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OHSAA NFHS
Swimming and Diving Rules
Last Update: June 2004
Source: 2003-04 NFHS
Swimming Rules
With very few exceptions, OHSAA
has accepted and adopted the rules set forth by the NFHS committees.
Contents:
Notable Rule Changes OHSAA and NFHS
Notable changes made for 2003 and 2004 Seasons.
Last item added April 2004.
OHSAA
Rules
Interpretation Meetings Schedule posted
Aug 2003
2003-04
schedule
OHSAA Southwest District Officials Meetings
posted Aug 2003
Times-Location-Dates
2003-04 Schedule
Guidelines for Meet Warm-up
NFHS Swimming and Diving - Rules Interpretations
NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Rules Changes
NFHS Swimming/Diving Rule Revisions
Notable Rule Changes
Links:
Offsite NFHS Links:
Member State
Associations
| OHSAA |
OHSAA
What is the address of the
OHSAA?
4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Phone: 614-267-2502;
Fax: 614-267-1677;
Web Site: www.ohsaa.org
Are rulebooks automatically
sent to me, if not how do I obtain a current copy?
A: OHSAA - Officiating, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH 43214. Phone:
614-267-2502 ext. 110
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 16, 2004) — The most important change, made to Rule 2-7-2, now requires the minimum water depth (4 feet) for racing starts to be measured from a distance of 3 feet, 3½ inches (1 meter) to 15 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall when starting platforms are used. The committee’s intent is to ensure that swimmers using a racing start from a starting platform enter the water at a point where it is at least 4 feet deep.
April 2004: Please Read the following as Ohio Law supersedes NFHS and OHSAA Rules:
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS
The state of Ohio adopted the following regulations for
swimming pool operators.
Ohio Administrative Code
Chapter 3701-31 Effective Jan 2004 Pg 9 Item
(I)
Public Swimming Pools, Public Spas, and Special Use Pools
Source:
http://www.odh.state.oh.us/Rules/Final/Chap31/Fr31_04.pdf
| Rules Interpretation Meetings Schedule | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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OHIO HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING AND DIVING RULES INTERPRETATION MEETINGS By Board of Control ruling, any school sponsoring interscholastic contests in swimming and diving must be represented by the head varsity swimming and diving coach, assistant swimming and diving coach or athletic administrator at one of the meetings listed below. There must be a head varsity swimming and diving coach, assistant swimming and diving coach or athletic administrator for both the boys and girls teams in attendance at one of the meetings listed below. Any school failing to meet the requirement will be ineligible for OHSAA tournament competition. Officials who fail to attend one of these meetings will be suspended the following year and will be ineligible for tournament assignments in the current year. It will be the responsibility of the head varsity swimming and diving coach, assistant swimming and diving coach or athletic administrator and officials to be in attendance within 10 minutes of the start of the meeting to receive credit for attendance. Anyone tardy more than 10 minutes or leaving before the conclusion of the meeting will not receive attendance credit.
INTERPRETERS Those coaches or
officials who do not attend a regularly scheduled rules interpretation meeting
or the scheduled make-up meeting may request a special make-up meeting from one
of the interpreters listed above. Such meeting must be held no later than
Monday, December 15, 2003. The fee for a Special Make-up Meeting is $50.00. |
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| SOUTHWEST SWIMMING AND DIVING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION |
|
SWIMMING AND DIVING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATIONS
2003-04 SOUTHWEST DISTRICT MEETINGS
GREATER DAYTON SWIMMING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
SOUTHWEST SWIMMING AND DIVING OFFICIALS
ASSOCIATION |
| HIGH SCHOOL | |
|
Ohio High
School Athletic Association |
|
|
Notable Rule Changes OHSAA and NFHS Last update: May 2003 Notable changes made for 2003 and 2004 Seasons. |
|
|
OHSAA Bylaws (pdf format) |
District Athletic Boards Links to the District Athletic Board's Web Sites |
| OHSAA Officiating | OHSAA Rules Meetings |
| Directory of Officiating Information and Forms | How To Become an OHSAA Official |
| Contract for Contest Officials (pdf) | How To Renew Your OHSAA Officiating Permit |
| Girls Swimming and Diving | Boys Swimming and Diving |
| Swimming Tournament Schedule | |
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS | LINKS |
Some documents are PDF and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
|
| NFHS |
NFHS
| National Associations |
|
National Federation of State High School Associations
Click on logo for link
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cynthia Doyle INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 16, 2004) — Much work has been done over the past several years by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee in order to minimize risks for swimmers, particularly when a starting platform is used. This year’s annual meeting, held April 4-5 in Indianapolis, Indiana, held fast to this focus. The most important change, made to Rule 2-7-2, now requires the minimum water depth (4 feet) for racing starts to be measured from a distance of 3 feet, 3½ inches (1 meter) to 15 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall when starting platforms are used. The committee’s intent is to ensure that swimmers using a racing start from a starting platform enter the water at a point where it is at least 4 feet deep.
See
Below. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Interpretations |
| NFHS Swimming/Diving Rule Revisions |
|
Swimming RULES and DIFFERENCES Comparison NFHS vs. other governing bodies. 2003 |
| 1 |
| Note: Requests for rule interpretations or clarifications should be directed to the state association which is responsible for administering and conducting the high school swimming and diving program in your state. The NFHS will assist in answering rules questions from state associations whenever called upon. |
NFHS Swimming and
Diving - Rules Interpretations
2003-04
Season
NFHS Swimming
and Diving Rules Committee Rules Changes
April 13-14 Indianapolis
NFHS Swimming/Diving Rule
Revisions
2003-04
Season
Offsite NFHS Links:
A
Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes and Their Parents
Member State
Associations
| Most Recent Rule Updates |
| INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 16, 2004) |
|
2004 NFHS Swimming and Diving
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2004
2003-2004 POINTS OF EMPHASIS Release Date: 2/25/04
|
| NFHS Swimming and Diving - Rules Interpretations |
2003-04 NFHS Swimming and Diving
Rule Interpretations
Posted: Sept 2003
Interpretations
SITUATION 1: As a recall device, a school chooses to use: (a) an air horn, (b) the starting console horn, (c) a recall rope placed 10 meters from the starting wall. Ruling: (a) and (b) are legal; (c) is not acceptable because the rope is not placed far enough from the starting wall (at least 15 meters) to ensure that all swimmers have surfaced after the start of the race. (2-7-4)
SITUATION 2: The water level in a pool is low due to mechanical problems. The coaches mutually agree to use the 18-inch starting blocks even though the water is not 4 feet deep at the starting end. Ruling: Illegal. COMMENT: Water depth, distance of the starting platforms from the water, and other rules in place to minimize risk to the swimmers CANNOT be waived. (2-7-2, 2-7 PEN 1, 2-7 PEN 2)
SITUATION 3: In a meet using automatic timing, the chief timer instructs all back-up timers to activate their timing devices when the swimmer in their lane touches the finish end wall or touchpad. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. COMMENT: The swimmer is responsible for touching the pad at the finish of a race. (4-9-1, 6-2-1, 8-1-7)
SITUATION 4: A swimmer places the initials of a friend who is struggling with cancer on his/her suit to show support. Ruling: Illegal. Commemorative and memorial patches, no larger than 4 square inches, may be worn on the uniform with written state association approval. Comment: The intent of this rule is that the patch has a special meaning to the entire team, not just one swimmer. In this instance, the swimmer could place something on his/her warm-ups, a towel, etc. (3-3-1, 3-3 PEN 1)
SITUATION 5: A swimmer: (a) requests permission to start in the water for an event requiring the forward start, (b) dives into the pool after requesting permission for an in-water start. Ruling: (a) legal, (b) illegal. Comment: For ALL in-water starts, the swimmer shall step into the water feet-first. (8-1-1 note, 8-1-3d, 8-1 PEN 17, 8-1-2
SITUATION 6: For the backstroke start: (a) the starter gives the command, “take your mark.” The swimmer in Lane 5 does not have his feet completely under the water. The starter directs all swimmers to “stand down” and reminds them of legal starting position. The starter again gives the command, “take your mark.” This time the swimmer in Lane 5 curls his toes over the gutter. The starter directs all swimmers to “stand down” and reminds the swimmer in Lane 5 of legal starting position. The starter again directs the swimmers to “take your mark” and again the swimmer in Lane 5 is not in legal starting position. The starter directs the swimmers to “stand down” and disqualifies the swimmer in Lane 5 for delay of the meet. (b) The swimmer in Lane 1 moves one foot out of the water and curls the toes over the gutter after the starting signal (horn) is activated, but before leaving the wall. The swimmer is disqualified and the race is recalled. Ruling: (a) correct procedure, (b) incorrect procedure. Comment: The starter’s responsibilities are to ensure a fair start for all swimmers. Once the starting signal has been given, as in (b), the violation becomes a stroke violation, not a false start/infraction. (8-1-2, 8-1-3a, 8-1 PEN 1, 4-3-1b)
SITUATION 7: A swimmer does a legal backstroke turn, but does not use a flip turn. The swimmer is on his/her back before the feet leave the wall. The opposing coach insists the swimmer be disqualified for failing to do a legal turn. Ruling: Legal turn, no action by the official. Comment: The backstroke turn does NOT require the use of a flip turn. (8-2-1f)
SITUATION 8: A diver is disqualified from a diving competition because: (a) he/she executes a dive other than that given on the score sheet, then on another dive falls into the water, thus making two infractions (failed dives); (b) fails in the performance of two dives. Ruling: (a) correct procedure, (b) correct procedure. Comment: In (a) and (b), the diver is disqualified immediately from competition. The intent is that a diver is disqualified if he/she fails in the performance of two dives. (9-7-5, 9-7-5a, 9-7-5c, 9-8-3)
SITUATION 9: A swimmer (a) places a towel over the starting block for the start of the 50-yard freestyle, (b) places a towel over the touchpad for the start of the 100-yard backstroke. The referee requires the swimmer to remove the towels before the start of the race. Ruling: The referee may allow the use of the towels if the facility manager allows them.
SITUATION 10: After being called to the blocks, for the 200-yard freestyle relay, the swimmers decide to reverse their order of swim. Ruling: Illegal. Comment: Once called to the blocks the first swimmer must swim first. The second, third and fourth swimmers may switch their order as long as the referee, or her/his designee, is notified by the conclusion of the race. (8-3-4, 3-2-2)
| NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Rules Changes |
NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Rules Changes
April
13-14 2003 Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, IN ( April 25, 2003 ) — The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee made four rules changes during its meeting April 13 and 14 in Indianapolis.
Focusing on risk minimization, the committee added clarification to Rule 8, stating that swimmers shall step into the water feet-first for the start of any “in-water” event. This addition is necessary to reinforce the correct way to enter the pool.
“Over the past three years, the committee has continued to re-evaluate procedures that minimize risk of injury. This includes monitoring water depth, meet guidelines, swimming starts and water entry,” said Cynthia Doyle, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee.
Among other changes, Rule 4-3-1c was revised to delete the requirement of sounding a device “over the lane” of the lead swimmer when he or she is near the end of a race. The revisions still require a sounding device but do not specify where it should be sounded.
Other rules changes were also based on the increased use of technology in judging and scoring. Rule 6-3-3 now allows automatic relay judging equipment to be used during high school meets to decrease the chance of human error. Additionally, judges are permitted to announce and/or display scores given to competitors. This is optional depending on each school’s availability of scoreboards and newer technology.
Along with swimming rules changes, the following changes in diving point values were added to reflect USA Diving’s degree of difficulty:
· 103A 2.0 · 104A 2.6 · 106B 3.2 · 304A 2.9 · 402A 2.0 · 404B 3.0 · 413B 2.9 · 5111C 1.6
| NFHS Swimming/Diving Rule Revisions |
NFHS
Swimming/Diving Rule Revisions
2003-04
| 4-3-1c |
Sound a warning signal for the lead swimmer during the 500 yard/meter
freestyle event when that swimmer has two lengths plus 5 yards remaining to
swim in the race. Rationale: The sounding device shall signal when the lead swimmer is near the end of the race. |
| 6-3-3 |
The use of automatic relay judging equipment during high school meets is
permissible. Rationale: Changes that incorporate new technology decrease the chance for human error. |
|
8-1-1 (Note) 8-11-3d |
The swimmer shall step into the water feet-first, be motionless and have at
least one hand in contact with the starting platform or end wall. Rationale: Reinforce the correct method of entering a pool. |
| 8-1-2 |
For the backstroke start, the swimmer shall step into the water feet-first
and line up in the water facing the starting end with both hands in contact
with the end of the pool or the starting platform. Rationale: Reinforce the correct way to enter the pool. |
| 9-3-4 |
A competitor may withdraw from a preliminary or final round of diving by giving notice to the referee at a specific time, without being disqualified from other events in the meet. Rationale: Allowing a swimmer to declare a false start, and allowing a diver to opt out of the event, is consistent within the framework of a swim meet. |
| 9-4 |
Diving changes include: 103A 2.0; 104A 2.6; 106B 3.2; 304A 2.9; 402A 2.0;
404B 3.0; 413B 2.9; 5111C 1.6 Rationale: NFHS dive tables reflect, USA Diving’s degree of difficulty. |
| 9-4-6 |
In meets other than championship meets, the competition shall consist of one
voluntary dive which shall be as follows: Week 1 = forward group Week 2 = back group Week 3 = inward group Week 4 = twisting group Week 5 = reverse group Rationale: This change will allow students additional practice time prior to executing in the more difficult dive group. |
| 9-6-3b |
The award given the dive by each judge shall be announced and/or displayed.
Rationale: Some pools now have a scoreboard capable of providing a visual of the score from each dive judge. For these pools, the announcing of the score becomes unnecessary. |
| 9-8-3 |
A diver shall be disqualified if he/ she fails two dives. Rationale: To minimize risk, divers must demonstrate a minimum amount of proficiency by failing not more than 2 dives. |
| Notable Rule Changes OHSAA and NFHS |
|
|
|
2004 NFHS Swimming and Diving The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2003 NFHS Swimming and Diving INDIANAPOLIS, IN ( April 25, 2003 ) The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee: INDIANAPOLIS, IN ( April 25, 2003 ) — The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee made four rules changes during its meeting April 13 and 14 in Indianapolis. Focusing on risk minimization, the committee added clarification to Rule 8, stating that swimmers shall step into the water feet-first for the start of any “in-water” event. This addition is necessary to reinforce the correct way to enter the pool. Among other changes, Rule 4-3-1c was revised to delete the requirement of sounding a device “over the lane” of the lead swimmer when he or she is near the end of a race. The revisions still require a sounding device but do not specify where it should be sounded. Other rules changes were also based on the increased use of technology in judging and scoring. Rule 6-3-3 now allows automatic relay judging equipment to be used during high school meets to decrease the chance of human error. Additionally, judges are permitted to announce and/or display scores given to competitors. This is optional depending on each school’s availability of scoreboards and newer technology. Along with swimming rules changes, the following changes in diving point values were added to reflect USA Diving’s degree of difficulty: · 103A 2.0 · 104A 2.6 · 106B 3.2 · 304A 2.9 · 402A 2.0 · 404B 3.0 · 413B 2.9 · 5111C 1.6 Source:
Link |
|
2002-03
Item: The stand-up start in the backstroke event
The NFHS Swimming
and Diving Rules Committee: Of the 13 swimming and diving rules
revisions made by the committee, the change in
Rule 8-1-2
eliminating the stand-up start in the backstroke event
perhaps will
be the most noticeable during the coming season. Prior to the command,
“take your mark,” and until the feet leave the wall at the starting
signal, the swimmers’ feet, including toes, have to be completely under
the surface of the water. As an additional precaution,
Rule 8-2-2c will prohibit swimmers from standing on or in the
gutter or curling the toes over the lip of the gutter immediately after
the start of the backstroke. |
|
2002-03 Item: Place one’s foot/feet on the front edge The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee: Although not officially a rules change, the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee issued a clarification of Rule 8-1-1 regarding the forward start. The revised language states that in the forward start prior to the starting command, “take your mark,” it no longer is necessary to place one’s foot/feet on the front edge of the starting platform or pool deck. |
| OHSAA Links |
OHSAA Links:
And Source Information
2004 Sectional/District/State Tournament Information
Some documents are PDF and require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2004
Sectional
Site Assignments & Information
| Swimming & Diving Modifications & Interpretations |
OHIO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
4080 ROSELEA PLACE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43214
614-267-2502 FAX 614-267-1677
Web site:
www.ohsaa.org
2003-04 Swimming & Diving Modifications & Interpretations
The rules for swimming and diving as printed in the NFHS 2003-2004 High School Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Rules Book shall apply in all contests involving OHSAA member schools. Interpretations and other important items of information for coaches and officials are noted below.
1. Safety Emphasized
Adherence to guidelines designed to protect all participants in the sports of swimming and diving is mandatory. Please refer to the Rules Book, Rule 2, pages 11-15, for the specific, mandatory pool, lane and equipment specifications that have been adopted for competition for all Ohio schools. Please refer to Bulletin SD 03/04-2 for a discussion of safety guidelines for meet warm-up procedures, the use of marshals, and an analysis of the water depth issue with an emphasis on the teaching of safe and correct water entry techniques to all student-athletes in the competitive swimming program.
It is paramount that
coaches review correct techniques with swimmers and ensure that all NFHS rules
regarding water depth are strictly observed.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS
In June of 2000, the state of Ohio adopted the following regulations for
swimming pool operators.
Amended: Jan 2004 (see amendment below)
Ohio Administrative Code
Chapter 3701-31 Effective Jan 2004 Pg 9 Item
(I)
Public Swimming Pools, Public Spas, and Special Use Pools
Regulation 3701-31-04 (I) provides that any operator of a swimming facility in this state may permit diving from starting blocks or the pool deck into shallow water for competitive racing events PROVIDED the water depth in those areas is no less than four feet.
Source: http://www.odh.state.oh.us/Rules/Final/Chap31/Fr31_04.pdf
In summary, the NFHS and the Ohio High School Athletic Association urge all
member schools with competitive swimming and diving programs to review the
suitability of the facilities in which they practice and compete in swimming and
diving. Although the OHSAA does not involve itself in coaching strategies or
techniques, swimming and diving coaches should review their procedures involving
all aspects of instruction as they relate to safety and should keep current on
all safety-related developments in the sport.
Some suggested resources include, but are not limited to the following:
a. Videotape developed by Douglas Krecklow on teaching the forward start
including deck drills.
Mr. Douglas Krecklow
3206 Pedersen Drive
Omaha, NE 68144
b. Videotape on technique - in conjunction
with the American Red Cross
United States Swimming
1750 E. Boulder
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
c. American Swimming Coaches Association
1 Hall of Fame Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
2.
Lifeguards Required for Interscholastic Swimming
and Diving Competition and Training
In accordance with final rule 3701-31-05 of Ohio’s Health and Safety
Code, the licensee of a public swimming pool, public spa or special use pool
shall provide lifeguards. This includes pools used for interscholastic swimming
and diving practice and competition. Please see the complete text of these
rules by linking from the OHSAA web site at
www.ohsaa.org or directly to
the Ohio Department of Health site at:
www.odh.state.oh.us/Rules/Final/Chap31/fr31_05.htm
3.
Uniforms (Rule 3-3)
The OHSAA has become increasingly concerned
about violations that relate to uniforms and jewelry as referenced in Rule 3-3.
Please note the following items that are part of the rules code and shall be
enforced:
a. Suit of a decent appearance. Coaches are expected to insist on this
standard, and officials are expected to enforce this rule. Of particular
concern in Ohio are boys’ trunks that do not cover the buttocks. Coaches are
urged to review this regulation with members of their squads so there will be no
misunderstanding.
b. Manufacturer’s Logo/Trade Name. Rule 3-3-1 permits ONE
visible, manufacturer’s logo/trade name not to exceed 2¼ square inches and
not exceeding 2 ¼” in any dimension, on each item of uniform apparel.
The rules clearly define uniform apparel to include the suit and swim
cap/hat but not the goggles. Coaches and athletes are ultimately
responsible for compliance with this rule.
c. Jewelry. Competitors shall not wear jewelry. The only exception is
a religious/medical medal, which must be removed from a chain or bracelet and
taped to the body. “Jewelry” includes but is not limited to body piercing
ornaments. These must be removed for competition. Officials will attempt
to notify competitors prior to competition; however, athletes should not
expect to receive warnings about this rule and should expect to be penalized if
discovered wearing illegal jewelry. As has been stipulated previously in
the Points of Emphasis, athletes are responsible for being properly
attired to compete. Coaches have the ultimate responsibility of certifying to
officials that all competitors are free of illegal jewelry. Please note the
clarification regarding hair-restraining devices.
They are legal provided they are functioning and worn in the hair during the
event.
d.
Coaches’ Certification.
Rule 3-3-5 requires the coach to verify with the meet referee that all his/her
competitors are legally attired and free of jewelry. Officials shall ask this
question of all coaches prior to any OHSAA competition.
e.
American Flag- NFHS and
OHSAA rules permit one American flag, not to exceed 2 x 3 inches on each piece
of the uniform. Multiple flags or flags of other countries are not permitted
regardless of whether they are sewn on the suit or woven into the material. In
addition it is not permissible to place pictures, language or emblems on high
school uniforms unless they refer to the school name, mascot or the sport or
have been approved by the OHSAA.
4.
Publicity
Schools are encouraged to secure good press coverage as a means of
promoting the sports of swimming and diving. Coaches should be prepared to
publicize all aspects of the swimming and diving programs both internally and
externally.
5. Exhibition Competition
Due to the large number of questions concerning exhibition competition,
the following is reprinted.
Rule 3-2-1a - Exhibition and Sports
Regulation 27 (page 63, OHSAA Handbook)
The OHSAA has received several inquiries as to
the definition and interpretation of "exhibition" competition.
Please note that
the OHSAA has a state association policy prohibiting "exhibition" competition;
therefore, National Federation Rule 3-2-1a does not
apply.
a. An exhibition swimmer/diver is one that does not score points or count in the official standings for a competition.
b. The OHSAA does not permit exhibition competition as described in “a.”
c. Junior varsity, reserve or class
competition is not exhibition competition. By rule and OHSAA adoption (NF 5-1-1
page 32), events for swimming and diving may be modified for such competition.
For example, two high schools may agree to contest five selected events for
junior varsity athletes during a varsity dual meet. Such a competition must be
mutually agreed upon prior to the competition by the schools and all contest
officials informed of the format well in advance of the date.
This is just one example of why the OHSAA strongly recommends that schools use official OHSAA contracts and that contest officials insist upon a written contract to officiate a contest. It is unreasonable to expect officials to work more events than what they had originally agreed to officiate.
d. In meets during which both varsity and sub varsity contests are being competed, an individual athlete may participate in both contests provided the athlete does not exceed the event limitations – four events no more than two of which may be individual events.
e. Officials should refuse to officiate exhibition events in swimming and diving competition.
f. Officials are covered under the NFIOA liability insurance policy when working interscholastic swimming and diving competition.
6. Board of Control action
for the 2003-2004 season - None
7. Bylaw 10-3-1: Participating in a non-interscholastic contest while a member of a school squad
This Bylaw states that once an athlete has participated in an interscholastic contest for his/her school, the athlete may not compete in a non-interscholastic contest in the same sport during the school's season.
The maximum penalty for such non-interscholastic participation while a member of the school squad is ineligibility for school competition for the remainder of the school's season.
The Commissioner of the OHSAA has made exceptions to this Bylaw in the event that the athlete was selected to compete as a member of a national team or was invited to participate in national or international competition by virtue of his or her past performance in the sport. In the sport of swimming and diving the following guidelines have been used to determine waivers:
a. The student has been selected as a member of the junior or senior national team in swimming and/or diving by the achievement of national standards in an event/events.
b. The student was either the champion or the runner-up in the OHSAA State Swimming and Diving Tournament the immediately preceding year.
The intent of the waiver is to protect the integrity of the Bylaw and the interscholastic program while allowing the development of national-caliber athletes who have been invited to compete non-interscholastically during the school season. The procedure for requesting the waiver requires that the principal or official designee of the member school direct a request to Dr. Deborah Moore, Assistant Commissioner, at the OHSAA. Please include the supporting documentation with the letter of request. Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis.
8.
Entry limitations – OHSAA Tournament Series
Coaches should note that the individual entry limitations as
specified in Rule 3-2-1 apply to the OHSAA tournament series. Exceeding entry
limitations is considered a violation of eligibility standards and may be
penalized whenever discovered, including after a competition has been completed.
Each level of tournament (sectional, district and state) is considered a
separate championship competition even though it is a qualifying event for
further tournament participation. Hence, a competitor may swim/dive in a
maximum of four events, no more than two of which shall be individual events, in
each level of tournament competition. This includes the preliminaries and
finals of each respective level.
For example, in district competition, a swimmer may swim in the 50 yd.
Freestyle, the 100 yd. Backstroke and as a member of the 200 yd. Medley Relay
and the 200 yd. Freestyle Relay in the preliminaries.
If this swimmer qualifies to the finals in the 100 yd Backstroke but not the 50
yd. Freestyle, and both relays qualify to the finals as well, he/she is entitled
to swim only the 100 Back, and both or either the 200 Free Relay and the 200
Medley Relay in the finals. He is NOT entitled to swim in a third relay even
though his school may have qualified that relay to the finals.
In other words, failure to qualify in one of the individual events in the
prelims does not permit the athlete to exceed the entry limitations by swimming
one individual event and three relays in the finals. Such action would
constitute competing in five events. The penalty for that is disqualification
from the fifth event and from further competition in the tournament. In this
case, the athlete would be disqualified from the 400 yd. Freestyle Relay and her
team would forfeit points, awards and qualification to the state tournament, if
applicable.
If this same competitor fails to qualify for the next level of competition
(state tournament) in one of his or her individual events, and the school
qualifies three relays, the athlete could swim in the one individual event and
the three relays at the state tournament. This would not exceed the event
limitation as the next level of competition is considered a separate
championship event.
Schools may change names on relay cards and include any athlete who is on the eligibility certificate when the first level of tournament competition begins. It is not required that the slate of names remains the same throughout the tournament series.
NOTE: It is the coach’s responsibility to manage the entry limitations for his or her team. This is not a contest official’s responsibility.