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NFHS Rules Changes

2023 - 2024

Rules Changes

3-3 Note: Moves the note to the beginning of Section 3 and adds language prohibiting accommodations altering compression, buoyancy, or competitive advantage.
Rationale: The section will make it clear this provision applies to all articles in Section 3.
Comments: Moving the note to the beginning of the section will make it clear this provision applies to all articles in Section 3. Requests to state associations for waivers of Rule 3-3 are driven by a wide range of motivations, including the need for additional physical support and desire for additional body coverage. Some suit design parameters can be waived while others cannot be altered without creating a competitive advantage for the athlete.

3-3-2: Removes language which specifies that a competitor shall only be able to compete in a suit that is of decent appearance.
Rationale: Eliminates the subjectivity of "decent appearance" for an official when making an illegal suit determination.
Comments: The concept of "decent appearance" is highly subjective. Removing the sentence in the rule, which specifies that a competitor shall only be able to compete in a suit that is of decent appearance, eliminates the subjectivity of "decent appearance" for an official when making an illegal suit determination.

8-1-3d PENALTY 2, 8-1-6 PENALTY: Added the requirement of a written record for dual confirmation of a false start.
Rationale: The change aligns language with the current requirement that when dual confirmation is used, the relay takeoff judges are required to report in writing any violations to the referee.
Comments: The requirement of a written record for dual confirmation of a false start is consistent with the already existing requirement for relay takeoff violations. The change provides an additional level of accountability. Adopting this new requirement will closely align it with the current requirement that, when dual confirmation is used, the officials are required to report in writing any violations to the referee.

8-2-1g: Removes the language about some part of the body at or above the surface during a backstroke finish.
Rationale: The change aligns with national trends, allows the official to concentrate on the backstroke finish (wall touch), and may prevent lunging at the wall which reduces risk.
Comments: Removing the language about some part of the body at or above the surface may prevent lunging immediately prior to the finish, which reduces risk. The change aligns with national trends and allows the official to concentrate on the backstroke finish. The backstroke flags are positioned at the 5-yard mark in 25-yard pools and at the 5-meter mark in 25-meter facilities and shall be used as the point where the swimmer may resubmerge once their head is at or beyond this mark.

8-2-2d-h: Requires the arms and legs to move simultaneously but does not require the arms and legs to be in the same horizontal plane. Also requires separation of the hands during the touch at turns and finish.
Rationale: Changes provide clarity, consistency, and alignment with national trends and do not provide a competitive advantage.
Comments: The rule now requires the arms and legs to move simultaneously but does not require the arms and legs to be in the same horizontal plane. The specific effect of this change will now permit swimmers to begin their pullout without being perfectly level on the breast. Removal of the phrase addressing knee flexion and extension during the kick creates more clarity for officials. Separation of the hands during the touch at turns and finish is now required.

8-2-3c, e, g: Requires the separation of hands and a simultaneous touch with the hands during the turns and finish.
Rationale: Changes provide clarity, consistency, and alignment with national trends and do not provide a competitive advantage.
Comments: Separation of the hands during the touch at turns and finish is now required.

9-5 Diving Table: Removes dives 104A, 304A and 402A from the Diving Table.
Rationale: When each dive is performed slightly short of vertical, the diver's head may be precariously close to the diving board. The risk of hitting the board in these cases is far greater than other dives on the table.
Comments: Risk minimization for the athlete is emphasized with the removal of these three dives in the straight position. When each dive is performed slightly short of vertical, the diver's head may be precariously close to the diving board. The risk of hitting the board in these cases is far greater than any other dive on the chart.

9-7-4c: Adds a penalty for when a diver's head is too close to the diving board. The diving referee shall make the determination and inform diving judges to score the dive as unsatisfactory.
Rationale: Minimizes the risk factor of the diver performing the dive in a way that brings the diver's head too close to the board.
Comments: Addition of this element provides the diving referee with a sanction that is imposed to encourage diver safety and minimize the risk factor of the diver performing the dive in a way that brings the diver's head too close to the board (within 6 inches). A dive that is performed with the diver's head unsafely close to the board is at least equally important as a diver touching the board with their hands or feet. In keeping with national trends, NFHS rules focus on preventing the diver's head from coming too close to the board. The diving referee will be responsible for making the call and will instruct judges to score a maximum of two points. The diving referee shall be seated in line with the end of the board to have an accurate line of site for judging this new requirement.


Editorial Changes

2-4-2, Table 2-1, 5-2, 5-3-6, Appendix B


Points of Emphasis

Risk Minimization - The NFHS serves as the national authority on competition rules while promoting fair play and seeking to minimize risk of injury for student participants in education-based high school athletic and activity programs. On an ongoing basis, the rules committee assesses and minimizes risks, to the extent consistent with the sound traditions of the sport. This year, specifically, rules related to risk minimization on the backstroke finish, the diving table, and establishing a penalty for a diver's head being too close to the board, were carefully considered and addressed.

National Trends - The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee consistently monitors national trends having to do with technical rules, technology, and behavior. The committee remains cognizant of the philosophy of the NFHS membership, the health and safety of the competitor, as well as financial considerations that may present a competitive advantage, while also preserving/protecting the important values of education-based athletics, good citizenship, and personal responsibility. Electronic devices may currently be used to record a competitor's performance, as well as used as a coaching aid, but not while the athlete is swimming or divingin competition. The information may be presented to the athlete prior to the next race or dive, or for review afterwards.Devices which transmit information to athletes during competition are not allowed.

Participant and Spectator Unsporting Conduct - The 2023 NFHS Swimming and Diving Questionnaire revealed a dramatic increase of profanity on the deck. Coaches and competitors are reminded of rule provisions prohibiting this kind of behavior. Under Rule 3-6-1, 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. The meet referee always retains the authority under Rule 3-6-1 to disqualify a competitor for any act the referee deems as unsporting conduct. Per Rule 3-6-2, 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 the individual's high school. Team personnel shall be disqualified from that event or the next event in which the competitor is entered, whichever is appropriate.

Designated Areas for Photographers - Guidelines for photographer access should be clearly defined prior to the swimming and diving event. It is recommended that state associations and event hosts consider the areas, and specifically the angles, for photography of swimmers that they consider appropriate/inappropriate and set reasonable guidelines. Due to swimmer attire and the starting positions in the sport, media access in the starting area may not be appropriate. If a designated media area is used, it should be established before the meet begins. It may be more appropriate for photographers to be limited to areas adjacent to the starting area (starting area is defined as that behind the blocks). When there is not a designated area for press/media or others, photographers can be limited to taking photos from the side and/or the turning end of the competition pool.

GHSA

NCAA

NFHS

GHSSCA

Arbiter Sports