2011-2012 Swimming & Diving Rules Changes

2-7-2b Table Only in-water starts may be used when the water depth is less than 4 feet.

4-1-4 New Once the meet competition is concluded, the referee continues to maintain clerical responsibilities through the completion of any required reports or correspondence related to action occurring during the meet. If necessary, the state association may intercede due to unusual incidents after officials’ jurisdiction ends or the meet is terminated prior to conclusion of regulation competition.

ART. 4 . . . The meet referees retain clerical authority over the contest through the completion of any reports, including those imposing disqualifications, that are responsive to actions occurring while the referees had jurisdiction. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents after the referees’ jurisdiction has ended or in the event that a contest is terminated prior to the conclusion of regulation play.

9-2-2 The order of divers in meets conducted under championship format is determined by lot or by seeding based on the divers previous 11 dive score.

ART. 2 . . . The order of divers in championship meets, determined by the meet director, shall be either by lot or by seeding based on the diver’s best competitive 11 dive score submitted. If seeding by dive scores, divers without 11 dive scores shall be seeded by lot at the beginning of the diving order. The same relative position of divers shall be maintained for all levels of competition.

9-4 Diving Table Changes the degree of difficulty for twisting dives 5126D – 2.8; 5136D– 3.1, and 5227D – 3.2.

9-5-2 A diver’s forward approach may contain steps, hops, leaps and/or jumps between the initial three steps and culminating hurdle.

ART. 2 . . . The forward approach shall begin with not less than three steps and finish with a hurdle, defined as a jump off one foot to a landing on both feet at the end of the board. The diver may use additional steps, hops, leaps and/or jumps between the initial three steps and the culminating hurdle. The forward takeoff shall be from both feet simultaneously to an adequate height to perform the dive.

9-5-6 Note Flying dives demonstrating 1½ somersaults require the straight position to be maintained until the body has rotated to the vertical position.

NOTE: Flying dives demonstrating one somersault requires the straight position be maintained from takeoff until the body has rotated to the horizontal position. (¼ rotation) Flying dives demonstrating one and one half somersaults require the straight position be maintained until the body has rotated to the vertical position. (½ rotation)

2011-12 Major Editorial Changes

3-3-2 New Defines the uniform as one suit and if worn, cap(s). Reorganizes the rule to a list format so it is easier to follow.

ART. 2 . . . The uniform consists of a suit and, if worn, cap(s).

a. The suit or cap(s) may display the name and/or number of the competitor,

school or mascot.

b. Advertising or name other than that permitted in 3-3-2c is prohibited.

c. A single visible manufacturer’s logo/trademark/reference, no more than 2¼ square inches is permitted on each item of the uniform (suit and cap(s)).

d. An American flag, not to exceed 2x3 inches, and either a commemorative or memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches and with written state association approval, may be worn on each item of the uniform.

NOTE: The FINA mark and/or individual barcode on certain swimsuits designating that the suit has been approved for FINA and/or USA Swimming competition is not considered to be a second manufacturer’s logo nor a form of advertising. Such swimsuits with a FINA marking shall be legal for NFHS competition.

3-3-4 New Note Clarifies the authority and criteria for the state association to authorize exceptions to the competition rules to provide a reasonable accommodation to individual participants.

NOTE: Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, allow an otherwise illegal piece of equipment, create risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage.

3-3-5 Deletes the reference to illegal attire as it is covered under Rules 3-3-1and 3-3-2.

ART. 5 . . . A competitor shall not wear jewelry. When it is discovered that any competitor is wearing jewelry prior to the start of that heat/round, he/she shall not be permitted to participate in an event/dive until the jewelry is removed.

a. Medical-alert medals are not considered jewelry, must be taped to the body and alert may be visible.

b. Religious medals are not considered jewelry, must be worn under the uniform and taped to the body.

c. Hair-restraining devices are considered legal, provided they are functioning and are being worn in the hair during the event.

NOTE: When the competitor starts an event/round and is observed with jewelry he/she shall complete that heat/round and be notified to remove the jewelry before becoming eligible for any further participation. The competitor’s coach shall be notified of the violation (4-2-2).

4-1-2 New Places the authority and responsibilities of the meet committee in its own article to make it easier to locate within the rules.

ART. 2 . . . A meet committee and a meet director shall assume responsibility for all aspects of meet management. The meet committee shall make decisions on matters not specifically covered by the rules or on the misapplication of a rule during a meet. Judgment calls are not subject to review by this committee. The decision of the meet committee is final.

6-4-1 Eliminates unnecessary language and clarifies the process of time integration.

ART. 1 . . . When the referee determines there is a malfunction of the primary (automatic or semi-automatic) timing system, and decides there is a need to integrate backup times, the following procedures should be followed.