2006-07 Swimming and Diving Points of Emphasis

1)    No Recall of Swimmers. The adoption of the protocol to not recall swimmers gaining an unfair advantage at the start of the race serves to preserve the integrity of the good starts by the remainder of the field. The first start is generally the competitor's best start. With no recall as a general practice the competitor is able to capitalize on the start. No recall practically eliminates the problems created with the use of the recall rope as swimmers missed the rope and swam extra yardage. The swimmer is now disqualified at the completion of the heat which is the same procedure for any other disqualification due to turn or stroke violations or early take-off in a relay. The referee and starter still maintain the authority to issue a recall if a situation warrants. The procedures for the no recall should be followed as presented in the rules in order to produce a fair competitive environment.

2)    Dolphin Kick in Breaststroke. Physiologically, downward movement of the feet and legs is a natural response to the pull-out that occurs at the start and each turn of the breaststroke. Other rule codes have reached similar conclusions. This new rule responds to this natural downward movement during these specific times of the race. It should be noted that a single downward kicking movement is permitted, and that subsequent vertical movement of the feet/legs may result in disqualification. After the dolphin kick, a breaststroke kick must be executed prior to the next arm stroke, and during the remainder of the race the stroke cycle of arm pull followed by breaststroke kick must be maintained. The swimmer must perform the breaststroke kick without vertical movement resulting from flexing/extending the knees.

3)    Resubmerging After Compliance with 15-Meter Requirement. In backstroke, butterfly and freestyle events, some part of the swimmer's head must break the surface of the water at or before the 15m mark. The rule clearly stipulates that being completely submerged is only permitted prior to that mark. If a swimmer re-submerges completely, except for the final reach for the wall, that resubmerging constitutes a stroke violation resulting in disqualification. A wave passing over the body, or momentary inadvertent submerging should not result in disqualification.

4)    Triangular Meets. Because of limited facility availability in areas where the number of teams and swimmers is increasing, triangular meets have become an increasingly popular way to accommodate more athlete participation. Modification of existing rules regulating such meets was necessary to promote participation and maintain integrity of scoring. Only two relay teams per school may score but additional entries in individual events may score.

5)    Notification of Coach for Jewelry/Illegal Attire Violations. Rule 3-3-5 makes very clear the coach's responsibility to assure that athletes are properly attired. Because it is essential that coaches be aware of situations involving improper attire, for purposes both of correction of violations and of accountability for their responsibility, officials must now notify the coach when an athlete is warned about improper attire. Competitors still retain flexibility without an immediate disqualification but are also held accountable to the rules.

6)    Starting Protocols. Two options were presented in the 2005-06 rules book.  Although no rule was adopted to require each state to select only one starting protocol, states are strongly urged to adopt one of those protocols for their championships, and to implement the adopted protocol at all meets throughout the season. Consistency of the starting sequence and athlete familiarity with that sequence allows athletes to concentrate on their performance and avoids the uncertainties arising when each official uses his/her own sequence of commands.

7)    Backstroke Start. The requirement that the feet/toes be completely submerged prior to and during the execution of the backstroke start was retained, although other rules codes have modified their rules. The experience of competition under these other codes suggested the wisdom of retaining our existing rule. Since the swimmer's toes curl almost naturally over the gutter, it is important that this possibly dangerous practice be avoided. The best way to do so is to require the toes be submerged at/during the start. Meet referees can respond to unusual situations and make appropriate adjustments where no safety concerns are involved.

8)    Electronic Relay Takeoff Judging Equipment. The increasing prevalence of this equipment, especially at collegiate facilities used by high schools for championship meets, prompted the rules committee to adopt technical and procedural guidelines for the use of such equipment. These guidelines adopt the NCAA technical requirements, and provide appropriate procedural direction for the high school competitive environment.