1.) Posting and announcing of meet scores - While it is recommended the meet score be posted and announced during meets, it is no longer required. At some meets, there may be no announcer or PA system available and there may be limited personnel helping conduct the meet, which would make posting and announcing the score impractical. Coaches typically keep team scores themselves, but a coach should be able to approach the scorer's table during the meet to inquire about the score. If scores are not posted or announced, the referee may want to periodically ask the scorer for the team score. Whenever practical, the meet score should be posted and/or announced. This will keep coaches and athletes apprised of the progress of the meet, as well as keeping the fans informed and involved with the competition between teams.
2.) Pistol used as sounding device - For all practical purposes, it is inappropriate to use a pistol capable of discharging live ammunition as the sounding device at an education based interscholastic athletic event. Should a pistol be used as the sounding device, it shall be disabled from being able to fire live rounds. Most states, by state law, prohibit firearms on school grounds and school events.
3.) Lead-off swimmers establishing an official time - It has been common practice to accept the time swum by the first swimmer of a relay as an official time for that comparable individual event. This is possible due to the first swimmer being able to execute the swim using a legal start, meet stroke requirements and have a legal finish. Subsequent swimmers in a relay will not meet all three of these requirements for a legal swim as in the comparable individual event. When a relay team is disqualified for a violation by swimmers two, three or four, such as an early start, turn or stroke which results in the relay disqualification, the split time for the lead swimmer shall still be recorded as official. However, should the relay team be disqualified for a conduct violation under Rule 3-5, the split time of the lead swimmer shall be nullified. In high school swimming, proper sporting conduct is paramount and should it become inappropriate by rule, no mark shall stand.
4.) Compliance with entry rules when using electronic meet management software - The use of electronic meet management software has certainly made it more efficient for those managing swim meets. This software has also created some minor issues when implementing NFHS rules related to entry procedures. For swimming, host schools may ask for visiting team rosters in advance of the meet so entries can be entered into the computer. For diving, there is a concern about properly identifying the voluntary dives on the diving scoresheet. State associations, or meet management, should communicate with participating schools on how entries will be submitted when electronic meet management software is used to be within the intent and spirit of the rule. The use of electronic meet management software does not change the rules or time frame in which coaches have for making changes in their entries.