The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee has announced its rule changes for the 2020-21 season, which includes providing more clarity on what constitutes a proper race finish and official timing procedures.
The organization held its annual meeting March 22-23 (online) where a total of six rule changes were recommended, with all six ultimately getting approved by the Board of Directors.
One key change came to Rule 1-1-1, which now describes the end wall in more detail. Previously described as “the walls perpendicular to the race course,” the new definition broadens the term to include “the vertical portion of the pool, contiguous surface of the deck and overflow gutter, the front of the starting block or platform, or the touchpad at the end of the course.”
“This additional language provides clarity on what constitutes the end wall,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. “The 2019-20 rules book changed the definition of the finish of the race by permitting the swimmer to finish at the end wall, not the touchpad. That change necessitated a more concise definition of the end wall.”
Another mention of the end wall came in an edit to Rule 6-3-2, which specifies acceptable methods for measuring “official” times. Buttons and/or stopwatches are now explicitly listed as alternatives to touchpads rather than solely as a backup.
There was also clarification to the usage of backup devices in Rule 6-3-4. The devices may now be used not only when there is a touchpad malfunction, but also when the swimmer touches the wall but does not activate the pad.
“This rule change more accurately describes the protocol for determining an official time when the competitor contacts the end wall and not the touchpad,” Searcy said. “Backup buttons or stopwatches may need to be used in situations where the swimmer does not activate the touchpad or the touchpad malfunctions. This phrase clarifies conditions when the swimmer does not touch the touchpad initially.”