November 26, 2001
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Effective immediately for the 2001-02 swimming season, 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 3½ to 4 feet. Swimmers must start from the deck or in the water at this water depth.
The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee convened by conference call November 15, and the proposed change subsequently was approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
"The rules committee is very concerned about the potential for injuries in pools with water depth of less than 4 feet involving swimmers using improper techniques," said Cynthia Doyle, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. "For the upcoming season, schools may accommodate this change by starting swimmers from the deck or in the water."
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.
"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," Doyle said. "We have received 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."
The NFHS is the national service and administrative organization for high school athletics and fine arts programs in speech, debate and music. Membership consists of state high school athletic/activity associations in the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. In addition to swimming and diving, the NFHS publishes playing rules in 16 other high school sports for boys and girls competition.