3‐3‐4: Reorganize to list the items a competitor may wear/use and clarifies that adhesives are not allowed for swimmers and/or divers. Divers may wear tape or wraps for support and no longer limited to the wrist.

Rationale: Lists items a competitor may wear/use as it makes the rule easier to use and assists in compliance. The change also prohibits the use of adhesives, such as sprays, as they become slick when wet and can interfere with performance of others.

3‐6‐1, New 2, 3: Delineates more clearly unsporting conduct, which results in removal from the meet and all events in which the competitor previously qualified, and unacceptable conduct, which carries a penalty of disqualification from the event. Separates spectator conduct from athletes and coaches.

Rationale: More clearly defines what is considered unsporting conduct, with a resulting
penalty of no further participation up to ejection from the competition area, and what
actions are considered unacceptable conduct with a resulting penalty of disqualification
from that event. Delineates in Rule 8‐3‐8b when a relay lead‐off time shall not be eligible
for use as a qualification time or record. Spectators are also separated from athletes and
coaches when dealing with unsporting/unacceptable conduct.

4‐3‐1 NOTE, 4‐2‐2 NOTE, 2‐7‐3 NOTE: Prohibits the use of a pistol/starter’s pistol as the sounding device in interscholastic swimming.

Rationale: It is inappropriate to use a pistol of any kind at a school swimming meet. Alternative sounding devices are readily available.

8‐1‐5: Swimmers no longer step off the starting platforms after the referee/starter gives the command, “Stand up.” Swimmers will be directed to step down only when unusual circumstances occur.

Rationale: For risk minimization, swimmers should not step off the starting platform unnecessarily once stepped up, especially with the track‐style starting platforms. Referees and starters should direct swimmers to step down only when unusual circumstances occur.

8‐2‐1e: Specifies in the backstroke event, the swimmer shall remain on or above the water surface on the finish and cannot submerge.

Rationale: Specifies in the backstroke event, the swimmer shall remain on or above the water surface on the finish. This can be accomplished with any body part and prevents premature submersion by a swimmer that could create an advantage.

9‐2‐1: Divers shall be permitted at least two practice approaches, with or without water entry, immediately prior to the start of diving competition.