High School Swimming Rules

High school swimming rules are the same rules used by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). When a teen signs up for a swimming or diving program with his local high school, he agrees to participate as an amateur athlete and follow certain guidelines to maintain his eligibility.

  1. Racing Signals

    • The referee blows his whistle to let the swimmers know it is time to strip down to their swimwear and get in position. The referee will announce "on your mark," and all swimmers assume their positions. When everyone is ready, the referee gives the starting signal. If anyone starts before this signal, the referee will disqualify that swimmer.

    Age Requirements

    • Students under 11 cannot participate in the following competitions: 800/1000 freestyle, 1500/1650 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 200 breaststroke, 200 butterfly, 400 individual relay, 400 freestyle relay and 400 medley relay. Students who are 11 to 12 years old cannot participate in the 800 freestyle relay. Participants 13 and over cannot participate in the 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 100 individual relay.

    Swimwear

    • A swimmer may only wear a swimsuit, goggles and cap. All suits must be made of textile materials. Men's suits cannot extend below the knees or above the navel. Women's suits cannot extend below the knee or cover the neck. FINA, the international governing body of swimming, governs which swimsuits are allowed in competition. The insignia of the club swimmers represent may be on their suits. No advertising trademarks are allowed except the trademark of the technical equipment on clothing.