January 2002

Dear Swimming Coaches and Officials:

Happy New Year! I hope each of you made the effort to spend time with your families over the holidays. I certainly enjoyed being with mine. The events that have occurred beginning September 11 have made all of us realize the importance of family and in order to spend more time with them, we have to make the time.

It's hard to believe we are six weeks away from districts! As far as I can tell, the season has gone very well. I have had very few calls of concern and the meets I've attended have been competitive and well run. Coaches, please be sure you are filling out the official's evaluation forms and sending them to me. This is a two-sided form! Some of you only filled out the front side and have not rated the officials on the 1-5 scale on the back page. I have enclosed another form for your reference.

POWER RATING SHEETS

The coaches' association puts a great deal of time and effort into the power ratings, but they are only as accurate as the information they receive. Please be sure to send Doug Colin your power rating sheets. Doug's fax number is 563-583-8183. The area code is listed as (319) on the roster and power rating sheets. I apologize for the error.

TIMING EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Rule 4-8-2 states, "The (timing) equipment shall be located so the operator is able to observe all turns and finished, preferably on the side of the pool where the referee is positioned." Obviously, there are pool designs where it is not possible for the timing equipment operator to view all turns and finishes. As stated at the rule's meetings, we do not expect schools to redesign their pools to accommodate this rule. The intent of the rule is that operators should be aware of touches and be sure the timing equipment is registering those touches properly. If the equipment is not operating properly, the referee should be notified of any discrepancies.

CORRECTION OF CLERICAL ERRORS IN DISTRICT ENTRIES

Correction of clerical errors in district entry times by the district meet staff is permitted at the coaches meeting with reseeding of the events effected, if necessary. Prior to this, if a mistake was made entering times into the computer, there was, technically, no way to correct the error.

USE OF FOREIGN SUBSTANCES BANNED AT THE DISTRICT AND STATE MEETS

The Swimming Coaches Advisory Committee has recommended, and the Board of Control has approved, that all foreign substances (sprays, oils, lotions, etc.) used to aid speed and buoyancy be banned at district and state meets. The University of Iowa no longer permits the use of oils "motion lotion," sprays "Time-Off," etc. at the Field House Pool. They are very concerned about the deck becoming slippery and causing safety concerns, and the pool filtering system can no longer be relied upon to remove those foreign substances. It is permissible to use analgesics which are absorbed into the skin, but the analgesic cannot be mixed with baby oil, or other substances which are not absorbed.

POURING HOME POOL WATER INTO THE STATE MEET POOL

Teams are discouraged from bringing water from their home pools to pour into the state meet pool. Those who do so should be aware no glass containers are allowed on the deck area. They are also expected to observe the following rules regarding pouring water into the state meet pool.

a) It cannot take place from the bulkhead,

b) It should not be disruptive to other deck personnel, including participating teams and workers,

c) It must be done during warmups prior to 12:15 p.m., when the pool is closed.

PROCESSIONS AROUND THE POOL AREA AT THE STATE MEET

Teams coming from the tunnel onto the pool deck wishing to carry banners or do cheers may do so provided they come out of the tunnel and immediately turn left to go to their seating area. They are not to cross the bulkhead, without permission from the IHSAA, or have a procession around the pool area.

I hope you continue to have a productive season. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call, fax, write, or e-mail me. I look forward to seeing many of you at the state meet.

Sincerely,

Alan Beste

Administrative Assistant

abeste@iahsaa.org