Rules exist in order to ensure fairness and safety in athletic competitions. High school swimming rules prohibit athletes from overexertion, and keep noncompeting swimmers from accidentally falling into the pool. Each state has its own sanctioning organization that comes up with and enforces swimming rules, so there are rule variations from state to state.
School Representatives
High school swimming rules in Ohio prevent teams from competing without an authorized coach or other person who is in charge and accountable for the team. The Ohio High School Athletic Association states in its "2010-11 Swimming and Diving Regulations" document that "No team or individual entry will be permitted to compete in a contest unless accompanied by the coach or a person authorized by the Board of Education." The coach or authorized person must be present through the whole contest; teams that do not have a coach or authorized person will automatically be disqualified.
Swimsuits
A barrage of record-setting times in all levels of competition in 2009 prompted the National Federation of High School Associations to ban high-tech swimsuits in an August 2009 announcement. According to the release by the NFHS, which advises high school associations nationwide, swimmers may only use one suit made of a woven/knit material that is permeable to water and air, and it must not aid in buoyancy, or have zippers or fastening systems. For males, the suit must not extend above the waist or below the top of the kneecap, while for females, the suit may not go above the shoulders or go below the top of the kneecap. The neck must be completely bare for females as well.
Stroke Technique
Swimmers must adhere to the rules regarding their technique in specific events. There are penalties and disqualifications if swimmers do not obey the stroke technique rules for breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. For the backstroke, swimmers must keep their feet against the wall, and have the option of having their feet out of the water. For the breaststroke, arm and leg movements must be pushed forward together and brought back under the surface of the water. Except for turns, the head must be above the water as well. For the butterfly, swimmers must keep shoulders in line with the surface of the water, and make arm and leg movements together. Swimmers can only be under water for the first 15 m coming out from the wall, and must touch the wall with both hands, according to the Top End Sports website.
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