2012-13 Swimming and
Diving Rules Changes
3-3-2 Clarifies the penalties for a swimmer
or diver wearing illegal attire such as an illegal cap and separates these
penalties from the penalty for illegal construction of a swimming suit.
Rationale: Clearly
states the penalty for the wearing of illegal attire is separate from an
illegal suit. Previously, a specific penalty was not associated with this
violation.
3-3-4 Tape
is permitted to treat a documented medical condition providing the meet referee
is presented with signed documentation from an appropriate health-care
professional prior to the start of competition.
Rationale: Establishes
a procedure, by rule, to follow at the local level when a competitor needs to
use tape. The procedure does not require individual state association action.
8-2-1f The
initiation of the turning action in the backstroke may be initiated by an
upward or downward, underwater movement of the head.
Rationale: A
swimmer may lift the head to begin the rotation necessary to begin a flip turn.
The addition of the word “upward” provides clarification for legality of the
turn and will avoid unwarranted disqualifications.
8-2-2c On
the start or turn, the initiation of the arm stroke shall be accomplished by a
discernible horizontal separation of the hands.
Rationale: More
clearly defines the initiation of the stroke as a discernible horizontal
separation of the hands. This will assist in greater consistency while judging
the beginning of the breaststroke.
9-2-2 The
order of divers in a championship meet is determined by the meet director using
a seeding method based on scores or by lot. With no action from the meet
director, the default method for determining the order of diving in a
championship meet is by lot.
Rationale: The
rule should include the standard method (default method) for determining the
order of the diving competition absent any action by the meet director.
2012-13 Major Editorial Changes
3-3-3c Changed
the Note regarding the wearing of a suit with the FINA mark to a part of the
rule.
9-5-2 Additional
steps, hops, leaps and/or jumps may occur during the diver’s initial steps and
before the culminating hurdle in the forward approach.
Appendix
B Suggested protocol for electronic relay
judging equipment specifies when the relay takeoff judge’s observation shall be
considered to confirm a disqualification.
2012-13 Editorial Changes
3-3-3a,
3-5-3, 4-1-4, 9-4
2012-13 Points of Emphasis
1. Shaving
on site and sports hygiene
2. Suits
with FINA barcode
3. Relay
team attire may be adjusted to become legal