is now disqualified at the completion of the heat  The field is no longer directed to “step down” while the offending swimmer is disqualified prior to the race being swum

Electronic Devices Rules 3-5 and  Team personnel may use electronic devices to transmit or record information pertaining to a competitor’s performance Smartphones Electronic notebooks Video cameras Etc.  When using such devices, the location shall not interfere with the administration of the meet Determined by the meet referee Meet referee may consult with host management

Electronic Devices Rules 3-5 and  Electronic devices shall not be used to transmit information to the competitor(s) during the race or dive  Individual state association may have policies in place to further address the use of electronic devices  Electronic devices shall not be used to verify or review an official’s decision  The penalty for violation of the properly-permitted use is: Disqualification of competitor from further participation/coaching in the remainder of the meet

Breaststroke/Butterfly Kick, Start and Turn Rule 8-2-2c  The technical rule for the use of the butterfly kick on the start and/or turn has become more practical  Anytime before the breaststroke kick on the start or turn, a singly butterfly kick is permitted

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming and Diving Major Editorial Changes

Other Editorial Changes  NOTEThe accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, allow an otherwise illegal piece of equipment, create heighten risk…  4-2-1The referee’s authority begins as he/she is available on deck, which shall be at least 30 minutes before the meet,…  9-5-4The back/inward takeoff is permitted only for back inward groups and back and inward twisting dives.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming and Diving Points of Emphasis

General Supervision and Coaching With the introduction of the track-style starting platforms, this is a reminder to coaches of their responsibility to institute appropriate training protocols, educate the competitors on the proper use of new and existing blocks, and supervise as competitors become acclimated with the new blocks. The coaches are the primary school contact with the student athlete and, as such, must educate, train and supervise all aspects of practice (including dry lands) and competition to minimize the inherent risks of injury related to the student’s participation in swimming and diving.

Uniforms – FINA Mark Rule NOTE  Many suits on the market meet the FINA requirements and, therefore, have the FINA logo and/or individual barcode on the suit  This mark is not considered a manufacturer’s logo nor a form of advertising  There is no specific location required by NFHS rules  The FINA mark applies only to the design and construction

Medical Accommodation Rule NOTE  There may be times when the athletes may need to use an atomizer/inhaler  Under Rule NOTE, each state association shall address such a request utilizing the policies and procedures the association has in place

Referee’s Authority Rules 4-1-4,5 and  Head official and responsible for: Making decisions on matters not specifically covered by the rules Setting aside application of a rule during a meet if necessary Ordering a race re-swum when there is obvious unfairness  Retains clerical authority over contest through completion of any reports, including those dealing with a disqualification due to actions during the meet  Authority begins as referee is available on deck, at least 30 minutes before meet

Breaststroke Starts/Turns NFHS Rule 8-2-2c was changed to permit a single butterfly kick following the start or turn at any time prior to the normal breaststroke kick. This kick may occur before the competitor initiates his/her first arm stroke. If the butterfly kick is used prior to the initial arm stroke, a second butterfly kick during, or at the completion of, the first arm stroke would result in a disqualification.

Backstroke Turn Rule  One requirement of the turn is that some part of the swimmer’s body contact the end wall  Should the swimmer miss the wall during the turn, it is legal to scull back to make contact with the wall then continue on BackstrokeMisses wallSculling Sculling back to wall Official observes contact with wall; LEGAL Swimmer continues backstroke

Electronic Devices Electronic devices, such as computers, notebooks and smartphones, may be used not only to record a competitor’s performance, but as a coaching aid other than while the competitor is swimming or diving. The information may be presented to the athlete prior to the competitor’s next race or dive. Attaching a camera to the competitor during their race or dive is not permitted. Team personnel using electronic devices shall not interfere with the responsibilities of officials or other deck personnel. Do not approach an official to contest/protest a call based on the recorded information.

Manufacturer’s Logo on Suits FINA-approved suits continue to meet the NFHS requirements of Rule The FINA mark/barcode is NOT deemed to be a logo. However, some suit models do contain two manufacturer’s logos. These suits are NOT legal. Manufacturer’s may be moving to the FINA mark/barcode to a location on the inside of the suit. The coach should verify NFHS compliance of all suits worn by the competitors. This includes all logo requirements, e.g. size, included in Rule

Taping/Braces NFHS Rule regarding the use of devices that aid the competitor and use of tape is unchanged. Other than tape on the wrist of a diver, the use of tape must be associated with a documented medical condition and requires the signed statement of a health care professional (HCP). If an injury occurs during the meet (i.e. a cut or sprained ankle) and an HCP is not available, the coach can provide the required documentation to the referee. The use of braces is subject to state association authorization as has been the procedure.

NFHS Swimming and Diving Publications  The Rules Book, Scorebook and other swimming and diving materials can be ordered: online at by calling

Swimming and Diving Officials’ Guidelines Manuals  The revised manuals are available August 1 on the following Web site locations:

Free! $20 $50 All NFHS courses can be accessed at

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