STARTING BLOCK RULE CHANGE

Effective 2001-02 Season as announced November 27, 2001

 

Effective immediately, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has eliminated the option for high schools to use 18-inch starting platforms in pools with water depth from 3 ½ to 4 feet. Swimmers must start from the deck or in the water at this depth.

While starting platforms still will be allowed for 2001-02 with a water depth of 4 feet or more, that could change for the 2002-03 season. Cynthia Doyle, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, made the following statement:

"Other governing bodies such as the NCAA and USA Swimming have or are in the process of moving standards for use of starting blocks to a minimum depth of 5 feet. We are soliciting comments from our member state associations and other interested parties relative to this change, so our committee certainly will be considering this change for 2002-03 at its next meeting in April 2002."

For all IHSAA swimming contests, pools that have a starting end water depth of less than four feet, shall adhere to the NFHS ruling. Options for compliance with the rule include (1) start from the deck or the water, or (2) move the starting blocks to the deep end of the pool.

 

IHSAA Implications:

This ruling means that all pools with a starting end water depth of less than four feet may not utilize any starting platform, no matter the height of the platform. In addition, starting blocks may not be utilized for back stroke starts in a pool with a starting depth of less than four feet. Schools have two options if their starting end water depth is less than four feet: (1) move the starting platforms to the deep end of the pool or; (2) swimmers must start from the deck or in the water.

We believe that this is a necessary rule to enhance the safety of all student-athletes participating in high school swimming, but we also realize that the timeliness of this mandate has placed a burden on Indiana coaches and athletic directors.

Please contact the IHSAA office with any questions or concerns.