While suits dominated the discussion of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Committee this week, it wasn't the only topic. The committee took on a range of issues including the breaststroke, daily measuring of race courses using a bulkhead, use of video in relay exchanges, and the definition of bona fide competition.The rule-change proposals now go before the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) for final approval. Coaches are instructed to send their comments to Teresa Smith at the NCAA national office no later than Thursday, August 13. Please reference the proposed rule change by rule reference (e.g., Rule 2-2-2b) and specify whether your feedback concerns negative impact to the integrity of the sport, safety or finances.
Here is a summary of the major rules changes for 2010 and 2011. The rule and page references are from the 2008-09 Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules book. All underlined language represents additions to the respective rule. Language that is crossed out was deleted from the rule.
1. Rule
1-4-8 and 3-1-3 (Pages 24 and 38) New Equipment. The NCAA Men’s and Women’s
Swimming and Diving Committee is responsible for formulating the official
playing rules for the sport. The
committee may establish and/or utilize independent sources for testing/control.
Equipment or swimsuit manufacturers have
undertaken the responsibility for the development of playing equipment that
meets specifications established by the committee. The NCAA urges manufacturers
to work with the various independent testing agencies to ensure the production
of safe products. Neither the NCAA nor the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming
Committee certifies the safety of any swimming equipment. Only equipment or swimsuits
that meet the specifications stated in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and
Diving Rules may be used in intercollegiate competition.
While the
committee does not regulate the development of new equipment or swimsuits
and does not set technical or scientific standards for testing equipment or swimsuits,
the committee may provide manufacturers with informal guidelines as to the
equipment-performance levels it considers consistent with the integrity of the
sport. The committee reserves the right to intercede in order to protect and
maintain that integrity.
The NCAA Men’s and
Women’s Swimming and Diving Committee suggests that manufacturers planning
innovative changes in swimming equipment or swimsuits submit the equipment or swimsuit to the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Committee
for review before production.
Rationale:
Adds additional language to be consistent with other
changes throughout the rules book.
2.
Rule 2-2-2b (Page 29) Breaststroke. After
the start and after each turn when the feet leave the wall, the body shall be
kept on the breast. The arms shall move simultaneously and in the same
horizontal plane throughout the propulsive phase of the stroke without any
alternating movement. The hands shall be pushed forward together from the
breast, on, under or over the water. A butterfly-style recovery is not
permitted. The elbows shall be under the calm level of the water except for the
final stroke before the turn, during the turn, and the last stroke at the
finish of the prescribed distance. The hands shall be pulled back
simultaneously on or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be
brought back beyond the hipline, except during the first stroke cycle after the
start and each turn. Some part of the swimmer’s head shall break the surface of
the water at least once during each complete cycle of one arm stroke and one
leg kick, in that order, except after the start and each turn when a single
butterfly kick, which must be followed by a breaststroke kick, is permitted
during or at the completion of the first arm pull. After the start and
after each turn, any lateral or downward movement of the hands or arms is
considered to be the initiation of the first arm pull.
The head must break the surface of the water before
the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke after the start
and after each turn. There shall be no sculling with the hands at the end of
the first arm stroke after the start and each turn.
Rationale:
Will bring NCAA Rules in line with FINA and
USA Swimming Rules. Will allow for more
consistency in officiating and allow for performance in both NCAA and USA
Swimming/FINA events to count universally.
3. Rule 2-2-2d
(Page 30) Breaststroke. A complete stroke cycle shall consist of one arm
stroke followed by one leg kick. A stroke cycle may be initiated only by an arm
stroke. Each time the swimmer’s hands begin their lateral and/or downward
press, a new stroke cycle shall have been started. Drifting apart of the
hands shall not constitute the start of a stroke cycle. Each time the swimmer finishes a leg kick, a
stroke cycle shall have been completed. An incomplete stroke cycle, consisting
of an arm stroke without a following leg kick, may be used immediately before
the touch at each turn or at the finish. Two arm strokes without an intervening
leg kick or two leg kicks without an intervening arm stroke may not be used at
any time.
Rationale:
Will bring NCAA Rules in line with FINA and
USA Swimming Rules. Will allow for more
consistency in officiating and allow for performance in both NCAA and USA
Swimming/FINA events to count universally.
4.
Rule 2-5-6 (Page 36) Improper Conduct. Acts of unsporting or unsafe
conduct will be considered for disciplinary action by the referee or meet
committee. This includes the use of obscene or vulgar language by coaches,
student-athletes and institutional representatives. The use of any
equipment or swimsuit not permitted by NCAA rules is considered an act of
improper conduct.
Rationale:
Adds additional language to update rule for current issues in the
sport.
5. Rule 3-1-1 (Page 37). Uniforms and Swimsuits for Swimmers.
a. Competitors’ uniforms should be characterized by conformity to
recognized standards of propriety.
a.
MATERIAL:
1.
TEXTILE: By definition, the material used for the
swimsuit shall be a textile (a woven material).
2. PERMEABILITY: All swimsuit materials must be 100%
permeable to air and water.
3. BUOYANCY: The material shall have a net buoyant effect
of not more than .5 Newton – 50.95 gm – 1.796 oz.
4. THICKNESS: The material used shall have a maximum
thickness of .8 mm. The measurement
method is in accordance with ISO Standard 5084 for textiles.
5. ERGOGENIC AIDS: The material shall not provide external
stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical
substance release, electro-stimulation, compression for core stabilization, or
other performance enhancing properties).
b. DESIGN:
1. When used, the material shall follow the body shape.
2. The design shall not create air trapping effects.
3. For men the swimsuit shall not extend above the waist
and below the top of the kneecap.
4. For women the swimsuit shall not extend beyond the
shoulders and below the top of the kneecap, nor cover the neck.
c. CONSTRUCTION:
1. Any system providing external stimulation or influence
of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release,
electro-stimulation, performance enhancing compression, or other performance
enhancing properties) is prohibited.
2. The swimsuit shall not have any zippers or fasteners
other than a waist tie for a brief or a jammer.
The tie shall have a maximum width of ¼”.
3. The swimsuit shall be comprised of no more than two
layers, the sum of which shall not exceed 1 mm in total thickness (excepting
the casing/ribbing at the terminal ends of the material).
4. Elastic material may be contained within the
casing/ribbing terminal ends of the swimsuit (e.g. shoulder straps, waist
opening, legs openings).
d. CUSTOMIZATION:
1. All swimsuits must be constructed in an identical
fashion with no variation/modification for individual swimmers.
2. Any modification or alteration (e.g. water resistant
sprays, tape, etc.) is prohibited.
3. One post-construction impermeable institutional
marking or logo that does not exceed 9 square inches may be applied to the
swimsuit.
4. Swimmers with physical disabilities may request a
waiver for customization from the NCAA Swimming and Diving Secretary / Rules
Editor at least one week prior to the individual’s first competition.
e. USE: The
swimmer shall be limited to one swimsuit.
f. CONTROL: The NCAA may establish and/or utilize
independent sources for testing/control.
g. In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 12.5.4, an institution’s uniforms,
swimsuits
or any item of apparel (e.g., bathing suits t-shirts and
warm-ups) that is worn by a student-athlete while representing the institution
in intercollegiate competition shall contain only a single manufacturer’s or
distributor’s logo or trademark on the outside of the apparel (regardless of
the visibility of the logo or trademark). The logo or trademark must be
contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square,
parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼-square inches. Such an item of apparel
may contain more than one manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark on
the inside of the apparel provided the logo or trademark is not visible
h. If an institution’s uniform, swimsuit or any item of
apparel worn by a student-athlete in competition contains washing instructions
on the outside of the apparel or on a patch that also includes the
manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark, the entire patch must be
contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square,
parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼-square inches.
i. The restriction of the size of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s
logo is applicable to all apparel worn by student-athletes during the conduct
of the institution’s competition, which includes any pregame or postgame
activities (e.g., postgame celebrations or pre- or postgame media conferences)?involving student-athletes.
j. UNIFORM/SWIMSUIT
DEFINITIONS:
1. Propriety - conformity to established standards of
good or proper behavior or manners.
Decency, modesty .
2. Coverage – the amount of body surface covered by the
swimsuit. The greater the surface area
covered, the greater the effect of the suit on performance.
3. Compress – to press together; force into less
space. Causes the reduction of water
displacement (reduces buoyancy), and drag (i.e. form, etc.). Creates discriminating effects based on body
type.
4. Ergogenic properties - increasing capacity for bodily
or mental labor especially by eliminating fatigue symptoms. Materials and designs that enhance stability,
circulation, and movement (torso and limb),
or eliminate or reduce performance limiting factors such as pain.
5. Design – to plan or fashion.
6. Material - a
textile fabric.
Rationale:
To completely address a pressing issue in the sport of swimming.
6.
Rule 3-1-2 (Page 38) Artificial Aids. No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or
foreign substances to help his or her speed, pace, buoyancy or body compression in competition. Pulling on a lane
line to assist motion is not permitted. Temporarily applied adhesives shall not
be used to assist the backstroke start; however, host institutions are
encouraged to have all end walls and touch pads finished with a permanent or
semipermanent nonslip surface. Goggles may be worn and rubdown oil may be
applied if not considered excessive by the referee.
Rationale:
Adds additional language to be consistent with other
changes throughout the rules book.
7. Rule 3-1-4b (Page 39) Required Participation of
Entrants. Names of relay competitors must be submitted to the
appropriate official at a designated time before the start of the race. Changes in names of
participants are permitted up until the start of the event (the start is
considered to be when the referee calls the first heat of the event to the
starting blocks). When the actual contestants in a
relay are different from those listed on the official relay entry form, the
competing relay shall be disqualified and all athletes involved (competing and
listed) shall be charged with participation in an event, but no further penalty
will be assessed. If there is an order change for swimmers two, three and
four, please inform the meet administration before the start of the event. Order change for swimmers two, three and four are
permitted at any time without penalty. Please inform the meet administration of
said changes for the accuracy of results.
Rationale:
Rewords rule for clarity and adds language
to reflect what is being practiced.
8. Rule 3-2-1b (Page 41) Number of Entries in Nonchampionships Meets. In double-dual, triangular and
quadrangular meets, each institution shall be allowed two entries per
individual event (swimming or diving) and two entries per relay event. By mutual consent of all
participating head coaches and when facilities permit, each institution may be allowed
three or four entries per individual and three entries per relay event when
facilities permit more than two entries per team per event may be
allowed.
Rationale:
A clean up and clearer interpretation.
9. Rule 3-3-4 (Page 44) Scratches. Competitors may scratch from an event in
which they are entered by following the procedures set forth in the meet
information. In non-NCAA championships, invitational meets and NCAA
championships, a competitor remains officially entered in all events that he or
she is officially entered in unless scratched by the official scratch deadline
for that event. A declared false start may be taken during the preliminary
heat, and that swimmer(s) will be charged for an event. If the competitor
competes in the preliminary heat and qualifies for the finals, there is no
provision for scratching as the rule does not allow for alternates (See Rule
5-3-4). Relay events are held to the
same interpretation, except that swimmers’ names may be changed from the
preliminary heat to finals. A swimmer or relay
team who does not want to participate in a final based upon results of the
preliminaries must complete a scratch card signed by a coach and submit it to
the designated official within thirty (30) minutes after the announcement of
qualifiers for that event that they are scratching from the event. They will be
allowed to withdraw without penalty and the event shall be reseeded with the
first available alternate swimmer or relay team being moved up into the
appropriate finals.
Rationale:
Allows more flexibility for teams, coaches,
and student-athletes. Will potentially create more competition opportunities
for additional student-athletes when scratches are allowed. Will remove
“phantom medical excuses” that remove swimmers and also eliminate conferences
and invitationals ignoring actual rule.
The original reason for this rule is now obsolete.
10. Rule 4-6-1 (Page 48) Referee
Jurisdiction (added an additional jurisdiction). L.
When bulkheads are used at either
the start or turning end, the referee shall verify that the competition course
measures to the correct distance both prior to and subsequent to each day of
competition. Such measurements shall be done by laser with a device provided by
the host institution or host facility. Failure to adhere to this requirement
shall render any times recorded or records achieved null and void.
Rationale:
Confirmation that the race course is legitimate.
11. Rule 4-14-3 (Page 54) Side Takeoff Judges. Each side takeoff judge shall assume a position, on the
side of the racing course, that will afford a clear view of the relay exchanges
in the lane(s) to which he or she has been assigned.
When side takeoff judges are used in
non-NCAA and NCAA championships meets, there shall be a sufficient number of
such judges so that no side takeoff judge shall be assigned to observe relay
exchanges in more than four lanes, with three or fewer preferred. For example,
if four side takeoff judges are used with eight lanes, the side takeoff judges
shall be stationed and assigned lanes as follows: Judge A on lane one side of
the pool shall observe lanes one and two; Judge B on lane one side of the pool
shall observe lanes three and four; Judge C on lane eight side of the pool
shall observe lanes five and six; and Judge D on lane eight side of the pool
shall observe lanes seven and eight; OR Judge A on lane one side of the pool shall
observe lanes one through four; Judge B stationed between lanes four and five
shall also observe lanes one through four; Judge C stationed between lanes four
and five shall observe lanes five through eight; and Judge D on lane eight side
of the pool shall also observe lanes five through eight.
Rationale:
A clean up and clearer interpretation.
12. Rule 4-14-6a (Page 55) Electronic
Takeoff Equipment. In nonchampionships meets, at least
one human takeoff judge must be assigned to observe the relay exchange in each
lane all lanes.
In championships meets, two human takeoff judges must be assigned this
responsibility.
Rationale:
A clean up and clearer interpretation.
13. Rule 4-14-7 Takeoff Judges (added an
additional article to 4-14). Article 7. Electronic Equipment Video
Review. Video replay may be
used at competitions governed by a meet or games committee comprised of
representatives of multiple institutions to determine if the electronic judging
equipment has failed. Such equipment can be used if the relay judging equipment
detects an exchange between +0.09 and -0.09 and both relay judges independently
recorded opposite of the equipment and the referee feels it is warranted to
investigate the accuracy of the electronic judging equipment. To use such equipment, the meet committee (in
consultation with the meet referee), must set up a system prior to the event
aligned with a direct side view(s) of the exchange end and maintain a speed of
at least 25 frames/second (.04s). Video
of this speed allows for two frames in each direction of what should have been
0.0, allowing for sufficient evidence to be indisputable and clear. Exact
framing is not necessary, nor is time synching with the electronic timing
system. The result of the video is
merely to determine if the electronic judging equipment has failed. The video
shall not be used to detect early take-offs or any other rule infractions. If conclusive video evidence exists that the
electronic equipment failed, the result of the electronic judging equipment is
voided, and no electronic result is recorded and the referee may overturn the
disqualification for that heat. Any obstruction to the view of the exchange is
sufficient to void the video from evidence. The video clip must be saved and
submitted to the NCAA or conference, along with a statement from the referee
detailing the reason for the overturned call, for archiving and review; and the
equipment must then be tested to determine if the equipment is in fact faulty,
or if some other glitch occurred. Should the NCAA or conference disagree with
the video evidence, the NCAA or conference retains the right to overturn the
meet referee’s decision.
Rationale:
Timing and judging systems are mechanical and thus
prone to periodic failure. The relay takeoff judging uses two mechanical
devices to compare times, one on the top of the starting block and the finish
pad at the end of the course. The current rules have provision for making
timing adjustments when the finish pad fails to record a time but makes no
provision when the pad failure occurs as a part of a relay exchange. With the
current rules there is no provision to deal with an equipment malfunction in
the interval +0.09 seconds to -0.09 seconds.
This rule, proposed to protect the athletes, provides
for an economical means to determine whether an equipment malfunction has
occurred and a high standard for overturning the decision of the equipment.
This rule will only apply if the referee decides prior to the beginning of the
meet to have the video cameras installed and then only if there is other
evidence of a potential malfunction. The video cameras used as part of this
proposal are readily available to the consumer. Many facilities and swim teams
already own these cameras and use them for coaching. We will most likely use
two cameras, one on each side of the pool looking at four lanes each. The
entire race would be filmed so that the exchange in question can be identified.
There should not be any financial impact to implement this proposal.
In the end, the NCAA meet committee will have the
final say on whether to accept the time for entry into the NCAA championships.
The proposed rule could be used on a trial basis for a couple of seasons to
work out the protocols for efficiently using the video evidence. The video
review system will only be used to review relay exchanges that have evidence of
an equipment malfunction.
14. Rule 5-1-4 (Page 65) Invitational Meets. For invitational meets in which
seeding is not used to assign swimmers to lanes, the host institution shall
establish and publish in advance the procedure(s) by which lane assignments
shall be made. For NCAA qualifying times to be
accepted, seeding must follow the accepted seeding procedures of seeding the
finals first, then the consolation final, and finally any bonus heats. A full
complement of entries shall be placed in all heats starting with the fastest
heat. Whenever this results in fewer than three entries in the slowest heat,
the slowest seeded entries in the second heat shall be moved into the slowest
heat so no heat has fewer than three entries.
Rationale:
NCAA qualifying standards must adhere to all
rules. This clarifies seeding issues.
15. Rule 5-2-3a (Page 68) Preliminary
Heats. Three Heats or Fewer. The fastest
person or relay team shall be placed in the third heat, the second fastest in
the second heat, the third fastest in the first heat. The fourth fastest person
or relay team shall be placed in the third heat, the fifth fastest in the
second heat, the sixth fastest in the first heat, the seventh fastest in the
third heat, etc. With 16 or fewer swimmers or relay teams in an eight-lane
racing course (12 or fewer swimmers or relay teams in a six-lane racing
course), there will be two seeded heats. With eight or fewer swimmers or relay teams (six or
fewer in six lane course) there will be one seeded heat.
Rationale:
Clarifies intent of rule that is applied
liberally and differently nationwide.
16. Rule
5-3-4 (Page 70) Alternate Qualifiers.
In non-NCAA
championships and NCAA championships competition, two alternate qualifiers will
be specified and listed on the program to help ensure a full complement of
finalists in the event of illness or injury (certified by a physician or designated
health official) to a qualified swimmer or in the case of permitted scratches (see 3-3-4).
In the case of tied times, the outlined swim-off procedure will be followed.
If a swimmer who is qualified for
the consolation final of a swimming event is certified at any time before the
start of that consolation final as being ill or injured, the highest ranking
available alternate qualifier for the event shall be moved into the consolation
final and the consolation final shall be reseeded.
If a swimmer who is qualified for
the championships final of a swimming event is certified at any time before the
start of the consolation final in that event as being ill or injured, the
highest ranking available alternate qualifier for the event shall be moved into
the consolation final and both the consolation and championships finals shall
be reseeded.
If a swimmer who is qualified for
the championships final of a swimming event is certified at any time after the
start of the consolation final in that event as being ill or injured, the
championships final shall proceed with an empty lane and without reseeding. The
points involved shall be lost from the meet.
Rationale:
Adds additional language to be consistent with other
changes throughout the rules book.
17. Rule 6-1-1 (Page 71) Description of Events. In dual, double-dual, triangular, quadrangular
and relay meets, there shall be finals only, for both one- and three-meter. The
default program is one voluntary and five optionals. With mutual consent by all
coaches, six optional dives may be contested.
When the
voluntary plus five optional is used, the voluntary dive shall be done first;
shall be the choice of the diver; and shall be assigned a standard 2.0 degree
of difficulty, regardless of the degree of difficulty normally listed for that
dive.
When six optionals are contested, the
first round of dives can be assigned their standard degree of difficulty.
Regardless of the program, the optional
dives shall be chosen so as to include one dive from each of the five diving
groups. The optional dives may be performed in any order.
Rationale:
National selection videos for Division III
now require the coach to submit 6 dives using real DD. This requires Division
III to tape all dual meets to obtain the best “6” dive video for athletes to
have a fair shot at making the national meet. When doing 5 optional dives and 1
voluntary dive with a set DD limit, Division III taping opportunities are
limited. There is really no reason any longer to have a set DD for the first
dive or the “voluntary” dive. Simply do
6 dive meets using real DD.
18. Rule 6-2-2-1b (Page 74) Trials.
In championships meets without
platform as an event, each diver will do one of the following formats:
(1) six optional dives including one from each of five groups, in any
order, without limit on degree of difficulty; or (2) six optional dives
including one from each of the five groups, in any order, without limit on
degree of difficulty, followed by give voluntary dives, including one from each
of the five groups, in any order, with total degree of difficulty not to exceed
9.0.
Rationale:
FINA and DI have gone to simply performing 6
optional dives. In DIII we have only 19 weeks to train our athletes, yet we
have to do the most dives in a championship meet. Instead of having to learn 6 dives for a
championship format, D III divers are forced to learn 11 on both the 1 and 3
meter springboards. Division I athletes
have access to their coaches year round and most train with their college coach
year round, yet only have to perform 6 dives in a championship meet. There is a
certain safety factor here as many schools are forced to make divers learn or
perform dives they are not ready to do.
This can and has caused injury. All Divisions should follow the same
format.
19. Rule
6-5-4-9 (Page 90) Arm Stands.
Assume that the diver has reached a starting position
when both of the diver’s feet leave the platform. If a steady balance in the
straight position is not shown, the judges should deduct from one to three
points. If a diver loses balance and any part of the diver’s body other than
the hands touches the platform, it is a balk. A diver’s hands may move without
a balk being called.
The starting position in an arm stand
dive shall be assumed when both hands are on the front edge of the platform and
both feet leave the platform. When a
steady balance in the straight vertical position is not shown, each judge shall
deduct ½ to 2 points. A re-start shall
be allowed when a diver loses his/her balance, one or both feet return to the
platform or any other body part other than his/her hands touches the
platform. When a diver moves one or both
hands from the original starting position, a balk shall be declared, and
continuation of the dive shall be considered a re-start.
Rationale:
1. To bring the arm stand balk rule in line
with FINA rules.
2. The deduction for “walking” in an arm stand
was often greater than the 2 point balk deduction.
20. Rule 9-2 (Page 140) Bona Fide Competition. Detailed administrative procedures, such as entry
and qualifying procedures, for conducting NCAA championships are contained in
the current Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Handbook.
Time standards, consideration standards and optional-entry
standards for swimming (individual and relay) events and diving events must be
achieved in bona fide competition.
Bona fide competition is defined as an event that conforms to
all NCAA rules relevant to swimming and diving performances. They include the
following:
- Meet is open to the public (spectators);
- Competition is between two or more teams of
the same gender at the same time and site, from different collegiate
institutions;
- All NCAA competitors must be eligible by NCAA
standards;
- Meets must be in institutions’ approved
competition schedule;
- Meets must have published results; and
- Depending on the governing body, meet
official(s) must be qualified and/or certified.
Or
Any multinational meet that
is sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA), and
a Any bona fide meet that is sanctioned by USA Swimming and USA Diving that follows NCAA rules and regulations.
Rationale:
Qualifying should happen at USA Swimming or
NCAA events. International meets do not
enforce NCAA or USA Swimming rules.
College NCAA qualifying should happen at NCAA events.