NFHS Rules Changes
2025 - 2026
Rules Changes
2-1, 2-7-2b, 2-7-3, 8-1-2: Permits the use of backstroke starting ledges if approved with state association adoption, in pools with a minimum of 6 feet (1.84 meters) water depth measured from the starting end through 16 feet 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall.
Rationale: The permissive nature of the proposal allows for the use of the backstroke ledge in situations where it is both safe and practical. The proposed rule ensures that pools with the required depth can benefit from this technology without creating barriers for those that may not be able to accommodate the equipment.
Comments: The new rule permitting the use of backstroke ledges in pools with a minimum water depth of 6 feet or 1.84 meters (measured from the starting end wall to at least 16 feet, 5 inches or 5 meters from the end wall) presents a thoughtful and well-researched approach that prioritizes athlete safety and aligns with national and international swimming standards. This rule change reflects a balanced decision based on thorough research, risk minimization strategies, and alignment with best practices in competitive swimming.
The proposal's permissive nature is a key aspect of its flexibility. It allows state associations to choose whether to implement the use of the backstroke ledge based on the resources and circumstances within their specific regions. Aquatic facilities will not be required to use the ledge, but if they choose to do so, they must ensure that identical equipment is available for all lanes. In addition, swimmers may also choose whether to use the backstroke ledge if it is made available. This flexibility ensures that the technology can be used in situations where it is both safe and practical, while not creating undue burdens on facilities that may not have the infrastructure or resources to support the use of the equipment. Detailed specifications regarding the design, dimensions and durability of the backstroke ledge should be provided to member schools prior to the contest. Clear guidelines will help to maintain safety standards and ensure that the ledge is functional and accessible for all swimmers. Facilities will also need to consider the cost of implementing backstroke ledges, as this may impact their decision to allow the modification.
The 6-foot (1.84-meter) water depth requirement is critical for ensuring athlete safety during the backstroke start. This depth along with the distance requirement of 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) provides the necessary space for proper body positioning, helping to minimize the risk of collision with the pool bottom, especially during the explosive movements of the start. The backstroke ledge is a valuable tool that facilitates a more efficient start, but its use must always be in environments that meet these depth requirements.
The recommendation to have athletes practice with the ledge prior to using it in competition is crucial for ensuring they are comfortable and proficient with the equipment. This practice allows swimmers to understand the proper technique and familiarize themselves with the adjustments required to achieve an optimal backstroke start. Coaches should ensure that their athletes have sufficient training time with the ledge to minimize any performance disruptions during actual competition.
Given that the backstroke ledge is a relatively new piece of equipment, it is crucial to provide extensive training and support for officials. They must be prepared to exercise patience and precision in managing the setup and adjustments of the ledge, as this can be a time-consuming task. Officials should be encouraged to take the time necessary to familiarize themselves with various styles of ledges. Training materials should stress the importance of maintaining a careful and methodical approach to avoid mistakes or confusion during competition.
Athletes must set the backstroke ledge before their start, and the determination of who will remove the ledge following the start is an important operational detail. To avoid confusion and ensure consistency, it is essential that protocols are established for how the ledge should be managed. Options for ledge removal could be the designation of a teammate, a timer, an official or other staff members to manage the ledge's removal if it is not automated. Additionally, failure to properly remove the ledge may allow the swimmer to re-swim should the meet referee determine it impeded the swimmer's performance. With appropriate education, preparation and operational protocols in place, the adoption of backstroke ledges can be a positive development for the sport, offering both safety and performance benefits to athletes across the nation.
8-3-4a: Clarifies the foot placement for relay participants starting from the deck. One foot must be positioned at the edge of the deck, and ancillary movement of the back foot is permitted, prior to the start.
Rationale: The rule provision prohibits swimmers using deck starts from performing a running start.
Comments: The purpose of this rule provision is to address safety concerns related to deck starts, and to prohibit scenarios where swimmers attempt to generate significant momentum by running toward the pool edge before diving into the water. This practice poses serious safety risks and is prohibited under the rule. However, it is important to clarify that the intent of this provision is not to penalize swimmers who engage in slight movements with the non-stationary foot for better balance or to improve stance while preparing for the start. This type of minor foot movement is generally a natural part of adjusting one's position for optimal balance and should not be interpreted as an attempt to gain additional momentum. The rule explicitly prohibits swimmers from stepping back from the pool edge and then running toward before performing the relay start.
Editorial Changes
2-7-7 PENALTY, 3-3-3 PENALTIES, 3-3-3a, 3-3-3b, 3-3-4 PENALTIES, 6-3-3, 8-2-1e, 9-7-2, State Association Adoption Chart
Points of Emphasis
Backstroke Ledge Education -
As of the 2025-26 school year, NFHS state associations may adopt rules permitting the use of backstroke ledges during high school swimming competitions, provided the facility meets specific requirements, including a minimum water depth of 6 feet (1.84 meters) at the starting end to at least 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the wall. This decision is grounded in extensive research conducted by Indiana University, DePauw University, and input from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, with the goal of reducing risks while aligning with national and international standards for competitive swimming.
State associations that choose to permit use of backstroke starting ledges in their high school competitions must clearly articulate the importance of a teaching protocol implementation for their high school competitors and for risk minimization. The implementation of backstroke ledges requires clear, structured education protocols. Swimmers must demonstrate proficiency in executing a backstroke start without the ledge before progressing to its use. Coaches should ensure athletes are familiar with the full backstroke start progression, which begins with mastering the shallow backstroke racing start. Swimmers must first practice getting into position with hands grasping either the gutter or the lowest bar on the starting block and placing both feet on the wall. Once this base skill is achieved, the coach may introduce the backstroke ledge, but only when the swimmer demonstrates sufficient strength and height to handle the additional skill safely. Progression to the ledge should be gradual, and the swimmer must exhibit a firm understanding of proper technique and safety procedures. The use of backstroke ledges should only occur during controlled swim practices, instructional sessions, supervised warm-ups, or competitions, ensuring the environment is safe and appropriate.
Coaches should closely monitor swimmers' proficiency at each stage of the progression, ensuring that each athlete is physically and mentally prepared for the next step. The coach should assess whether the swimmer is sufficiently tall and strong to handle the backstroke bar or ledge before introducing them to these components. By following these guidelines and maintaining a clear focus on skill progression, safety and controlled environment practices, the use of backstroke ledges can be safely integrated into high school swimming competitions and training sessions. Additional educational resources may be accessed via the swimming and diving page of NFHS.org, the 2025 NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Interpretation PowerPoint, and the new NFHS Swimming and Diving Pre-Season Guide, will help ensure that swimmers gain confidence and skill in a safe manner.
Viability of High School Diving and Importance of Education -
The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee acknowledges participation data and testimonials from state associations across the country indicate a concerning decline in the number of athletes and the number of schools offering diving as part of their sports programs. In light of these challenges, the committee's discussions centered on two key areas: maintaining the viability of diving and the importance of providing comprehensive educational resources to support and grow the sport of diving.
The committee identified an ongoing decline in participation as a national trend that has been felt across member sections and states. To ensure that diving remains a viable and accessible option for schools, the committee focused on how states and schools can adapt and evolve their approach to the event. Strategies discussed include addressing barriers to participation, such as access to facilities, coaching resources and safety protocols, as well as promoting diving as an exciting and valuable component of the overall swimming and diving program in schools. States are encouraged to evaluate their offerings and explore creative solutions to retain and increase participation in diving.
A pivotal aspect of the committee's conversation centered around the importance of educational materials for coaches, athletes, administrators and officials. The committee emphasized that these resources should be accessible and comprehensive providing guidance on both technical skills and the educational benefits of diving. Educational initiatives should focus on enhancing the understanding of diving's value as a sport - its athletic demands, its inclusion in the broader swimming and diving environment, and its ability to foster important life skills such as discipline, resilience and mental focus.
NFHS educational resources may be accessed via the swimming and diving page of NFHS. org, NFHSLEARN courses, the 2025 NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Interpretation PowerPoint, and the new NFHS Swimming and Diving Pre-Season Guide. The committee encourages all stakeholders - coaches, administrators, athletes, state associations and officials - to actively engage with these resources and strategies to help revitalize the sport of diving.
