1. 2014-2015 NCHSAA Swimming and Diving
Brad Alford – Director of Sports and Championships

2. Swimming and Diving
Rules Changes

3. Reorganized Rule 3-3-4
The rule has been reorganized in a list form for easier reference and compliance
Divers now permitted to use tape, at any location, for support
A listing of items a competitor may wear/use is easier to locate in the body of the rules and assist in compliance.
A diver wearing tape for support on the wrist, ankles, etc. gains no competitive advantage; therefore, the restriction to “only the wrist” is removed.

4. Adhesives not permitted Rule 3-3-4
Adhesives are not allowed to be used during competition by a swimmer or diver
Adhesive sprays and similar materials get on the board and become sticky or slick with water
Used by swimmers, the adhesive transfers to the block or touch pad, causing it to become slick
When swimmers or divers use an adhesive material, such as a spray, such material is many times transferred to the fulcrum, board or touch pads.
As water comes in contact with the material, the equipment may become slick and create a risk minimization concern.
This material may also alter the feel of the equipment unnecessarily and distract other competitors.

5. Unsporting conduct Rules 3-6-1 and 3-6-3
Unsporting conduct will disqualify a swimmer from further competition in the meet; and, subject to state association rules, possible withholding from future meets
Unacceptable conduct (such as profanity, failure to follow the directions of a meet official and other such actions) will disqualify a swimmer from that event
These changes define more clearly what actions are considered as “unsporting conduct” and result in no further participation in the meet up to ejection from the competition area.
Delineates what actions are considered unacceptable conduct with a penalty of disqualification from only that event.
This change also delineates in Rule 8-3-8b as to when a relay lead-off time shall not be eligible for use as a qualification time or record.

6. NCHSAA Ejection Policy
Fighting
Leaving the bench area
Flagrant contact
Biting
Taunting, baiting or spitting toward an opponent or official
Profanity (directed toward an official or opponent)
Obscene gestures
Disrespectfully addressing an official
Ejection from contest = miss remainder of contest and next 2 contest at that level (4 for fighting)
Student-Athlete or Administrator disqualified or ejected = NFHS Sportsmanship Course
Coach ejected = NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course
Players ejected for fighting: Coach=NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior Course

7. Starter’s pistol Rules 2-7-3 NOTE, 4-3-1 NOTE
The sounding device for the start or final lap shall not be a pistol capable of discharging live ammunition or a closed barreled starter’s pistol
It is inappropriate to use a pistol of any kind at a school swimming meet.
Alternative sounding devices are readily available.

8. Forward start Rule 8-1-5
Once called to the starting platforms, should the referee/starter give the command “Stand up,” the swimmers should remain on the starting platforms
Swimmers will not enter the water or delay a new start by stepping down
Referees and starters should direct swimmers to step down only when unusual circumstances occur
For risk minimization, swimmers should not step off the starting platforms unnecessarily once stepped up.
Getting on and off the platforms, especially with the track-style blocks, increases the risk a swimmer will trip or lose his/her balance and stumble.
Only in unusual circumstances should the swimmers be directed to “Step down.”

9. Backstroke finish Rule 8-2-1e
After breaking the surface of the water, the swimmer must remain on the surface
Any part of the swimmer’s body is on or above the surface
The only exception to remaining on or above the surface once breaking the water surface is for turns
Only when the entire body is submerged is there a violation of the rule
The change in the rule for the backstroke event specifies the swimmer shall remain on or above the water surface on the finish.
This change eliminates the abuse of submerging well before the true finish.

10. Diving Warm-ups Rule 9-2-1
Divers shall be permitted at least two practice approaches during specified warm-up times prior to each diving session
Each approach may be with or without a water entry
Divers are allowed to do practice dives from the published dive list for practice water entry approaches
For risk minimization and fairness to all diving competitors, a warm-up is scheduled after a break before the session begins.
Divers are permitted at least two practice approaches with or without water entry.
The host management may schedule more than two practice dives for the field of competitors.

11. Order of Divers – Championship Meets Rule 9-2-2
Subject to the meet director’s discretion and published prior to the competition, divers may be reordered by rank – lowest to highest scores – following the semifinal round
With no previous action by the meet director, the default is keeping the divers in the same dive order as preliminaries/semifinals
As an option, the finalists in the diving event in championship meets or those following a championship format may be seeded by their semifinal score (lowest to highest) prior to the final three dives.
Using this option, the divers in finals would then dive in that same relative order for the last three dives.
This opportunity will add excitement to the meet and give a benefit to the highest-scoring semifinalist by diving in the last position.

12. New Diving Award Scale Rule 9-7-2
Excellent 10;
Very good 8½ to 9½;
Good 7 to 8;
Satisfactory 5 to 6½;
Deficient 2½ to 4½;
Unsatisfactory ½ to 2;
Failed 0.
The dives listed on the NFHS diving table are consistent with NCAA, USA Diving and FINA in regard to the degrees of difficulty.
There are no technical reasons for the scoring scale to be different.

13. Major Editorial Changes
Swimming and Diving
Major Editorial Changes

14. Entries by Individuals Rule 3-2-1 PENALTYEC
Editorial
Change
A competitor participating, or attempting to participate, in more than the allowable number of events is disqualified from that event and further competition
The competitor(s) shall not be disqualified from events in subsequent rounds for which he/she has previously and legally qualified (previous performance not nullified)
Clarifies the penalty for a competitor violating allowable event limits.
The competitor is not removed from any competition in which he/she had previously and legally qualified.

15. Uniforms EC
Editorial
Change
Official discovers competitor wearing an illegal swimsuit (wearing two suits or illegal construction)
Observed after heat begins – competitor disqualified at completion of heat, performance time nullified and competitor not eligible for further competition until in legal swimsuit
With last year’s change in Rule Penalty 2, Penalty 3 was no longer needed, so deleted.
Editorial change provides consistency in rules language.

16. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
6-4-1a,b
(button or watch times)
9-3-5
…(with the number and degree of difficulty of the voluntary dive(s) circled or otherwise clearly identified)…
6-4-1a,b Clarifies, when necessary to integrate back-up times, one should compare watch to watch or button to button times. Watch and button times are not to be mixed.
Much of the diving software now in use does not permit the voluntary dive to be circled, but identifies in another fashion. This change allows an alternate means of clearly identifying voluntary dives when using an electronic system.

17. Voluntary Dives – Clearly IdentifiedEC
Editorial
Change
On the submitted form on the left, the voluntary dives are to be circled.
On the electronic sheet on the right, the dive may not be able to be circled, but the voluntary dives are denoted differently through the electronic process.

18. Other Editorial ChangesEC
Editorial
Change
Appendix B
RELAY TAKEOFF PAD USAGE GUIDELINE TABLE
-0.10
-0.09 through -0.01
0.00 through +0.09
DQ If electronic equipment AND either takeoff judge OR dual confirmation by BOTH takeoff judges.
DQ MUST have confirmation by at least one (1) takeoff judge.
LEGAL
NO VIOLATION
Judges are not considered.
Appendix B Table was added visual to assist meet officials.

19. Swimming and Diving
Points of Emphasis

20. Touch Pads When pads are used:
Touch includes the entire lane, as pads should be proper width, or the area where the pad should be located
Touching above the pad is NOT a legal finish
NOT legal touch
Gutter line
Legal touch
Legal touch
Pad small for lane
Pad has shifted

21. Conduct
Unsporting conduct includes, but is not limited to, making insulting or derogatory remarks, gestures, or acts including taunting, trying to influence, showing disgust or interfering with an official
Team personnel shall be disqualified from further competition, including events in which previously qualified, for unsporting conduct

22. Conduct
Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, the use of profanity whether or not it is directed at another person or any action which could discredit the individual or his/her high school
Team personnel shall be disqualified from that event
The meet referee always retains the authority under Rule to disqualify a competitor for any act he/she deems as unsporting conduct

23. Showing up for events at championship meets
It is the competitor’s responsibility to compete in each and every race or round he/she is entered
The coach has the responsibility to make sure the athletes on his/her team report as required and this should be communicated clearly with his/her athletes at the meet, as well as at the start of the season for athlete accountability

24. Showing up for events at championship meets
If, for some reason, an athlete is not going to compete in a scheduled event in which entered, the coach must notify the referee of a declared false start prior to the start of the event to avoid disqualification of the athlete

25. Stacked hands
As a reminder, by NFHS rules, stacked hands are legal in the breaststroke.

26. NFHS Swimming and Diving Publications
The Rules Book, Scorebook and other swimming and diving materials can be ordered:
online at
by calling
The NFHS swimming and diving publications are available to order online or by using the toll free number.

27. NFHS E-books
Electronic versions of NFHS Rules and Case Books are now available for purchase as e-books
Apple users can visit iTunes for available books
Apple, Android and Kindle users can buy e-books from Amazon.com and view them through the Kindle app
$5.99
Visit for more information

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

29. Free! $50 $20 All NFHS courses can be accessed at www.nfhslearn.com
Just a reminder, there are several new and/or updated coaching courses located at nfhslearn.com.
Check them out!
All NFHS courses can be accessed at

30. Sportsmanship
The quality of responsible behavior characterized by a spirit of generosity and a genuine concern for opponents, officials and teammates.
Wholesome athletic environment
Good Sportsmanship > Victory
Modest in victory, gracious in defeat
Respecting judgment and integrity of game officials
Role modeling good behavior

31. Important Dates
Start Wednesday, October 29 1st Contest Monday, November 17 Reporting Saturday, January 31 6:00 p.m. Regionals Friday, February 6 Saturday, February 7 States 3A: Thursday, February 12 1A/2A: Friday, February 13 4A: Saturday, February 14

32. Number of Contests Pre-season Regular Season Post Season
2 varsity scrimmages
Does not count toward season limitation
Multi-team scrimmages are allowed
Regular Season
3 scheduled meets per week
1 per day individual limit
Post Season
Varsity conference meets are considered part of the state playoffs

33. Dead Periods FALL 2014 SPRING Summer 2015 August 1 through September 1
February 16 through March 15
Summer 2015
June 29-July 5
July 20-July 26

34. Approved Board Items Practice Games and Scrimmages
Schools that have individuals qualifying to the regional and/or state individual playoffs, after the regular season is over for the team, may work out or scrimmage one-on-one against students from another school where competition is not available at their own school.
Limited to one partner for each qualifier advancing, whether from their own school or another school.
Referees
Referee and two stroke and turn judges be required for meets using six or fewer lanes.
Referee and three stroke and turn judges be required for meets using more than six lanes.

35. Referees Schools are responsible for securing
Minimum 2 per school
Proper number of meet officials for times to be official
Payment
Referee: $51
Stroke and Turn: $26
Starter: $26
Should be paid on site!

36. SWIMMING OFFICIALS REGISTRATION
HOW TO REGISTER
SWIMMING OFFICIALS REGISTRATION
In 4 Easy StepS:
Where to register?
How to register?
The costs of registration
The NCHSAA’s Follow-up Post registration

37. The website to register as a swimming official:
Where do I register?
The website to register as a swimming official:

38. STEP 1: Create a Profile

39. STEP 2: Log-in Returning Officials will simply log into their account
If you need a password reset contact the NCHSAA
New officials will use the username and password that was just created

40. Registration Costs $51.00 before November 15, 2014.
Step 3: Register & Pay
Registration Costs $51.00 before November 15, 2014.

41. Registration Follow Up
Registration Packet Mailed to your address. It will include the following:
Rules Book
Clinic Schedule
Exam information
Meet Verification Form
NCHSAA Memo
TESTING WINDOW: November 7-21, 2014

42. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
Sign into
You may sign in and out changing times
and updating entries until the
entry deadline of 6pm on Saturday, January 31.
{Sign-in before this date, in case of difficulty}
Sign In
Here

43. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
Update Contact Information
When you register your contact information with Direct Athletics, make sure you are giving the coach’s phone number where he/she can be reached on January 31st or February 1st. If there are any issues with your entries, this is the number we’ll call. Do this for both Women’s & Men’s.
Select:
Setup
Select:
Contact Info

44. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
Register the appropriate information for all your athletes (SWIMMERS AND DIVERS!).
Make sure you hit the “SUBMIT” button each and every time you update information so that it’s saved.
Select:
Team
Select:
Women’s
Or Men’s

45. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE ENTRY DEADLINE OF:
SATURDAY, January 6:00 P.M.
Upcoming Meet:
(Will show up in early January)
Select to enter Swimmers/Divers in their events.

46. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
Swimming Entries:
Make sure all athletes are entered in ONLY 2 INDIVIDUAL EVENTS.
Be sure to enter your RELAY EVENTS
Teams may enter no more than four swimmers per individual event and no more than one team per relay

47. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
Diving Entries
Divers must have successfully competed in at least one meet during the regular season in order to enter regional competition.
Enter best diving score from season into
Direct Athletics, then complete the diving entry form found online at:
Two copies must be brought to the diving meet.

48. Swimming Regional Entries with Direct Athletics
A printed copy of the DirectAthletic entries, along with the NCHSAA master eligibility list for the swimming and diving team, must be signed by the principal, and coaches must present this at check in at all regional meets.
Make a copy for presentation at the diving regional also.

49. Eligibility & Compliance
Carolyn Shannonhouse – Assistant Commissioner

50. Eligibility Power Point Required viewing for all coaches
Should be done with the athletic director
Includes opportunities to discuss concussions/sudden cardiac arrests/Sickle Cell Trait, etc.

51. Eligibility Preseason Meeting Required attendance by all parents
Time to share rules, regulations, expectations, philosophy etc.
Time to get all required signatures--pledges, Gfeller-Waller information, etc.

52. Eligibility Eligibility Checklist
Use to ensure school has done its due diligence

53. Clinic Attendance
Head coaches in football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, swimming, baseball, softball, and track & field and lacrosse must attend an NCHSAA approved State Rules Clinic.
Must be completed prior to coaching in the first contest; subject to $400 fine, in addition to a $500 fine if he/she actually coaches in the contest
Can be satisfied at the NC Coaches’ Association Clinic being held here in Greensboro—July 21-24

54. Clinic Attendance
If the head coach cannot attend the NCCA clinic or is not hired until afterwards, the requirement can also be met at one of the statewide officials’ clinics, which are posted on the NCHSAA Website under clinics. Please note that several volleyball and soccer clinics for officials occur prior to the NCCA Clinic.
Athletic directors cannot satisfy this requirement by attending a rules’ session in place of the head coach

55. Coaches’ Education NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course
Currently, all non-faculty and newly hired coaches must take the Fundamentals of Coaching Course; certificate of completion must be on file at the individual school
Complete prior to first contest; subject to a $500 fine; continuing to coach without completion = another $500
All coaches must have satisfied the requirement to take this course by August 1, 2015.

56. Coaches’ Education Concussion Management Certification
Effective August 1, 2014, the NFHS Concussion Course (free on-line course) or an equivalent course must be completed by all coaches
Prior to the first date of practice for that sport; subsequently, the certificate of completion must be on file at the individual school; subject to $500 fine

57. Coaches’ Education
“Education is a journey, not a destination”

58. Coaches’ Education Accredited Interscholastic Coach (AIC)
Requires completion of 4 courses:
Fundamentals of Coaching
1st Aid, Health & Safety for Coaches
Sport Specific Course or Teaching Sports Skills
Concussion in Sports (Free)

59. Coaches’ Education Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC)
Completion of AIC requirements
Plus:
Teaching & Modeling Behavior
Engaging Effectively with Parents
Sportsmanship
Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
Strength & Conditioning
2 additional courses (User Choice0

60. Sportsmanship Teaching & Modeling Behavior Course
Required for any coach ejected during a contest
Required for any coach who has player (s) ejected for fighting
NFHS Sportsmanship Course
Replaces the Star Sportsmanship Course for any ejected/disqualified player
Free, on-line course (nfhslearn.com)
All certificates must be sent to NCHSAA

61. Gfeller-Waller Concussion Law
Requirements of the Law:
Concussion signs and symptoms
Given prior to participation
Parents/athletes sign indicating “receipt of”
Return to Play (RTP) form signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine
When in doubt, sit them out”
An up-to-date Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Must be on-file
Must be posted
Must be updated annually

62. Transfer Policy Now one year old
If a bona fide change of residence—no transfer waiver necessary
Transfer packet with forms are on-line; password protected
Work with athletic director to ensure students meet residence rule requirements

63. Master Eligibility Form
Added a column in order to indicate a student “meets local promotion standards”
Changed the attendance column to indicate a student “meets local attendance policy”; note that the statewide 85% rule has given way to the local requirements relative to attendance

64. Have a Great Year! Get involved with student services
Visit the NCHSAA website often
Sign-in for attendance credit
Coaches: Avoid $400 fine for your school