2017-18 swimming officials guidelines manual

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2017-18NFHSSWIMMINGOFFICIALS’GUIDELINESMANUAL

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2017-18NFHSSWIMMINGOFFICIALS’GUIDELINESMANUAL

ROBERTB.GARDNER,PublisherSandySearcy,EditorNFHSPublications

©2017bytheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociationsPermissionisgrantedtocopyanduseinitsentiretybyanindividualornon-profitorganizationsolelyforthepurposeoftrainingswimmingofficials.Anyotheruseofanyportionsofthisdocumentisprohibitedwithoutwrittenpermissionfrom

theNFHS.

CoverDesigner:KimVogel,NFHSCoverphotoscourtesyofVisualImagePhotography,Illinois.

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INTRODUCTIONThismanualisprovidedtoimprovetheconsistencyofofficiatinghighschoolswimming.Itisbasedonthepremisethatthepurposeofswimmingofficialsatameetistoensurefaircompetitionforallcompetitorsin accordance with the rules established by the NFHS. In order to accomplish this, officials mustunderstandtherulesandenforceallruleswithoutregardfortheoutcomeofthemeet.This manual is not meant to be “another rules book.” Rather, it is designed to assist all officials inunderstandingtheirroleinconductingcompetition.Whileitshouldbeespeciallyusefulfornewandlessexperiencedswimmingofficials,itwillalsohelptheveteranofficialhonetheorganizationalskillsalongwiththemechanicsofofficiating.

PHILOSOPHYANDETHICSTheprimaryroleoftheofficialistoensurethattheactionsofthecompetitors,coachesandotherteampersonnel are in compliancewith the rules. In fulfilling this task, the officialmust establish the bestpossibleclimateforfaircompetitionwiththeattentionontheathletes,ratherthanontheofficial.Theconductof eachofficial affects thepublic’s attitude towardall officials. Therefore, everyofficialmustupholdthehonor,integrityanddignityoftheprofession.

TABLEOFCONTENTS

NFHSOfficialsCodeofEthics...............................................................................................................................5

KeyPointsforAllHighSchoolSwimmingOfficials...............................................................................................6

AllSwimmingOfficials..........................................................................................................................................7

TheSwimmingReferee........................................................................................................................................8

TheStarter..........................................................................................................................................................12

StartingInfractionsandNo-RecallStartingProtocol..........................................................................................13

AdditionalMeetOfficials....................................................................................................................................14

SuggestedProtocolforVerbalandWhistlePreparatoryCommands................................................................16

PositioningofOfficials........................................................................................................................................18

SwimmingAnnouncer........................................................................................................................................22

TimingEquipmentOperator..............................................................................................................................23

Scorer.................................................................................................................................................................23

MeetManagementSoftwareOperator.............................................................................................................24

Timers.................................................................................................................................................................24

LapCounters......................................................................................................................................................25

SuggestedProtocolsforElectronicRelayJudgingEquipment...........................................................................26

SuggestedGuidelinesforOfficiatingSwimmerswithDisabilities......................................................................27

AppendixA–RelayTakeoffCards......................................................................................................................30

AppendixB–FalseStartCards...........................................................................................................................31

AppendixC–SampleBallotFinishForm............................................................................................................32

AppendixD–LapCountSheet–6LanePool.....................................................................................................34

AppendixE–LapCountSheet–8LanePool.....................................................................................................35

AppendixF–Official’sScoresheet.....................................................................................................................36

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OfficialsCodeofEthics

Officialsataninterscholasticathleticeventareparticipantsintheeducationaldevelopmentofhighschoolstudents.Assuch,theymustexerciseahighlevelofself-discipline,independenceandresponsibility.Thepurposeof thisCode is toestablishguidelines forethical standardsofconductforallinterscholasticofficials.

Officialsshallmasterboththerulesofthegameandthemechanicsnecessarytoenforcetherules,andshallexerciseauthorityinanimpartial,firmandcontrolledmanner.

Officials shall work with each other and their state associations in a constructive andcooperativemanner.

Officialsshallupholdthehonoranddignityoftheprofessioninallinteractionwithstudent-athletes,coaches,athleticdirectors,schooladministrators,colleagues,andthepublic.

Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly andappropriately,andshallcomportthemselvesinamannerconsistentwiththehighstandardsoftheprofession.

Officialsshallbepunctualandprofessionalinthefulfillmentofallcontractualobligations.

Officialsshallremainmindfulthattheirconductinfluencestherespectthatstudent-athletes,coachesandthepublicholdfortheprofession.

Officialsshall,whileenforcingtherulesofplay,remainawareoftheinherentriskofinjurythat competition poses to student-athletes. Where appropriate, they shall inform eventmanagementofconditionsorsituationsthatappearunreasonablyhazardous.

Officialsshalltakereasonablestepstoeducatethemselvesintherecognitionofemergencyconditionsthatmightariseduringthecourseofcompetition.

Officialsshallmaintainanethicalapproachwhileparticipatinginforums,chatroomsandallformsofsocialmedia.

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KEYPOINTSFORALLHIGHSCHOOLSWIMMINGOFFICIALS

• BeknowledgeableofNFHSswimmingrules.

• StudytheNFHSSwimmingandDivingRulesBook,includingthesituationsandrulings,andattend rules meetings regularly as required by the state association or officials’associationtostayinformedregardingcurrentrules.

• Beconsistentintheapplicationoftherulesatalltimesandatalllevelsofcompetition.

• Enforceallrulesequitablyandfairly.Donotallowruleinfractionstogouncalledsimplybecausenoonehasgainedanadvantage.Ifthereisaviolation,itmustbecalled.Donottrytodecidewhomightbeunfairlyaffectedbyaviolation.

• Exercise fair and unbiased judgment by disregarding a swimmer’s identity, teamaffiliation,etc.

• Mentally reviewwhat is required fora legalperformanceandwhatwould render theperformanceillegal.

• Maketimelydecisions.

• Callonlythoseviolationsyouspecificallyobserve.Donotguessoranticipate.Bepreparedtoexplain the“who,”“what”and“when”of theviolation,aswellaswhereyouwerepositionedtoseetheviolation.DoNOTnotifyswimmersorcoachesthataswimmerwasclosetobeingdisqualified.Swimmersareeitherinviolationoftherulesortheyarenotinviolation.Donotdiscussclosecallswithcoachesorcompetitors.Aclosecallisanocall!

• Giveyourundividedattentiontoyourspecificassignment.

• Avoidcoachingathletes,butareminderastolegalstartingpositionpriortothestartofaraceisacceptable.Atlowerlevelsofcompetition,specificallyjuniorhigh,theexplanationof legal starting position may be given in much more detail than at higher levels ofcompetition.

• Explaintheruleandtheviolationtoswimmersand/orcoacheswhenrequestedtodoso.Do not give advice to swimmers or coaches on rule violations. At lower levels ofcompetition, specifically junior high, the explanationof the rule and violationmaybemuchlengthierthanathigherlevelsofcompetition.

• Whendiscussingthecircumstancessurroundingevents thatoccurredduringthemeetwithotherofficials,waituntilthemeetisoverorthereisascheduledbreakandyouareawayfromfansandcoaches.

• Asanofficial,neverpubliclycriticizeanotherofficialoranofficial’sdecision.Reportanyconcernsaboutanotherofficialtothemeetreferee.

• Commentsordiscussiononacallshouldnottakeplacewithrepresentativesofthemedia.

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• Refrainfromcheeringorverballysupportingparticipantsorateamwhileservinginan

official’srole.

• Mentorlessexperiencedofficials,aslongasitisnotadistractionduringameet.

• AdmitwhenmistakeshavebeenmadeandcorrectthemistakeaccordingtotheNFHSrules.Donotmakeadecisionto“makeup”forapoordecisionmadeearlier.

• Be professional and friendly when interacting with administrators, coaches, athletes,spectators,otherofficials,etc.Donotsocializewiththeseindividuals,asitmaygivetheimpressionoffavoringoneteamoveranother.

• Dress professionally in accordance with state association rules regarding officialsuniforms.

• Maintaincontrolofthemeet,butrememberthatallparticipantswanttodotheirbestwhilehavingafunandenjoyableexperience.

• Workavarietyofmeets.Themoreexperiencegainedthemorecomfortabletheofficialwillbeondeckandthemoreconfidentinobservation.

ALLSWIMMINGOFFICIALS

All swimming officials must remember their primary purposes when on deck. Officials shallconductthemeetinaprofessionalmanner,assurecompliancewiththeNFHSrulesandassurethatnocompetitorhasanunfairadvantage.Officialsshallremainmindfuloftheinherentriskofinjurythatcompetitionposestostudentathletes.Whereappropriate,theyshallinformeventmanagementofconditionsorsituationsthatappearunreasonablyhazardous.Ineverymeet,allswimmingofficialsshould:

• Arriveatleast30minutespriortothescheduledstartofthemeet.

• Have ready access to an NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Book, whistle, notepad,pen/pencil,andappropriateformstorecordfalsestarts,relaytakeoffviolations,finishordercards,etc.,ifapplicable.

• Silencecellphonesbeforethemeetbegins.

• Introducethemselvestothecoachesfromallparticipatingteams.

• Signalastroke,kick,bodyposition,turnorfinishviolationbypromptlyandconfidently

raising one hand over the head with an open palm, immediately upon observing aviolation. The official should continue to give the signal until the referee has had anadequateamountoftimetoobservethesignal.

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• Immediatelyfollowingtherace,reportanyviolationstothereferee.Theofficialobservingtheviolationshouldbeable to tell therefereewhocommittedtheviolation,where itoccurredandexactlywhatviolationoccurred.

THESWIMMINGREFEREE

RefertoNFHSRule4-2The referee is the head official at all levels of competition. The referee shall have generalsupervisionoverotherofficialsandmayoverruleanotherofficial’scall.Therefereemustsettheexampleforthemeetandteachlessexperiencedofficialsthroughconstructivecomments.Therefereeshoulddisplayconfidence,integrityandcompleteknowledgeoftherules.Thereferee’sdecisionisfinal.The meet referee retains clerical authority over the contest through the completion of anyreports,includingthoseimposingdisqualificationsthatareresponsivetoactionsoccurringwhiletherefereeshadjurisdiction.Stateassociationsmayintercedeintheeventofunusualincidentsbefore, during or after the referees’ jurisdiction has ended, or in the event that a contest isterminatedpriortotheconclusionofregulationcompetition.Therefereeshouldbefamiliarwithbestpracticesforswimmersanddiverswithdisabilitiesintheeventspecialaccommodationshavebeenauthorizedbythestateassociation.

Therefereeisnotresponsibleforsupervisingthewarm-upperiodorenforcingpostedwarm-upprocedures(seesuggestedprocedureinthefrontoftheNFHSSwimmingandDivingRulesBook).Ifaviolationofwarm-upproceduresor theuniformrule isobserved, theviolationshouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheswimmerandswimmer’scoach.Beforethemeetbegins,therefereeshouldsurveythepool,payingparticularattentiontothefollowing:

• Thephysical layoutof thepool, includingmarkings, lanes lines anddeck area for anysafetyorruleconcerns.Determinehowtheentirepoolwillbeofficiatedandhowofficialswillcommunicatewitheachotherduringthemeet.Sharethisinformationwiththefullofficiatingcrew.

• Thewaterlevel,depthatthestartingend,temperatureandclarity.

• Thestartingblockheightandstabilityoftheblocks.

• Thelocationandadequacyofthebackstrokeflagsand15-metermarkings.

• Thestartingandtimingsystems,includingtouchpadscenteredinthelanes,recalldeviceandbackuptimingprocedure.

• Availabilityofanadequatenumberofoperablelapcountingdevices.

• Theorderingandnumberingofthelanes.

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Therefereeshouldalso:• Meetwiththemeetmanagementtoconfirmtypeofmeet(dual,double-dual,triple-dual,

triangular), the meet schedule and any other information related to the meet, i.e.exhibitionswims,extraheats,etc.

• Meet with the starter and other officials, if applicable, to discuss starting protocol,positioning,dual confirmation forno-recall false starts and relay takeoffs, jurisdiction,responsibilities for turns, strokes and responsibilities during the 500-yard/400-meterfreestyle.Positioning,jurisdictionandhowofficialswillcommunicatewitheachotherwillneedtobedeterminedbasedonpoolconfiguration,glarethroughwindowsandotherunusualcircumstances.Useofelectronicdevicesshallalsobediscussed.

• Meetwiththevisitingheadcoachinadualmeettodeterminehis/herchoiceoftheodd

orevenlanes.

• Meet with the coaches to discuss warm-up protocol, starting time, entry procedures(individualeventsandrelays),declaredfalsestarts, laneassignments,numberofheats(inchampionshipmeets),exhibitionswims,startingprotocol,scoring,availabilityoflapcountersanduseoflapcountingdevices,backuptimingsystem,sportsmanship,logorule,lengthofbreakandwarmupafterthe50-yardfreestyle,whendivingwillbeconducted(firsteventorafter50-yardfreestyle),timeforsubmissionofdivingscoresheets,whereandwhenalternates,ifused,shouldreport,swimmerscheeringatpoolsideleavingspaceforofficials,studentswithdisabilitiesandanyotherspecialconcerns.

• Meetwithcoachesandcaptainstodiscusssportsmanship,illegalattire,andanygeneralconcerns/comments. FINA bar-coded suits are legal for NFHS competition. Tape isallowedtotreatadocumentedmedicalconditionprovidedsigneddocumentationfromanappropriatehealth-careprofessionalhasbeenproduced.

• Meetwiththemeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorandtimingsystemoperatortobesuretheyunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesrelatedtostarts,finishes,registrationofthepropernumberoflapscompletedandreportinganydiscrepanciesbetweenthepadtimesandbackuptimestothereferee.Meetmanagementsoftwareoperatorsshouldbetoldtoneveradjustanytimeswithoutbeingdirectedtodosobythereferee.

o It is recommended the referee discuss with the meet management softwareoperatorhis/herroleinhelpingtherefereeverifythatnoswimmerhasexceededtheindividualentryrule.Inchampionshipformatmeets,suggestedtimestoverifyentrylimitationsare:(a)attheendofpreliminaries,(b)aftereachrelayduringthechampionshiproundofameetwithpreliminariesandfinals,(c)afterthelastrelayeventofthemeet, (d)beforeprintingheatsheets,and(e)beforeprintingfinalmeetresults.Indual,triandquadmeets,reviewpriortothebeginningofthemeetandattheconclusionofeachofthefreestylerelaysisappropriate.

• Meetwith the timers to give instructions regarding their responsibilities, positioning,

clearingofwatches,timingandrecordingtimes.Forexample,theheadtimerineachlaneistheofficial lapcounterforthe500-yard/400-meterfreestylealbeitgenerallynottheindividualwho operates the lap counting device. Itmay bewise to emphasize to the

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timersthattheyareactingasmeetofficialsand,assuch,theyshouldbeunbiasedduringallraces.

• Meetwiththeannouncertodiscusswarm-ups,announcingheatsandlanes,andwhentoannounce results and scores. Itmay alsobewise to have the announcermake a fewannouncementsregardingtheuseofflashcameras,cellphones,pagers,etc.

• Review the scoring procedureswith themeet scorer. Thiswill be based on themeetinformationsenttothevisitingteam(s)earlier,numberoflanesinthepool,numberofentriesperteamandevent,etc.

• Ifarecallropeisusedastherecalldevice,meetwiththeperson(s)whowillbedroppingtheropetobesuretheyunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesandthesafeoperationoftherope.

• Meetwithofficial(s)responsibleforobservingthe15-metermarkonapplicablestrokes.Notepositioningtomakethecall,andtheswimmer’sbodypartthatsurfacedrelativetothe15-metermarkinthecaseofaviolation.

• Bringnon-compliantswimmer/diverattiretotheattentionofthecoach.Coachesshouldbe reminded ofwhat is not permitted to beworn or displayed duringwarm-ups andcompetition.

Duringthemeet,therefereeshould:

• Priortoeachheat,notletswimmersstepontotheblocks,orintothepool,untiltheyaredirected todo soby the referee.Call the swimmers to the startingplatformswithoutdelay.Informthestarterwhenitistimeforthestartingcommandstobegin.Therefereemustbeawarethatanyswimmercanrequesttostartfromthedeckorinthewater.

• Bepreparedtohandleanydeclaredfalsestarts.

• Beinpositionbetween5to15feetfromthestartingendandcarryasoundingdevice(i.e.

airhorn)torecallthestart intheeventofanunfairstartduetocrowdnoiseorotherunforeseencircumstances,ifnecessary.Therefereeshallnotifycompetitorsandcoachesofanystartinginfractions.Anentireheatmayberecalledwithoutcharginganyswimmerwithafalsestart.

• Determine disqualifications and promptly notify competitors and/or their coaches ofinfractionsresulting inadisqualification.Thisnotificationmaybeaccomplishedwithaverbalannouncementifthecompetitorand/orcoachcannotbereachedwithoutfurtherdelayofthemeet.Swimmerscommittingafalsestartaredisqualifiedeitherbeforethestartingsignalisgivenorattheconclusionoftherace,dependingonthecircumstances.

• Resolveanydisagreementaboutaraceinatimelymanner.

• Determinewhenitisappropriatetointegratebackuptimes.

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• Keepthemeetprogressingwithoutunnecessarydelaysandhavetheresultsannouncedpromptly,whenpossible.

• Beforethe500-yard/400-meterfreestyle,meetwiththelapcountersandinstructthem

to count the competitor’s laps by changing the numbers to the next higher or lowernumber.Eachschoolhasthedutytoadequatelytrainindividualstoserveaslapcountersfortheirowncompetitors.However,ifthelapcounterhasnoexperience,theofficialmayneedtoinstructofthebasicresponsibilities.

• Bestpracticessuggestthattherefershouldbeawareofhowmanylapseachswimmerhascompletedinthe500-yard/400-meterfreestyletoconfirmthelapcountiscorrect.ByNFHSRule4-9-2,however,itistheheadtimer’sresponsibilityineachlanetocountthelaps.

• Signal,byraisingonehandovertheheadwithopenpalm,immediatelyuponobservinganyswimmingviolation,exceptforrelaytakeoffsandno-recallfalsestartsinmeetsusingdualconfirmation.

• Prohibittheuseofbells,sirens,hornsorothernoisemakers,aswellassigns,cheersandremarksthatcouldbedeemedasoffensiveorunsporting,duringthemeet.Beawareofany state associationpolicies regarding the same. Thismight include cell phones thatcouldaffectthestartofarace.

• Itisrecommendedthattherefereerecordtheunofficialorderoffinishforeachheat.Beinpositiontoindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinishforalllanes.Recordtheorderoffinishforeachlaneofeachheatandkeeparecordofdisqualifications.

• Declareadualmeetaforfeit,score12-0,whenthefollowingconditionsexist:o Without notification to the host team, the visiting team is not ready to begin

within30minutesofthescheduledstartingtime.Beawareofstateassociationpoliciesconcerningthisissue.

o Ateamrefusestocontinuecompetitionafterthemeethasstarted.o Acoachhasbeenejected fromthecompetitiveareaandnoauthorizedschool

personnelarepresenttoassumeresponsibilityfortheteam.

• Foroutdoormeets,befamiliarwiththeNFHSLightningGuidelinesandbepreparedtostoporsuspendameetwhenrequired.Beawareofanylocalhostschoolpolicy.

Afterthemeet,therefereeshould:

• Check the scorer’s calculations to ensure an accurate final score, sign the officialscoresheetandrecordthetimethemeetwascompleted.Thisistheofficialscore,unlessaclericalerrorisdiscoveredwithin48hours.

• If the state association requires, file reports for any disqualifications for unsportingconductorothersimilarnecessaryreports.

• Discusswiththehostmeetmanagementanyconcernsregardingthefacilityorotheron-

siteconcerns.

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THESTARTERRefertoNFHSRule4-3

The starter has the responsibility to ensure a fair start for all swimmers. This requiresconcentration,goodreactionsandconfidence.Theattributesofagoodstarterarebeingcalmandconsistent,incontrolofthestartsandpatientwhenactivatingthestartingdevice.Thestarteristheonlyofficialwhohasadirectbearingonhowaswimmerperforms.Otherofficialsreacttotheactionsoftheswimmers,buttheswimmersreacttotheactionsofthestarter.Beawareofcircumstances that may interfere with a fair start. Some of these might include: excessivecheering by spectators or team personnel, cell phones, camera flashes, movements in thestartingareabytimers,etal.,equipmentproblemsorconflictsbetweenpeopleondeck,etc.Thestartershouldbefamiliarwithbestpracticesforswimmersanddiverswithdisabilitiesintheeventspecialaccommodationshavebeenprovidedbythestateassociation.Beforethemeet,thestartershouldarriveearlyenoughtodothefollowing:

• Becomefamiliarwiththestartingendofthepoolandbeawareofanyconcernsthatmayinterferewiththefairstarts,i.e.trafficflow,obstructions,photographers,etc.

• Checkthestartingandrecallequipment,andbecomefamiliarwiththatequipment.

• Besurethevolumeofthesoundsystemisadequatesoallswimmerscaneasilyhearthestartingcommands.

• Checkthepositionofthestrobelighttoensureitcanbeseenbyallswimmersonthe

blocks,aswellasthetimers.

• Reviewstartingproceduresandprotocolwiththereferee.Duringthemeet,thestartershould:

• Haveanunobstructedviewoftheswimmersonthestartingblocksandbelocatedwithin5feet+/-ofwherethesidewallofthepoolmeetstheendwall.

• Speakslowlyandclearlyandgivethestartingcommandsinaconversationaltone.Agoodthought isthatyouare“inviting”theswimmerintoastartingposition.Avoidspeakingrapidlyandinsharptones.

• Directhis/herattentiontowardtheentirefieldduringandimmediatelyafterthestart.

ThestartershouldNOTturnhis/herattentionawayfromtheswimmerstohangupthemicrophoneimmediatelyafterstartingtherace.

• Ifafairstartisimpossibletoachieveaftergivingthe“Takeyourmark”command,have

theswimmersstandup.Giveanyremindersthatmaybeneededtoensureafairstartandrepeatthestartingsequence.Therefereemayneedtoblowanotherlongwhistleandaskforquietifthereiscrowdnoisethat,intheopinionofthestarter,interfereswithafairstart.

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• Disqualify a swimmer at the completion of the heat if he/she is observed in a non-compliantsuit.

• Activatetherecalldeviceimmediatelyifanentireraceisbeingrecalledduetoanunfair

start.Ifusingthehornorothersoundingdevicefortherecall,besureallswimmershavesurfacedbeforediscontinuingthesoundingdevicesoswimmerscanheartherecall.

• Conferwiththerefereetoconfirmallfalsestartswhenarefereeandstarterarepresent,whenrequested.

• Discharge,orbywayofthestarter’sdesignee,asoundingdevicewhentheleadswimmer

inthe500-yard/400-meterfreestylehastwolengthsplus5yardsremainingintherace.

• Itisrecommendedthattherefereerecordtheunofficialorderoffinishforeachheat.Beinpositiontoindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinishforalllanes.Recordtheorderoffinishforeachlaneofeachheatandkeeparecordofdisqualifications.

STARTINGINFRACTIONSANDNO-RECALLSTARTINGPROTOCOL

Subjecttothediscretionofthereferee/starter,orrefereeandstarterwhendualconfirmationisused,aninfraction/falsestartoccurswhenaswimmer:

• Unnecessarilydelaysinreportingforthestart,orinassumingastartingposition(referee’sduty);

• Doesnotstepintothewaterfeetfirstforan“in-water”start(referee’sduty);• Doesnotremainstationaryimmediatelypriortothestart;or• Leavesthemarkbeforethestartingsignal.

Swimmers in violation of any of these are disqualified from the event and shall not swim.However,whenaswimmerleavesthemarkbeforethestartingsignal,theraceshallcontinuewithoutrecallifthestartingsignalhasbeengivenbeforethedisqualificationhasbeendeclared.WhenTWOofficialsareusingdualconfirmationofafalsestart:Therefereeshall:

• Uponobservingafalsestart,recordinwritingthelaneorlanesthathavecommittedafalsestart.

• Atthecompletionoftherace,comparewrittenrecordswiththestarterand,upon

confirmingthatbothhaveobservedthesameviolation,disqualifytheswimmer(s).He/shewillalsonotifytheswimmer(s)andcoach(es)oftheviolation.AnannouncementmaybemadeovertheP.A.system.

Thestartershall:• Uponobservingafalsestart,recordinwritingthelaneorlanesthathavecommitteda

falsestart.

• Atthecompletionoftherace,comparewrittenrecordswiththereferee,whenrequested,toconfirmthepotentialviolation.

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WhenONEofficialisdeterminingafalsestart,thereferee/startershall:

• Uponobservingafalsestart,raiseonehandovertheheadwithpalmopenassoonaspossibleafterthestartoftherace,butbeforetheswimmershavecompletedtheirfirstlength,indicatingtheviolation.

• Atthecompletionoftherace,notifytheswimmer(s)andcoach(es)oftheviolation.An

announcementmaybemadeovertheP.A.system?

Therefereeorstartermayrecalltheentireevent/heat:

• Whenthestartissuchthattherefereeand/orstarterisnotsatisfiedthattheracewasproperlystarted.Itisnotnecessarytochargeanyswimmerwithafalsestartundertheseconditions,althoughthatmayalsooccur.

• Ifall swimmersdonotstop immediately, it ispermissible for the referee todelay re-swimmingtheheat.

ADDITIONALMEETOFFICIALS

Meet management has the responsibility to ensure there are enough officials to properlyadministerthemeet.Therecommendedminimumnumberofdeckswimmingofficials is two.Officials have the responsibility to observe swimmers in all lanes throughout the pool. Thefollowingisanexplanationofthedutiesofthedeckofficials.Strokeinspectorsshould:(RefertoNFHSRule4-4)

• Observeswimmerswithintheirjurisdictiononly.

• From the start of the race, examine the swimming strokes, within their area orjurisdiction,fromendwalltoendwall.Officialsmustwalkthedecktocoverthisareainordertoadequatelyobserveviolations. Signalanyobservedviolationsbyimmediatelyraisingonehandoverheadwithopenpalm.

• Be inposition to see theheads (chin to the topof thehead)of the swimmers in the

freestyle,backstrokeandbutterflybreakthesurfaceofthewaterat,orbefore,the15-metermark.Swimmerscannotre-submergeuntilthefinalpullintothewallonturnsorthefinish.Inthebackstroke,theswimmermustfinishwithsomepartofthebodyonorabovethesurfaceofthewater.

• Walk at a pace that keeps them abreast or slightly behind the swimmers in their

jurisdiction. As the field spreads out during the race, stay slightly behind the leadswimmers,butdonotlosesightofthetrailingswimmers.

• Recordanyobservedviolationsatthecompletionofeachheatandreportthemtothe

refereeimmediatelyfollowingtherace.Turnjudgesshould:(RefertoNFHSRule4-5)

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• Observeswimmerswithintheirjurisdictiononly,whichistypicallytheendfarthestfromthestartingend.

• Beinposition(preferablyinlinewith,anddirectlyabove,theendwall)toobservethelaststrokepriortotheturn,theturn,andthefirstfullstrokeaftertheturn.

• Observethefinishesoftheswimmersintheirassignedlanes.

• Signalanyobservedviolationsbyimmediatelyraisingonehandoverheadwithopenpalm

andreportthemtotherefereeimmediatelyfollowingtherace.

• Recordanyobservedviolationsatthecompletionofeachheatandreportthemtotherefereeimmediatelyfollowingtherace.

• Rememberthatswimmerscannotre-submergeuntilthefinalpullintothewallonturnsor the finish. Exception, thebackstrokemust finishwith somepartof thebodyonorabovethesurfaceofthewater.

Relaytakeoffjudgesshould:(RefertoNFHSRule4-6)

• Observeswimmerswithintheirjurisdictiononly,whichistypicallythenearerhalfofthepoolatthestartingend.

• Beinposition(approximatelywherethesidewallmeetstheendwall)toobservefirstthefeetonthetakeoffofthedepartingswimmers,thenthetouchoftheincomingswimmers’hands.

• InmeetswheredualconfirmationisNOTused,signalarelaytakeoffviolationbyraisingonehandovertheheadwithanopenpalm,immediatelyuponobservingaviolation.Theofficialshouldcontinuetogivethesignaluntiltherefereehashadanadequateamountoftimetoseeit.Theofficialshallrecord,inwriting,theordernumberoftheswimmercommitting theviolationand the lane inwhich itoccurred. Immediately following therace,anyviolationsshouldbereportedinwritingtothereferee.

• InmeetswheredualconfirmationISused,theofficialrecordsthenumberoftheswimmercommittingtherelaytakeoffviolationandthelaneinwhichitoccurred.Thesidejudgeshouldnotsignalforarelaytakeoffviolationuntilthelastswimmerintheheatisinthewater.Theofficialshouldcontinuetogivethesignaluntilthereferee,ifmorethanoneofficial is present, acknowledges the signal or sufficient time has been given for suchcommunication to have been observed. The official shall record in writing the ordernumber of the swimmer committing the violation and the lane in which it occurred.Immediately following the race, any violations should be reported in writing to thereferee.

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SuggestedProtocolforVerbalandWhistlePreparatoryCommands

VerbalPreparatoryCommands

• Suggestedprotocolforforwardstartwhenthereisonlyoneofficial(referee/starter):o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,theannouncerorreferee/starter

announcestheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardfreestyle,heat2,”o Referee/starterblowsalongwhistle,o Immediatelysays,“Stepup,”o Ifnecessary,blowswhistleorasksforquiet,o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,activatesthestartingsignal.

Note:Ifaswimmer(s)hasnotrespondedtothewhistleindicatinghe/sheshouldstepuporstepin,thereferee/startershouldgivetheverbalcommands.

• Suggestedprotocolforbackstrokestartwhenthereisonlyoneofficial(referee/starter):o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,theannouncerorreferee/starter

announcestheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardmedleyrelay,heat2,”o Referee/starterinstructstheswimmersto,“Stepin”.o Whentheswimmershavesurfaced,blowsalongwhistletohavetheswimmers

returntothewallandinstructstheswimmersto“Placeyourfeet,”o Ifnecessary,blowswhistleorasksforquiet,o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Observeswhetherornotanyfeetortoesareaboveorcurlingoverthegutteror

pool’sedge,o Whenswimmersarestationary,activatesthestartingsignal.

Note:Thereferee/startermaygivethecommand,“Placeyourfeet,”afterblowingthesecondlongwhistleandbeforegivingthe“Takeyourmark”command.

• Suggestedprotocolforrefereeforwardstartwhenthereisarefereeandstarter:o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,theannouncerorrefereeannounces

theevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe50-yardfreestyle,heat2,”o Refereeblowsalongwhistle,o Immediatelysays,“Stepup,”o Ifnecessary,blowswhistleandasksforquiet,o Turnsthestartovertothestarterbyahandsignalorsaying“Mr./Madame

Starter,”o Ifnecessary,blowswhistleorasksforquiet,o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,activatesthestartingsignal.

Note:Ifaswimmer(s)hasnotrespondedtothewhistleindicatinghe/sheshouldstepuporstepin,thereferee/startershouldgiveverbalcommands.• Suggestedprotocolforrefereebackstrokestartwhenthereisarefereeandstarter:

o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,theannouncerorreferee/starterannouncestheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardmedleyrelay,heat2,”

o Refereeinstructstheswimmersto,“Stepin,feetfirst,”

17

o Whentheswimmershavesurfaced,eitherblowsalongwhistletohavetheswimmersreturntothewalland/oradvisesthemtoplacetheirfeet

o Ifnecessary,blowslongwhistleorasksforquiet,o Turnsthestartovertothestarterbyahandsignalorsaying“Mr./Madame

Starter,”o Givesthecommand,“Placeyourfeet,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Observeswhetherornotanyfeetortoesareaboveorcurlingoverthegutteror


WhistlePreparatoryCommands• Suggestedprotocolforforwardstartwhenthereisonlyoneofficial(referee/starter):

o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,thereferee/starterblowsashortseriesofwhistles(nofewerthan4)followedbytheannouncerorreferee/starterannouncingtheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardfreestyle,heat2,”

o Whenallswimmershaveapproachedtheblocks,thereferee/starterblowsalongwhistlefortheswimmerstostepontotheblocksandtaketheirpositions,

o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,activatesthestartingsignal.


• Suggestedprotocolforbackstrokestartwhenthereisonlyoneofficial(referee/starter):o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,thereferee/starterblowsashort

seriesofwhistles(nofewerthan4)followedbytheannouncerorreferee/starterannouncingtheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardmedleyrelay,heat2,”

o Whenallswimmershaveapproachedthesideoftheblocks,thereferee/starterblowsalongwhistlefortheswimmerstostepintothewaterfeetfirst,

o Whenallswimmershavesurfaced,blowsasecondlongwhistletohavetheswimmersreturntothewallandassumetheirstartingpositions,

o Ifnecessary,blowsanotherlongwhistleandasksforquiet,o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Observeswhetherornotanyfeetortoesareaboveorcurlingoverthegutteror


Note:Thereferee/startermaygivethecommand,“Placeyourfeet,”afterblowingthesecondlongwhistleandbeforegivingthe“Takeyourmark”command.

• Suggestedprotocolforrefereeforwardstartwhenthereisarefereeandstarter:o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,therefereeblowsashortseriesof

whistles(nofewerthan4)followedbyannouncerorreferee/starterannouncingtheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe50-yardfreestyle,heat2,”

o Whenallswimmershaveapproachedtheblocks,therefereeblowsalongwhistlefortheswimmerstostepontotheblocksandtaketheirpositions,

o Ifnecessary,blowsanotherlongwhistleandasksforquiet,o Turnsthestartovertothestarterbyahandsignalorsaying“Mr./Madame

Starter,”o Ifnecessary,blowswhistleorasksforquiet,

18

o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,activatesthestartingsignal.


• Suggestedprotocolforrefereebackstrokestartwhenthereisarefereeandstarter:o Tobringtheswimmerstothestartingarea,therefereeblowsashortseriesof

whistles(nofewerthan4)followedbytheannouncerorreferee/starterannouncingtheevent/distance/heat,“Thisisthe200-yardmedleyrelay,heat2,”

o Whenallswimmershaveapproachedthesideoftheblocks,therefereeblowsalongwhistlefortheswimmerstostepintothewaterfeetfirst,

o Whenallswimmershavesurfaced,blowsasecondlongwhistletohavetheswimmersreturntothewallandassumetheirstartingpositions,

o Ifnecessary,blowsanotherlongwhistleandasksforquiet,o Turnsthestartovertothestarterbyahandsignalorsaying“Mr./Madame

Starter,”o Givesthecommand,“Placeyourfeet,”o Whenswimmersarestationary,givesthecommand,“Takeyourmark,”o Observeswhetherornotanyfeetortoesareaboveorcurlingoverthegutteror



POSITIONINGOFOFFICIALS

Therefereeshalldeterminethepositioningandjurisdictionofalldeckofficials.Thepositioningandjurisdictionwilldependonthenumberofofficialsbeingusedandthepoolconfiguration.Anypositioningprotocoladopted shouldprovide for consistentviewingof turns, strokesandfinishesinalllanes.Pre-meetcommunicationbetweenofficialsisessentialtobesureswimmersinall lanesthroughoutthepoolwillbeobservedduringthemeet.Officialsshouldbesuretopositionthemselvestofairlyandconsistentlycoverthepoolsothatallswimmersaretreatedfairly regardless of proximity to officials. The following information and diagrams providesuggestionsforthepositioningandjurisdictionofofficialswithvariouspoolconfigurations.ConfigurationA:Forarectangular25-yardpool,boththerefereeandstarterwillbeonoppositesidesofthepoolatthestartingendforstartsandrelayexchanges,ifdualconfirmationisbeingused,inordertoindependentlyconfirmlegalstartsandrelayexchanges.Ifpossible,therefereeshouldbeclosesttothemeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorforthemosteffectiveandefficientmanagementofthemeet.

Starter123456Referee

Configuration A

19

Fortheindividualevents,bothofficialswilltypicallywalkthelengthofthepooltojudgestrokesandturns.Therefereemaydeterminethattherefereeorstarterwillstayinthenearerhalfofthepoolthroughouttheracetoobserveturnsinalllanes,whiletheotherofficialwalksthelengthofthepooltoobservestrokesandturnsatthefarendofthepoolinalllanes.Theremaybetimeswhentherefereedeterminesthattherefereeandstartercoverthehalfofthepoolclosesttothemsothereismoreconsistentcoverageofalllanesastheswimmersbecomemorespreadoutduringarace.Attheconclusionoftherace,therefereemustbeinpositionnearthestartingendtoindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinish.Forrelayevents,therefereeandstartershouldbothbeinpositionatthestartingendofthepoolfordualconfirmationonallrelaytakeoffs.Whileobservingrelaytakeoffsineventsotherthanfreestylerelays,bothofficialsshouldalsoobservethattheproperstrokeisbeingswumaftertheswimmersenterthewater.Therefereemaydirectthestartertousehis/herdiscretionregardingbeing at the finish end, versus observing other swimmers in the pool, if a close finish is notanticipated.ConfigurationB:ForanLshapedpool,boththerefereeandstarterwillbeonoppositesidesofthepoolatthestarting end for starts and relay exchanges, if dual confirmation is being used, in order toindependentlyconfirmlegalstartsandrelayexchanges.Ifpossible,therefereeshouldbeclosesttothemeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorforthemosteffectiveandefficientmanagementofthemeet.Therefereeistypicallylocatedwherehe/shecanwalktheentirelengthofthepooltocall strokeviolationsand turn violationson the farendof thepool and the starter ison theoppositesidetocallstrokeviolationsandturnviolationsonthestartingendofthepool.Thepositioningoftherefereeandstartermaybedependentuponthelocationofthetimingsystemoperator.At theconclusionof the race, the refereeand startermustbe inpositionnear thestartingendtoindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinish.Referee123456StarterConfigurationC:For a pool that is wider than the number of lanes being used for the competition, and thecompetitionlanesarenotinthemiddleofthepool,boththerefereeandstarterwillbeatthestarting end for starts and relay exchanges, if dual confirmation is being used, in order toindependentlyconfirmlegalstartsandrelayexchanges.Ifpossible,therefereeshouldbeclosesttothemeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorforthemosteffectiveandefficientmanagementofthemeet.Therefereewilltypicallywalkthelengthofthepooltocallstrokeviolationsandreturntothestartingendtocallturnandstrokeviolationsandbeinpositionforthefinish.Thestartertypicallygoestotheturnendofthepooltocallturnandstrokeviolations.Thepositioningofthe

Configuration B

20

refereeandstartermaybedependentuponthelocationofthetimingsystemoperator.Attheconclusion of the race, the referee and startermust be in position near the starting end toindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinish.Starter123456

Referee ConfigurationD:Fora25-yardby50-yard/meterpoolwherethecompetitionlanesareinthemiddleofthepool,itisadvisabletohave3officials.Boththerefereeandstarterwillbeonoppositesidesofthepoolatthestartingendforstartsandrelayexchanges,ifdualconfirmationisbeingused,inordertoindependentlyconfirmlegalstartsandrelayexchanges.Ifpossible,therefereeshouldbeclosesttothemeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorforthemosteffectiveandefficientmanagementofthemeet.The refereewill typicallywalk the lengthof thepoolwhile thestarter staysat thenearer half of the pool. A stroke and turn judge is located at the turn end of the pool. Thepositioningoftherefereeandstartermaybedependentuponthelocationofthetimingsystemoperator.At theconclusionof the race, the refereeand startermustbe inpositionnear thestartingendtoindependentlydeterminetheorderoffinish.

Referee 123456 Starter

StrokeandTurnOfficial

Configuration C

Configuration D

21

OtherConfigurations:R=Referee;S=Starter2Officials 3Officials 3 R S R S 3rdofficialtendsfalsestart–recalldeviceand returntoendofpool4Officials(Invite) 5Officials(Conference/Invite)3 4 4 5R S R3 S6Officials 56 R S3 4

---- --- False Start --

Recall Device

22

SWIMMINGANNOUNCERRefertoNFHSRule4-13

Theannouncerhelpscontroltheflowofthemeet,keepsthemeetmovingonschedule,makesappropriateannouncementsand informsswimmers,divers,coachesandspectatorsregardingthestatusofthemeet.Theannouncershouldbeknowledgeableinallaspectsofswimming.Beforethemeet,theannouncershould:

• BecomefamiliarwiththePAsystemandmakesurethevolumeisadequate.

• Discusswithmeetmanagementthescheduleforteamintroductions,NationalAnthem,announcementsconcerningconcessions,etc.

• Confirmwiththerefereethestartingprotocolbeingused.

• Remindspectatorstoturnoff,orsilence,pagersandcellphonestoensureafairstartforallswimmers.

• Informspectatorsofpoliciesregardingtheuseofflashcamerasatthestartofarace.• Wherepossible,seekoutproperpronunciationofnamesofcompetitors.

Duringthemeet,theannouncershould:

• Announceeacheventinthemannerprescribedbythereferee.Ifpossible,introducetheswimmersbylanebeforeeachheat,orafterthestartoftheevent.

• Besureexhibitionswimmersareproperlyannouncedassuchpriortotherace.

• Assisttherefereeinsilencingthecrowd,ifrequested.

• Beawareofwheretherefereeisatalltimesintheeventhe/sheneedsyourattention.

• Beawareofpossible record settingperformancesandannounce thoseperformances,statestandards,nationaltimestandardsandAll-Americanstandards.

• Announce the results of each event, from last place to first place, including

disqualifications.• Makeappropriateannouncementstoassistcompetitors,coachesandspectatorsofthe

progressofthemeet.

• Forthe500-yard/400-meterfreestyle,askthelapcounterstoreporttotheendofthepoolimmediatelyfollowingthe100-yardfreestyle.

• Announceawardspresentations,ifapplicable.

• Announceintermediatescoresthroughoutthemeetandbeforethefinalrelayandfinal

score.

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• Makeotherannouncements,suchaslocationoftheconcessionareaorresultsofother

contests of local interest (i.e., football, basketball, wrestling, etc.) only when thoseannouncements will not interrupt the flow of the meet or be a distraction to thecompetitors.Suchannouncementsshouldbeclearedwiththerefereepriortothemeet.

Afterthemeet,theannouncershould:• Recognizekeypersonnelwhohelpedwiththemeet.

• Announcethefinalteamscores.

• Thankeveryoneforattendingthemeet.

TIMINGEQUIPMENTOPERATOR

RefertoNFHSRule4-8

Thetimingequipmentoperatorisresponsibleforalltimingequipment,includingthescoreboard.Thetimingequipmentoperatorreportstotherefereeorhis/herdesignee. Ideally, thetimingequipmentshouldbelocatedonthereferee’ssideofthepoolandinsuchawaythatthetimingequipmentoperatorisabletoviewallturnsandfinishes.Thetimingequipmentoperatorshould:

• Ensurealltimingequipmentstartsproperlyandproperlyregistersallturnsandfinishesforeachlane.

• Assurethetimingsystemisregisteringeachlapcompletedforeachswimmerandaddor

subtracttouchesasnecessary.• Observewhethereachswimmertouchesthefinishpad.

• Report to the referee any discrepancies, including more than 0.3 (three-tenths) of a

seconddifferencebetweenthepadtimesandbackuptimes,missedtouchonthefinishpad,padthatdoesnotregister,oranysystemproblemthatcouldaffecttheaccuracyofthetimes.

SCORERRefertoNFHSRule4-12

Thescorershould:

• Recordtheofficialtime,orderoffinish,contestant(s)name,teamandpointsscoredforeachevent.

• Keepcumulativeteamscoresthroughoutthemeet.

• Operate,orassistinoperating,thevisiblescoringdevice.

• Assist,ifnecessary,inthetabulationofdivingscores.

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MEETMANAGEMENTSOFTWAREOPERATOR

RefertoNFHSRule4-10

Inmeetswheremeetmanagementsoftwareisused,themeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorreportstothereferee.Themeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorisresponsibleforseedingthemeet, ifnecessary,andproducingeventorheatsheetsforeachrace.Themeetmanagementsoftwareoperatorshouldassist thereferee indetermining if individualentry limitationshavebeenviolated.Themeetmanagementsoftwareoperatoristoensurethefinalresultsincludethediving results in the meet score. The meet management software operator may also beresponsibleforscoringthemeetandproducingresultsheets,whichincludefinalteamscores,attheendofthemeet.

TIMERSRefertoNFHSRule4-9

Thechieftimershould(headmeettimer):

• Instructeachlanetimeronhowtotimearace,readthewatch,whentoresetthewatchandhowtodeterminetheofficialtime.

• Havemultiplewatchesrunningtoreplaceanymalfunctioningwatchduringeachrace.

Aheadlanetimershouldbeassignedtoeachlaneandshould:

• Recordthetimesfortheassignedlaneanddeliverthetimecardtothechieftimer.Recordalltimesintheirlanetothehundredthofasecond(.01).Donotrecordanydigitsonthestopwatchbeyondthehundredthsofasecond.

• Recordthetimesfromtimersinthesameorderraceafterrace.

• Assisttherefereeindeterminingiftheswimmerhasproperlyfinishedtherace.

• Whenautomatictimingisbeingused,betheoperatoroftheprimaryback-upbutton.

• For the 500-yard/400-meter freestyle, keep a written tally of the number of lapscompletedby the swimmer in that lane. This canbeaccomplishedbyusing themeetprogram,laneheatsheet(onthebackofthetimer’scard),oratimesheet.

Lanetimersshould:

• Becomefamiliarwiththestopwatchandback-upbuttonbeingusedandknowwhethertheback-upbuttonispushedonlyattheendoftheraceoratthebeginningandendoftherace.

• Bealertatalltimes.

• Be impartialandnotcheer forswimmersduringa race,as lane timersareconsideredmeetofficials.

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• Ifthereisnoback-upbutton,usetheindexfingeronthedominanthandtostartandstopthestopwatch.Ifoperatingboththestopwatchandtheback-upbutton,usetheindexfingerofthenon-dominanthandtoactivateandstoptheback-upwatchandtheindexfingeronthedominanthandtostop,oractivateandstop,theback-upbutton.Pushandreleasethebuttonwithnohandorarmmovement.

• Watchthestarter’sconsoleatthestartofeachheat.Startthewatchuponseeingtheilluminationofthestrobelight.Ifnostrobeisavailable,activatethewatchatthesoundofthestartingdevice.Donotremainclosetotheendofthepoolduringarace(exceptforthe50-yardfreestyle).Approachthestartingendaftertheswimmermakeshis/herfinalturn.

• Ifthereisaheatsheetorprogramprovided,timersmaybeaskedtoconfirmthecorrectswimmerhasreportedtotheirlanebyaskingfortheswimmer’sname.

• Start thewatch forevery raceeven ifnoswimmer is in their laneso itcanbeused ifanotherwatchdoesnotstart.

• Notifytheheadlanetimerintheirlaneifthewatchdoesnotstartatthebeginningoftherace.

• Beinposition,lookingovertheedgeofthepool,atthefinishendoftheirlanetoobservethefinishoftherace,even if thetouchoccurswellunderthewater.Whenautomatictiming/judgingequipmentisused,alegalfinishoccurswhentheswimmertouchesthefinishpadortheendwallwherethefinishpadshouldhavebeenwheninproperposition.Timersshouldwatchcloselyenoughtotelltherefereewheretheswimmertouched.

• Providethetimetotheheadlanetimer,whoshallrecordit.

• Notifytheheadtimerintheirlaneiftheirwatchtimeismorethan0.3(three-tenths)ofasecondslowerorfasterthanthetimeonthedisplayboard.

• Notcleartheirwatchesuntilthetimehasbeenrecorded,oruntiltheyhavebeendirectedtodosobytherefereeorheadtimer.

LAPCOUNTERSRefertoNFHSRule3-4

Lapcountersforthe500-yard/400-meterfreestylearemostoftenteammatesofthecompetingswimmers.Theyarenotmeetofficials,butmustunderstandthe importanceof their job.Lapcountersarenotonlyperforminganimportantfunctionforthecompetitorintheirlane,butalsofortherefereeandheadlanetimer.Onlyonelapcounterispermittedperlane.Ifaswimmerisnotusingalapcountingdeviceforaparticularlane,nooneshouldbeallowedattheturnendofthatlane.Lapcountersshould:

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• Arriveimmediatelywheninstructedtodosobytherefereeorannouncer.Lapcountersareonlyallowedatthenon-startingendofthepool.

• Remainwithinthelaterallimitsofthelaneforwhichtheyarecounting.

• Alwayskeep thecorrectnumber(s)on thecounter facing thestartingendof thepoolcountinginascendingorderfromonetoseventeen.

• Changethecountaftertheswimmerturnsatthestartingendofthepool.

• Turnthecountertoshowallorangeonthefinalturn.

• Restrictanycommentstocheeringandnotgivesplitsorplaceintherace.

• Alwaysplacethecounterasclosetotheendwallaspossibleandremoveitfromthepoolpriortotheswimmerstartingtheturn.

• Notenterthewatertoretrieveadroppedlapcountingdevicewithoutpermissionofthe

referee.

• Remain inplaceuntil the race isover, return the lap counters to the01orbeginningposition,andleavethecountersonthepooldeckwhentheraceisover.

SUGGESTEDPROTOCOLSFORELECTRONICRELAYJUDGINGEQUIPMENTRefertoNFHSAppendixB

• Innon-championshipmeets,atleasttworelaytakeoffjudgesmustbeassignedtoobserve

therelayexchanges.Inchampionshipmeets,atleastfourrelaytakeoffjudgesmustbeassignedthisresponsibility.

• Inchampionshipmeets,arelaytakeoffjudgeshallbeassignedtoobserverelayexchangesinnomorethanfourlanes.

• If theelectronicrelay judgingequipmentdetectsanexchangedifferential (takeoffpadtime minus finish pad time) of -0.09 through +0.09 second inclusive, from themanufacturers starting point, the decision(s) of the relay takeoff judge(s) shall beconsideredtoconfirmadisqualification.Thedeterminationoftheelectronicrelayjudgingequipmentshallbeofficialwhenindicatinganexchangedifferentialof-0.09through-0.01secondsfromthemanufacturer’sstartingpoint,ifconfirmedbyatleastonetakeoffjudge. Iftheelectronicrelay judgingequipment indicatesvaluesof0.00through+0.09seconds,thereshallnotbearulesviolationandtheobservationsofthetakeoffjudgesarenotconsidered.

• If theelectronic relay judgingequipment recordsanexchangedifferentialoutside therange -0.09 through +0.09 second from the manufacturer’s starting point, adisqualificationshalloccurifthereisconfirmationofarulesviolation:(a)bytheelectronic

27

relayjudgingequipmentandeithertakeoffjudge;or(b)dualconfirmationbythetakeoffjudges.

• An alleged rules infraction that is observed by either takeoff judge shall be recordedimmediatelyinwriting.Eachrelaytakeoffjudgewhoobservesanallegedrulesviolationshallwaituntilthelastcompetitoroftheheatisinthewaterbeforesignalinganobservedviolationbyraisingahandoverhead,withopenpalm.

SUGGESTEDGUIDELINESFOROFFICIATINGSWIMMERSWITHDISABILITIES

Astudentwithadisabilityrequestingaspecificaccommodation(s)inthestart,strokes,turns,etc.that does not require equipment, must seek approval from the state high schoolathletic/activitiesassociation,whichmaybeauthorized,providingtheaccommodation(s)doesnotfundamentallyalterthesportand/ornoadvantageisgained.Writtenauthorizationfromthestate association should include what accommodations the referee should make for theswimmer.Thestudentwiththedisabilityand/orhis/hercoachareresponsiblefornotifyingthereferee,prior to the competition, of the disability and of the written state association-authorizedmodification(s)thatshouldbemade.Theswimmer/coachshallprovideanyassistant(s)orspecialequipment(tappers,deckmats,etc.),ifrequired.Thereferee’sresponsibilitiesinclude:

• Determining how to implement the state association-approvedmodification(s) in thefacilitywherethemeetisbeingheld.

• Instructing the starter and strokeand turnofficials as to theaccommodation(s) tobe

madeforaswimmer(s).Someofthemodificationswhichtherefereeshouldbeawareofare:

• Reassignmentoflaneswithinaheat,e.g.,exchangingLanes3and1.

• Allowingtheswimmer’sassistant(s)onthedeckorinthewatertoassistwithastart.

Someofthefollowingmodificationswhichtherefereeshouldbeawareofare:Modificationsfortheblindorvisuallyimpairedmayinclude:

• Starts–Withanaudiblestartingsystem,nomodificationisusuallyrequiredforablindorvisuallyimpairedswimmer.Aswimmermay,however,requireassistancegettingtoandontheblock,orintothewaterifanin-waterstartisused.

• Turnsandfinishes–Ablindorvisuallyimpairedswimmermaybepermittedtohavea“tapper”,whichisapolewithasoft-tippedend.Theswimmeristappedwiththe“tapper”asnotificationofturnsandthefinish.Soundingdevicesshouldnotbeusedastheymaycause confusion forother swimmers. It is the swimmer’s responsibility toprovide thetapper(s)andoperator(s),whoshallbepositionedwithintheconfinesoftheswimmer’slaneattheendsofthepool.

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• Relay takeoffs –A physical touchmaybe required to signal the relay swimmerwhenhis/her teammate has touched thewall. The specificmethodmay be tailored to theswimmer’spreferencesolongasitdoesnotinterferewiththetimingsystem.

Modificationsforthedeafandhard-of-hearingmayinclude:• Deafandhardofhearing swimmers requirea visual starting signal, i.e., a strobe light

and/orstarter’sarmsignals.Themodificationmayincludetherefereereassigninglaneswithintheswimmer’sheat,i.e.,exchangingonelaneforanother,sothatthestrobelightorstarter’sarmsignalcanmoreclearlybeseenbythedeaforhard-of-hearingswimmer.Standardstarter’sarmsignalsareshowninFigure1.Afalsestartropemayberequiredintheeventofarecall.

• Strobe light location–Thereferee,orhis/herdesignee,shalladvisetheswimmerandhis/hercoachastothelocationofthestrobelightandthelightshouldbelocatedwheretheswimmerscanclearlyseeitforthestart.

Figure1

1. Twisthandatchinlevel–shortwhistles2. Armoverhead–swimmerstepsontostartingblock3. Armmovestoshoulderlevel–signalto“takeyourmark”4. Armmovestosideofbody–startingsignal

Modificationsforstudentswithacognitiveimpairmentmayinclude:Adeckorin-waterstartisallowableandtheswimmermaybepermittedtohaveanassistantonthedeckorinthewaterwhennecessary.Nootherspecificrulemodificationsarerequiredotherthanpatienceandclarityincommunicatinginstructions.Modificationsforstudentswithphysicaldisabilitiesmayinclude:

• Starts(allstrokes):o Maytakelongertoassumetheirstartingposition.o Mayhavedifficultyholdingontothestartinggripsorgutter/poolendforastart.o Mayneedassistance fromsomeoneon thedeckor in thewater tomaintaina

startingposition.o Mayneedtoassumeamodifiedstartingpositionontheblocks,deck,gutter,orin

thewaterinordertomaintaintheirbalance.

• Starts(freestyle,breaststrokeandbutterfly):Aforwardstart(facingthecourse)shallbeused.However,modificationsinclude:

o Allowingtheswimmertostartfromasittingpositionontheblockoronthedeck.o Allowingtheswimmertoassumeastartingpositioninthewater,withorwithout

assistance.o Allowingaswimmerwhocannotuseahandand/orfoottomaintaincontactwith

thewalltousesomeotherpartofthebody.

Photos provided by USA Swimming.

29

o For breaststroke and butterfly, after the start and after each turn, allowing aswimmerwhoisunabletopushoffwiththeleg(s)toperformonearmstrokethatneednotbesimultaneousorinthehorizontalplanetoattainthebreastposition.

o ExamplesofmodifiedstartingpositionsareshowninFigures2through5.

• Strokesandkicks:Therefereeandstrokeandturnjudgesshouldfollowthegeneralrulethat,“Ifapartofthebodyisabsentorcannotbeused,itisnotjudged;ifitisusedduringthe stroke or kick, it should be judged in accordance with the NFHS Rules andRegulations”.

o Judgments should be made based on the actual rule, not on the swimmer’stechnique.Forexample,thebreaststrokeswimmerwithonearmorlegshorterthantheothermayhaveanon-symmetricalstrokeorkick,butaslongasthearmorlegactionissimultaneous,itwouldmeetthatportionoftherule.

• Turnsandfinishes:Touchesshouldbejudgedinthesamemannerasstrokesandkicks,

i.e.,onthebasisofthearm(s)and/orhand(s)thattheswimmercanuse.Inbreaststrokeandbutterflyevents,theswimmermustreachforwardasifattemptingasimultaneoustwo-handtouch.Whenaswimmerhasadifferentarmlength,onlythelongerarmmusttouchthewall,butbotharmsmustbestretchedforwardsimultaneously.Swimmerswithnoarmsorwithupperlimbstooshorttostretchabovetheheadmaytouchthewallwithanypartoftheupperbody.

• Relays: Relay swimmers who cannot exit the water immediately may be allowed to

remaininthelaneuntilallrelayshavefinishedsolongastheydonotinterferewithotherswimmersorthetimingequipment.

Photos provided by USA Swimming.

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AppendixA

RELAYTAKEOFFCARD

Event#______Heat#______Circleone:(SIDEorLANE)

SwimmerNumber

Lane1 1234

Lane2 1234

Lane3 1234

Lane4 1234

Lane5 1234

Lane6 1234

Lane7 1234

Lane8 1234

PlaceanXthroughthelane&

swimmerinviolationorcirclethelane&swimmernotinviolation.

_________________________

Signature

RELAYTAKEOFFCARD

Event#______Heat#______Circleone:(SIDEorLANE)

SwimmerNumber

Lane1 1234

Lane2 1234

Lane3 1234

Lane4 1234

Lane5 1234

Lane6 1234

Lane7 1234

Lane8 1234

PlaceanXthroughthelane&

swimmerinviolationorcirclethelane&swimmernotinviolation.

_________________________

Signature

31

AppendixB

FALSESTARTCARD

Event#____Heat#_____

LANE#

12345678

PlaceanXthroughthelaneandswimmerinviolation.

FALSESTARTCARD

Event#_____Heat#____

LANE#

12345678


FALSESTARTCARD

Event#____Heat#____

LANE#

12345678


FALSESTARTCARD

Event#____Heat#____

LANE#

12345678


FALSESTARTCARD

Event#____Heat#____

LANE#

12345678


FALSESTARTCARD

Event#____Heat#____

LANE#

12345678


32

NewYorkStateCertifiedSwimmingOfficials’Association,Inc.

RELAYFALSESTARTVERIFICATION

200MedleyRelay200FreestyleRelay400FreestyleRelaySwimmer(s)2nd3rd4thDirections:Completeinformationaboveindicatingtheswimmer(s)youhaveobservedinviolationandsubmittothemeetrefereeimmediatelyattheconclusionoftheheat/event.

Lane #: _____ Heat #: _____

33

AppendixC

SAMPLEBALLOTFINISHFORM

Thefollowingformmaybeusedfortheballotsystemofdeterminingplaceswhenautomaticorsemiautomatictimingsystemsfailorwhenmanualtimingistheprimarytimingsystem.LANE: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Referee’sPick________________________

Starter’sPick________________________TimedPlace________________________TotalPoints________________________OrderofFinish________________________

Thecompetitorwhoprocuresthelowestpointtotalwhenaddingtherundownsofthestarterandtherefereeandthetimerundownisdeclaredthewinner.Thecompetitorwiththesecondlowesttotalisawarded2ndplaceandthispracticeiscontinuedforallcompetitors.Iftwoormorecompetitorshavethesamesumtotal,theytieforthatposition,thelowerposition(s)areleftvacant.Incaseofatiebytwoormorecompetitorsforanyplacescoringinanevent,thepointsforallplacesinvolvedinthetieshallbedividedequallyamongthetyingcompetitors.

34

AppendixD

LAPCOUNTSHEET–6LANEPOOL

Note:Dischargesoundingdevicewhenleadswimmeris5yardsbeforedistanceunderlined.EVENT: HEAT: 12 16 X 20

Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6

EVENT: HEAT: 12 16 X 20

Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6

35

AppendixE

LAPCOUNTSHEET–8LANEPOOLNote:Dischargesoundingdevicewhenleadswimmeris5yardsbeforedistanceunderlined.EVENT: HEAT: 12 16 X 20

Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Lane 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 5001 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

36

AppendixF

OFFICIAL’SSCORESHEET

DATE:_____________________MEET:_____________________vs_____________________ODDLANES:_____________________EVENLANES:_____________________

SCORE:_____________________

Event JVFinishOrder VarsityFinishOrder

Home Visitor

200MedRelay 200Free 200IM 50Free Diving 100Fly 100Free 500Free 200FreeRelay 100Back 100Breast 400FreeRelay

6lanepool6-4-3-2-1;8-4-2 **CircleaDQ

37

CONTRIBUTORSTOTHISPUBLICATION

ColoradoHighSchoolActivitiesAssociationCaliforniaInterscholasticFederationDelawareSwimmingandDivingOfficialsAssociationIndianaHighSchoolAthleticAssociationIowaHighSchoolAthleticAssociationMichiganHighSchoolAthleticAssociationMissouriStateHighSchoolActivitiesAssociationMembersoftheNFHSSwimmingandDivingRulesCommitteesNationalInterscholasticSwimCoachesAssociationNebraskaSchoolActivitiesAssociationNewYorkStateCertifiedSwimmingOfficialsAssociationNorthCarolinaHighSchoolAthleticAssociationNorthDakotaHighSchoolActivitiesAssociationNorthDakotaOfficials’AssociationOhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociationPennsylvaniaInterscholasticAthleticAssociationSouthDakotaHighSchoolAthleticAssociationUtahHighSchoolActivitiesAssociationWisconsinInterscholasticAthleticAssociation

2017-18 swimming officials guidelines manual

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