The National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) has released proposed rule changes for the 2017-2018 Swimming and Diving season. Citing confusion while interpreting different rules across state federations, NFHS intends to clarify and reorganize their rule book to make it consistent with all other NFHS athletic competitions. Additionally, the proposed changes are meant to encourage growth of both swimming and diving at the high school level and encourage participation in competitions as early as possible.
The proposals were sent out, along with a survey, by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches’ Association, to seek input from coaches around the country on the changes.
Among the most notable changes is the proposed rule 8-2-1c, which states “Standing in or on the gutter or curling the toes over the lip of the gutter immediately after the starting signal is permitted.” This change would allow backstrokers to curl their toes over the edge of the pool or over the touch pad. Currently, curling the toes over the edge of the pool or touch pad is grounds for a disqualification but with the emergence of backstroke wedges, NFHS believes that all high school swimmers should gain an advantage during their backstroke start. Swimmers may also now have their body submerged completely during the backstroke finish as long as the finish is simultaneous with them becoming submerged. According to NFHS, “This change allows the finish of backstroke to be officiated fairly.” The subjectivity of the current rule, mandating that a part of the swimmer’s body be at the surface is highly subjective and has caused controversy.
In order to encourage new divers to join high school teams and begin competition as beginners, the new rules proposal would add a clause stating that a diver may use a standing takeoff to begin their dive rather than requiring a hurdle which could take a longer period of time to master. This change would allow beginners to compete but also states that a penalty would be enforced by the official if a standing takeoff is used.
A complete list of rule changes and additions can be found below:
- Complete restructuring of the 2017-2018 NFHS Swimming and Diving Handbook in order to clarify rules and create consistency throughout NFHS competitions
- State Associations may determine which meets are run as championships meets within their own state.
- Because many manufacturers are making swim caps with two flags on them, swimmers may now wear a cap with a flag on both sides rather than just one.
- Lap counters may count up or down depending on the athlete’s preference during distance events.
- The use of electronics to transmit information to athletes during a race or dive is considered unsporting conduct and is prohibited.
- Swimmers may not place their feet on top of the starting wedge during a start or takeoff.
- Dual confirmation is required on all takeoff violations and false starts in NFHS competition, not just championship meets.
- If the appropriate technology is available, relay takeoff violations must be confirmed electronically.
- The use of visual aides during dives is considered assistance and is prohibited.
- Jumps, hops and leaps all count towards the maximum of three steps prior to the hurdle to begin a dive.
- Divers may use a standing takeoff to begin a dive but will not be allowed to oscillate on the diving board more than four times and must stop oscillating the board when they come to their starting position.
- A dive will be considered deficient if a standing takeoff is used.
I’m somewhat confused. This year, the wedges/edges for backstroke starts were not allowed. I cannot seem to verify whether or not the curling of toes is allowed. Can anyone direct me to the right place to verify the official rules?
I just looked at the Rule changes for 17 and 18 and it looks like they DIDN’T change the backstroke start…did I see that wrong?
The jumps, hops, and leaps count towards the MINIMUM of three steps in the forward approach.
Folks:
The way I’m reading this………..these are just proposals. I don’t believe they have been voted on or accepted by NFHS yet?
i thought it was a backstroke EDGE-not a backstroke wedge-
The wedge is on top of the block-
Are all the changes in this article for backstroke?
If a swimmer can put their toes over the gutter’s edge “after the starting signal” why would that be a good thing? Please clarify that statement-toes should be placed on the gutter or edge before the signal- not after!
I can’t find any good pictures of it, but I remember back when in Illinois high school swimming the rule was just the part of your foot had to be in the water. Kids used to do backstroke starts standing on the gutter, holding onto the blocks with just their heels touching the water, and basically do a back dive into the pool.
Really odd to watch and I could never really figure out how to do it, but they changed the rule before I got done with HS.
Any cut not made within compliance with USA Swimming rules should not stand. This will undoubtedly make it harder at observed HS meets to take times. That’s not the NFHS’s concern, but that will be an issue.
This change is not good, from a safety stand point. It’s why stand up starts and removal of curling toes was removed on the first place. Curling your toes is different than the wedge, this is a bad idea.
Wait, so no more wedges on top of the block in high school swimming?