The 2013 swimming and diving season brings along changes to the postseason, including a new home for the FHSAA State Championships (Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center in Stuart, Florida) and new rule modifications.
FHSAA Swimming and Diving goes to four classes
The championships will be held over two weekends:
November 8-9, Class 1A and 2A
November 15-16, Class 3A and 4A
All districts and regionals will be timed finals
Track-style starting blocks allowed
As new construction and modifications to facilities occur, the committee altered Rule 2-7-2b to allow the installation of new track-style starting blocks with wedges.
In another change, competitors will no longer be asked to step down from the starting platform if an illegal suit is discovered. The race will be conducted and the swimmer in violation shall be disqualified at the conclusion of the heat.
“Having swimmers step down from the platform prior to the start of a race is not the most desired way to enforce a penalty,” says NFHS Director of Sports and Staff Liason to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Becky Oakes. “It is awkward for the swimmers to get up and down from the platform, and it may disrupt the focus of the other swimmers who are within the rules.”
Breaststroke rule simplified
High school swimmers in the breaststroke event will now be permitted to execute a single butterfly kick on the start or turn at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick.
“It was extremely difficult for officials to observe and consistently judge the initiation of the arm stroke on the start and turns,” said Oakes. “The committee wanted to provide consistency for the swimmers as to when the butterfly kick is permitted and the observation by the officials across all lanes for a legal or illegal use of the butterfly kick. Swimmers may now use the butterfly kick in the location that best benefits the individual swimmer before the breaststroke kick.”
For more visit the FHSAA website by clicking here.
Click the video link for as local high school swim coaches react to all the changes entering the 2013 season.