November 27, 2000

Dear Swimming Coaches and Officials:

This is the first of two letters you will receive during the swim season which address rules' issues that may need further clarification. My hope is the letters will facilitate a more consistent application and understanding of the rules across the state. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

IMPORTANT SWIMMING RULES CLARIFICATIONS, 2000-2001

1. The IHSAA allows competitor numbers on each piece of attire. These numbers are for identification or inventory purposes only. With the exception of competitor numbers, which are not specifically prohibited by rule, the NFHS uniform rule is to be enforced as written in the rule book. Remember, coaches have the ultimate responsibility of making sure their swimmers are properly attired. It is not the referee's responsibility to find the coaches prior to the meet to ensure swimmers are following the rules. If an official chooses to do so, it a courtesy, not a necessity.

2. Goggles are no longer part of the official swim uniform and are not subject to the logo rule. When determining a legal suit, do not consider the goggles as part of the uniform. Also, the NFHS Swimming Rules Committee considers body suits legal attire as they are not prohibited by rule.

3. The use of the lap counter in the 500-yard freestyle is optional. However, if a swimmer chooses to use a lap counter, the lap counter must be in position at the start of the race and remain in that position for the entire race. If a swimmer chooses not to use a lap counter, no one will be allowed in the lap counter position for that lane or swimmer.

ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS AND UNNECESSARY DELAYS DURING MEETS

Artificial noise makers are not to be used by spectators or team personnel during meets, as per rule 4-2-2 (j). Megaphones are allowed only for bonafide cheerleaders. Swimmers, statisticians, managers, assistant coaches, etc. are not considered cheerleaders and are not to be using megaphones. Coaches, also be cognizant of the fact that organizing cheers from the deck is not in the interest of good sportsmanship. There have been concerns that some teams do this prior to the 400-yard freestyle relay and it can cause an unnecessary delay in the meet because team personnel are participating in the cheer. There is nothing wrong with cheering swimmers on during a race, but organized cheers on the deck can be an unnecessary delay of the meet and should not occur.

DUAL CONFIRMATION FOR RELAY TAKEOFF'S

When using dual confirmation for relay takeoff's it is imperative the two officials involved do not confer before recording the violation. They may look across the pool at one another to confirm a legal relay takeoff, but should never indicate which lane they believe committed a violation. If one, or both, officials record a violation they should indicate such as per rule 4-6-2 (c) and confer following the race. If they have both recorded the same swimmer as having committed a violation, the referee announces the disqualification.

POWER RATINGS

Power rating sheets should be sent to Doug Colin, PO Box 1062, Dubuque, IA 52004. Doug's phone/fax number is 319-583-8183. DO NOT SEND POWER RATINGS TO THE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. Any questions concerning the power ratings should be directed to Doug.

I hope these clarifications assist both coaches and officials. If you have other situations you would like to have addressed in the January letter please call, fax, write, or E-mail them to me. My E-mail address is <abeste@iahsaa.org>.

Additional 2000-2001 NFHS Swimming Interpretations can be found on the National Federation's web site at <www.nfhs.org/rules-swimming.htm>.

If you have any questions during the course of the season, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Alan Beste

Administrative Assistant