Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications 2009
SITUATION 1: In a race being timed with automatic timing, a swimmer touches the finish end, but not the finish pad, and the timers stop their watches or backup buttons when the timing pad: (a) has moved out of position during the race; (b) has fallen off the gutter during the race; (c) does not cover the width of the lane. RULING: (a), (b) and (c) correct procedure. The referee has the discretion to use backup times in these instances. COMMENT: It is intended that touch pads should cover the entire width of the lane. If they do not and a swimmer touches the end wall beside the pad, but within the confines of the lane, it is a legal finish. (8-1-7)
SITUATION 2: Following the turn in the breaststroke event, the swimmer's hands separate slightly after the swimmer's feet leave the wall, after which the swimmer does a downward butterfly kick before beginning the arm pull. The swimmer is disqualified. RULING: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: Any separation or drifting of the hands/arms prior to the kick constitutes initiation of the arm pull, after which the butterfly kick may occur. After the start and after each turn, any lateral or downward movement of the hands or arms is considered to be the initiation of the first arm pull. (8-2-2)
SITUATION 3: For the backstroke start in a deck-level pool ("rim flow" or "rollout" gutter), the swimmer in lane 4 has his/her toes above the deck after the starting signal is activated, but before leaving the wall. The swimmer is disqualified from the race. RULING: Proper procedure. COMMENT: Rule 8-1-2 does not permit a swimmer to have his/her toes above the gutter or pool deck. In the case of a deck-level pool, the swimmer's toes must be below the pool edge. (8-1-2)
SITUATION 4: The diver mounts the board and the announcer gives dive 401C Inward Dive Tuck. The diver assumes a set position on the back of the board, takes three steps, approach and hurdle. The diver lands the hurdle at the end of the board, stops, turns around and assumes a set position again and performs dive 401C. RULING: Balk, Rule 9-5-5. COMMENT: In the diving referee's opinion, it is a balk as the diver assumed the starting position and from that position interrupted the continuous execution of the dive prior to entry into the water. (9-5-5)