November 21, 2005
Dear Swimming Coaches and Officials:
This is the first of two letters you will receive during the swimming season to address rule's issues that may need further clarification. Our hope is the letters will facilitate a more consistent application and understanding of the rules across the state.
IMPORTANT DATES
District Competition: Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 12:30pm
State Competition: Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:30pm
PROPER SUPERVISION OF SWIMMERS - Section 641-15.4(4)"d"(4) of the Iowa Code states, "For a structured swimming program, such as lap swim, competitive swimming, water exercise classes, swim lessons, and physical education classes a life guard is not required provided the program is supervised by an instructor, teacher, or coach who is a lifeguard or has current certification from the American Red Cross in basic water safety, standard first aid, and infant, child and adult CPR; or equivalent training approved by the Department of Health."
NEW THIS YEAR, SECTION 641-15.4(4)"d"(4) OF THE IOWA CODE ALSO STATES, "An instructor, teacher, or coach may be responsible for a MAXIMUM of 30 persons within a structured activity. If more than 30 persons are involved (in or out of the water) in a structured activity, a second qualified supervisor MUST be present."
WARM UP GUIDELINES - Coaches, be sure to have warm-up guidelines posted for all meets. Be sure the visiting team(s) is aware of the guidelines and that all swimmers are following them. Guidelines can be found in the front of the NFHS Rule Book. For the safety of the swimmers, qualified personnel must always be supervising swimmers when warm ups are taking place.
SPORTSMANSHIP - Coaches, visit with your swimmers about good sportsmanship. Swimming has a great reputation when it comes to proper behavior and we'd like to it keep that reputation! Officials, remember to visit with coaches and captains before meets about sportsmanship.
SUGGESTED STARTING PROTOCOL
A. Suggested protocol when one official is officiating the meet
Announcer or referee/starter announces the event, "Varsity 200-yard medley relay, heat 2"
The referee/starter then does the following:
Blows a long whistle,
Asks the swimmers to, "Step up/into the water feet first,"
Blows another whistle & asks for "Quiet for the start please," if necessary, Announces the event, "Varsity 200-yard medley relay,"
Directs the swimmers to, "Place your feet," if the backstroke start is being used,
Directs the swimmers to, "Take your mark,"
Starts the race.
B. Suggested referee's protocol when there is a referee & starter
Announcer or referee announces the event, "Varsity 200-yard medley relay, heat 2"
The referee then does the following:
Blows a long whistle,
Asks the swimmers to, "Step up/into the water feet first,"
Blows another whistle & asks for "Quiet for the start please," if necessary,
Announces the event, "Varsity 200-yard medley relay,"
Turns the race over to the starter, "Mr./Madame Starter."
C. Suggested starter's protocol for a race using the forward start
Announce the event, "Varsity 100-yard freestyle,"
Direct the swimmers to, "Take your mark,"
Start the race.
D. Suggested starter's protocol for a race using the back start
Announce the event, "Varsity 100-yard backstroke,"
Direct the swimmers to, "Place your feet,"
Direct swimmers to, "Take your mark,"
Start the race.
THE ABOVE PROTOCOL (B-D) WILL BE USED AT ALL DISTRICT MEETS AND THE BOY'S STATE MEET. WE ENCOURAGE ALL OFFICIALS TO USE THIS PROTOCOL DURING THE REGULAR SEASON SO SWIMMERS ARE FAMILIAR WITH IT AT DISTRICT AND STATE COMPETITION.
JEWELRY & ATTIRE RULE
There has been a major change in the NFHS jewelry & attire rule. That rule now states, "when it is discovered that any competitor is wearing illegal attire, or jewelry, he will not be permitted to participate in another event until the illegal attire or jewelry has been made legal." Swimmers are ONLY disqualified for illegal attire, or jewelry, if they cannot correct the situation without delaying the meet, or if they fail to follow the directive of the official. Here a few situations used at the rules meetings to help clarify the new change.
Situation #1:
BEFORE being called to blocks, the referee observes a swimmer wearing jewelry, or a watch, or a cap with two logos, or a suit that is illegal. The referee informs the swimmer of the violation and instructs him to correct the problem.
RULING: Proper procedure. In the first three instances, the remedy can be accomplished without delay. In the case of the suit, the reality is the swimmer will probably not have sufficient time to make the change and be ready for his/her event. If there is unnecessary delay, the swimmer is disqualified from the event.
In a dual meet, since the event has not started (swimmers NOT called to the blocks), the
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coach would be able to make a substitute, and the swimmer with the illegal suit would not be charged with an event, as rule 3.1.4 permits entry changes prior to the start of the race.
In a championship meet, the entry deadline has already passed so the swimmer with the illegal suit is disqualified and charged with an event.
Situation #2:
AFTER being called to blocks, the referee observes a swimmer wearing jewelry, or a watch, or a cap with two logos, or a suit that is illegal. The referee informs the swimmer of the violation and instructs him to correct the problem.
RULING: Proper procedure. In the first three instances, the remedy can be accomplished without delay. In the case of the suit, the swimmer will not have sufficient time to make the change, and since the race has begun (swimmers called to the blocks), there is no substitute entry permitted. The illegally attired swimmer would be disqualified and charged with an event.
Situation #3:
THE FIRST SWIMMER IN A RELAY is in the water when the referee notices the 4th swimmer wearing: a) an illegal cap, b) jewelry, c) an illegal suit. The referee informs the swimmer of the violation and instructs him to correct the problem.
RULING: Correct Procedure. In a & b, the swimmer can become legal without delay and be ready to swim. In c, if the swimmer is not ready to swim legally, without delaying the meet, the relay team will be disqualified.
Situation #4:
A SWIMMER, in either an individual event or as part of a relay team, is observed wearing illegal attire/jewelry while that swimmer is competing in an event.
RULING: Because the swimmer has already LEFT THE BLOCKS, he is permitted to complete the event, but told he will not be permitted to participate in any subsequent event(s) until the illegal attire/jewelry is removed.
Situation #5:
AT THE PRE-MEET MEETING, the referee tells the coaches that this is their warning about illegal suits and jewelry. Any athletes reporting to their event will be disqualified from further competition for not following the directive of the referee.
RULING: Incorrect procedure. The referee must see the violation, and have notified the competitor of the violation, to give the directive that it be removed before further competition.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact either of us.
Sincerely,
Alan Beste Todd Tharp
Assistant Executive Director Assistant Executive Director