NFHS Announces Rule Changes for Swimming & Diving in 2017-18

Photo Courtesy: Ella Walsh

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The National Federation of State High School Associations has announced rule changes for swimming and diving entering the 2017-18 school year and also provided clarification for certain guidelines.

Among the most notable items, additional guidelines were put in place regarding relay exchanges. All disqualifications for an early exchange at a “championship meet” (which is also defined in the release) now require dual confirmation from two judges, including side judges.

Additionally, a new rule requires relay swimmers to start with at least one foot on the starting block—i.e., not only the wedge—when taking off on an exchange.

“On relays, the second, third and fourth swimmers are prohibited from taking off from the top of the starting block wedge. Competitors must have at least one foot in contact with the starting platform in front of the starting block wedge during takeoff. The responsibility to observe this aspect of this takeoff falls under the relay takeoff judge’s jurisdiction, and does not require dual confirmation.”

It does not appear that this new rule disallows the step-over start that has become popular in recent years. In such an exchange, swimmers have one foot on the wedge and one foot behind the wedge that then steps to the front of the block before taking off. Because the foot would make contact with the block before the swimmer dives in (and after the previous swimmer touches the wall), this means of exchange should still be legal.

Other rule changes involve clarification about rules for lap counters, clarifying the result of two balks in diving and adding some elements about conduct.

The full list can be found here.

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Marco Foelske

6 years ago

Why can’t HS rules not the same as USAswimming rules? Most Championship swimmers are year round swimmers anyway!

Charlene Tallen

6 years ago

Reply to Marco Foelske

Agreed

Leander

6 years ago

Reply to Marco Foelske

They are almost identical.

Sally Slygh

6 years ago

Reply to Marco Foelske

Amen!! There would be lots more people able to officiate also. I’m a USA swimming official but I don’t think I want to do high school because the rules are so different.

Bill

6 years ago

Reply to Sally Slygh

I am a USA swimming official and a HS swimming coach. I don’t see too many differences in the rules regarding stroke and turn. Only one I can really find is the Lochte rule. Most of the rule differences are related to what the swimmer is wearing. The relay exchange rules however seem to depart from USA swimming. Here in Colorado I have not seen many pools with the wedge on the block. In fact I had not seen the wedge or the backstroke platform until I officiated at Sectionals.