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Page 12; II. Eligibility:

D. Paid coaches are ineligible to swim in the NWAL. Coaches shall follow the Coach Certification referenced in V.F.8 on page 50

Page 15; III. League Rules and Policies; B. Entries Events and Seeding; 2.Number of Events a Swimmer May Enter:

a. Swimmers may enter no more than three (3) individual events. Swimmers may not swim individual events in more than one age group. Swimmers may not swim more than 1 freestyle relay and 1 medley relay. A swimmer who participates in more than three (3) individual events or individual events in more than one age group; more than one (1) freestyle and/or relay; or more than one (1) medley relay during a meet shall be disqualified in all events,

including relays, in which the swimmer was entered.

Page 16; III. League Rules and Policies; B. Entries Events and Seeding; 3. Relay Entries

a. Dual Meets; ii.Relay teams shall have at least four names listed and an entry time , which may be an unofficial time or an official time (see III.5.a.i for the definition of an official time)

Page 16; III. League Rules and Policies; B. Entries Events and Seeding; 3. Relay Entries

b. Divisional Meet; ii.Relay teams shall have at least four names listed and an entry time , which may be an unofficial time or an official time (see III.5.a.i for the definition of an official time)

Page 18; III. League Rules and Policies; B. Entries Events and Seeding; 5.Seeding; a.General; ii. Official Times shall be used for all individual divisional meet entries at Divisionals and post season invitationals. including relay entries. Post season invitationals must also use only Official times for all swimmers. Relays must be entered with a time, no NTs will be allowed.

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Page 19; III. League Rules and Policies; B. Entries Events and Seeding; 5.Seeding; a.General; iv. Individual entry times for invitational meets shall be Official Times obtained during an NWAL meet or sanctioned invitational. The seed time for relays shall be established by adding the fastest Official Times of the individual swimmers for the stroke that they are swimming on the relay. Relays must be entered with a time, no NTs will be allowed.

Page_23; III. League Rules and Policies; H. Divisional Meets

4. Official Times shall be used for all divisional meet entries for individual events. including relay entries. Relay teams shall have at least four names listed and an entry time, which may be an unofficial time or official time.

Page_25; III. League Rules and Policies; I. Disqualifications; 11. Coaches, assistants and/or spectators shall not be allowed in the starting, turn, finish areas, ready bench area or within five (5)feet of swimming pools, except to assist a swimmer with a prescribed medical device. Coaches, assistants and/or spectators shall not interfere with any meet official during the progress of any competition. No photography or digital recording is allowed in the restricted area behind the starting blocks. Starting area or area defined by the Meet Referee. Violation may result in expulsion from the meet at the discretion of the meet referee. This is for the privacy and protection of our swimmers while they are in a vulnerable position. Upon being apprised of a violation of this rule, it shall be the duty of the Meet Referee to remove, or have such offender removed immediately.

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Page 30; V. Officials and Duties; A. MEET OFFICIALS

For all swimming meets there should not be less than the following:

1 Referee 4 Stroke and Turn Officials

1 Starter 1 Announcer

1 Chief Head Timer 1 Clerk of Course

2 Alternate Timers 1 Computer Person

3 Timers per lane (1Head Lane Timer/Scribe)

2 Ribbon Writers 1 from each team

1 Team Representative from each team

Page 32; V. Officials and Duties; C. Certification and Recertification Requirements; 1. Certification of New Officials; d. Provisional Status; ii. The Provisional official shall be required to work a portion of three meets under the supervision of a Meet Referee, and to that Referee’s satisfaction. In order to become a fully certified official, the Provisional official shall return proof of completion of the required meet attendance to the Chairman of the Training and Certification Committee Their NWALcertified account within one month of the final NWAL Scheduled meet for the season. Any Provisional officials who do not complete this requirement shall revert to their previous level of certification, and shall be required to certify as a new official at the level they were Provisionally Certified.

Page 33; V. Officials and Duties; C. Certification and Recertification Requirements;

4. Coach Certification Responsibilities

See Appendix F for certification and coach responsibilities

5. RECERTIFICATION OF OFFICIALS

Referees will have a yearly Refresher test.
Recertification of Referees, Starters, Stroke and Turn Officials,Clerk of Course, Computer, Team Representative , and Coaches may be required. Recertification procedures shall be determined by the Chairman of the Training Certification Committee subject to the approval of the Board.

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

6. Expired Certification

Page 33; V. Officials and Duties; F. Duties of Officials; 1. Referee

b.The Meet/Deck Referee may overrule any meet official on a point of rule interpretation, or on a judgment decision pertaining to an action which he/she has personally observed (except for relay takeoffs in meets using dual confirmation). The Meet/Deck Referee shall may also disqualify swimmer(s) for any violations of the rules that he/she personally observes. The Meet Referee may remove any person from the meet area for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

Page 36; V. Officials and Duties; F. Duties of Officials; 1. Referee

L. The Meet/Deck Referee shall ensure that officials use the language of the rulebook in describing violations in writing and in communication of disqualifications to swimmers and coaches. Disqualification codes are provided by the makers of meet software for ease of reference by the computer personnel. On deck, disqualification codes can be used in conjunction with the written disqualification, but they cannot replace them. However, failure to use the language of the rulebook in describing violations does not invalidate a disqualification(See Appendix C, for further clarification on swimmers with disabilities)

Page 40; V. Officials and Duties; F. Duties of Officials;2. Starter

B. Start; ii. For each Heat following the first Heat of an event, the starter shall announce the heat number and request the swimmers to “step up” onto the blocks for forward start events or “step in” for backstroke start events. When the Deck Referee is satisfied that the course is clear, and the swimmers are ready, he/she shall blow a single long whistle. The starter shall then announce distance and stroke, pause and then address the swimmers with the command “take your mark,” in a calm, conversational tone. When, in the starter’s judgment, the swimmers are stationary and ready to begin the race, the starter shall sound the starting signal.

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Page 44-45_; V. Officials and Duties; F. Duties of Officials;4. Timers

a. Chief Head Timer

i. Assignment of Timers to lanes shall be the responsibility of the Chief Head Timer.

ii. The Chief Timer shall be responsible for delivery to the Scorers of all Official Times as reported to them by the Head Lane Timers, including the times of disqualified Swimmers.

ii. There shall be at least two (2) Alternate Timer Watches, started by the Head Timer, whose time shall be used only as a substitute in the event of failure of an Official Lane Timer's watch or its operator. Alternate Timers may substitute for Official Lane Timers only in the event of failure of a watch or its operator.

b. Head Lane Timer/Scribe

The Chief Head Timer may designate one Timer/Scribe on each lane as the Head Lane Timer/Scribe. The Head Lane Timer/Scribe shall be responsible for the following

i. Determination if the proper swimmer is in his lane and in position visible to the starter.

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

Timers Continued

ii. Determination of and recording of all watch times.

c. Lane Timers

The Timers shall be placed directly over their assigned lane at the finish. Teams must use equal representation per lane when possible.

i. Each Timer shall look at the strobe light and start his/her watch at the instant of the strobe flash never by sound.

ii. All watches shall be stopped immediately when in the opinion of the Timer any part of the swimmer’s body touches the solid end of the pool or course.

NOTE: It is not the responsibility of the Lane Timer to judge if the finish touch meets the requirements of the appropriate stroke rule.

iii. All Lane Timers shall promptly report their times to the Head Lane Timer/Scribe or his designate, present their watches for inspection if required, and shall not clear them until given the "Clear Watches" command.

iv. The time of each watch is recorded by the Head Lane Timer, or designated Scribe, on the Lane Timer's card, and the Official Time of the lane established as provided above.

v. Timers should report the times from their watches in the same order on the card for each heat.

d. Alternate Timers

There shall be at least two (2) Alternate Timers, whose time shall be used only as a substitute in the event of failure of an Official Lane Timer's watch or its operator. Alternate Timers may substitute for Official Lane Timers only in the event of failure of a watch or its operator. Moved to Head Timer

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Page 47; V. Officials and Duties; F. Duties of Officials;8. Coaches

8. COACHES

a. Coaches shall obtain an annual background check that is cleared by NWAL before working with any NWAL swimmer in or out of the water.

b. Coaches must pass the NWAL coaches test with 90% success before working with any NWAL swimmer in or out of the water.

a. See Appendix F: Coaches Responsibilities

Page 52; VII: Facilities;B.Recommended; 4. TWO WAY RADIOS

The use of Two Way Radios for communication between Officials is recommended but optional. The use of Two Way Radios shall follow the latest published NWAL guidelines available on the NWAL web site.

a. The Meet Referee is responsible for accepting the radios to be used, the channel used, the assignment of radios to Officials, and the protocols for radio use by Officials.

b.The use of radios for communication between Officials should be on a channel that is for Officials only.

c.Radios do not eliminate the requirement to signal an observed infraction by immediately raising one hand over head with palm open.

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

Stroke Rule Change

Page 59; VIII. The Strokes, Relays, and Finishes

E. Individual Medley

2. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. except for the Freestyle where the swimmer can swim in any manner other than a legal butterfly, breast or backstroke (a legal backstroke shall include a propulsive motion of the arms or legs while the swimmer is towards the back).

Page 60; VIII. The Strokes, Relays, and Finishes

H. Medley Relay

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

Page 62-63; Meet Referee Appendix A:

n) The Meet Referee shall ensure that Computer Personnel determine the Official Time for each lane in each race using the Primary Timing System (as described in VI.C.) according to the following procedure:

i) Automatic Timing

a) The NWAL intends to mirror the Automatic Timing protocols in use by USA Swimming and the National Federation of High School Swimming. The current version of this protocol in use by the NWAL is available at https://nwal.org/nwal-downloads under the "Touchpad Protocol" link.

q. Shall prohibit the use of tobacco products in the ready bench area, finish, or starting area of the swimming pool deck;

q.Shall prohibit the use of tobacco and vaping products in the vicinity of the meet. (Note: vapes also added to the NWAL Code of Conduct document)

T. Shall, in those situations where an individual is unable to comply with the literal meaning of a rule by reason of a physical handicap, interpret the rule in such a way as to allow the individual to comply so long as no advantage or disadvantage is conferred upon other competitors or that individual; (Note: Specific guidelines for officiating swimmers with disabilities are posted on the NWAL website.) (Note: See Appendix C: Guidelines and Recommendations for Officiating Swimmers with Disabilities)

W. Shall ensure that officials use the language of the rulebook in describing violations in writing and in communication of disqualifications to swimmers and coaches. Disqualification codes are provided by the makers of meet software for ease of reference by the computer personnel. On deck, disqualification codes can be used in conjunction with the written disqualification, but they cannot replace them. However, failure to use the language of the rulebook in describing violations does not invalidate a disqualification(See Appendix C, for further clarification on swimmer with disabilities)

X. May prohibit the display of insignia that violates the Insignia Rule;

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

PG. 74;Create Appendix F: Coaches Responsibilities

Contained in this document are rules, procedures, and guidelines that you as a coach should know in order to effectively execute the duties of your position. These rules and responsibilities are in line with the NWAL Rulebook.

Coaches Certification:

Coaches shall obtain an annual background check that is cleared by NWAL before working with an NWAL swimmer in or out of the water.
Coaches must pass the NWAL coaches test with 90% success before working with any NWAL swimmer in and out of the water.

NWAL Safe Kids:

Coaches will abide by NWAL Safe Kids Policies and Guidelines, found on the NWAL.org website.

NWAL Code of Conduct:

Coaches will abide by the NWAL Code of Conduct, found on the NWAL.org website.

NWAL League Rules and Policies

Coaches should know the league rules and policies in regards to

Entries, Events and Seeding - pg.
Scratch Meeting- pg
Exhibition Swimming pg
Divisional Meets pg
Disqualifications pg
Protest and Disciplinary actions pg
Facilities pg.
Strokes, Relay and Finishes pg.
Appendix A: Separation of Duties: Meet Referee and Deck Referee pg.
Appendix B: Order of Events pg.
Appendix C: Swimmers with Disabilities pg.
Appendix H: Team Representative Job Description pg

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

Appendix G: Pg. 75-77 Division Representative Job Description

March: Attend NWAL Board meeting. Agenda traditionally includes:

• Approval of special divisional rules.

• Approval of bid for divisional medals.

• Approval of bids for invitational meets.

Remind Team Representatives of certification process.

April: Check with teams to assure they have distributed information on training for officials and coaches to the appropriate team Members.

May: Call and conduct a divisional meeting to begin discussion of divisional meet. (See Rule III.H.)

• Program for divisionals.

• Entry limitations.

• Trophies.

• Heat ribbons.

• Other expenses (including money for medals).

• Complete exchange of team information

June: Record dual meet scores as reported by host team rep following each meet.

Call and conduct a division meeting to finalize plans for divisional meet:

• Officials and other personnel.

• Team Areas.

• Warm-up schedules.

• Concessions.

• Parking.

• Other specifics.

July: Complete final report on season and return to the League Manager.

Remind Team Representatives to complete annual survey for team dues discount.
Remind Team Representatives to check on all provisional officials to upload VOD forms.

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NWAL 2026 Summary of Rules Changes

Appendix H: Pg. 78 Team Representative Job Description

4. Other Duties

• Payment of NWAL dues in a timely manner.

• Assure Team Rosters up to date in NWAL’s Prescribed Team Management Software.

• NWAL Roles are updated in NWAL’s Prescribed Team Management Software.

• Supplying requested meet personnel for dual meets, divisional, and post season invitationals, e.g. Ponderosa, All Star.

• Ensuring that the final roster of active swimmers is up to date and accurate.

• Preparing and returning year end survey timely.

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Referee Lecture

REFEREES WILL HAVE A YEARLY RECERTIFICATION REFRESHER TEST.

MANDATORY TO INFORM REFEREES ABOUT NEW RULES AND LEAGUE’S INTERPRETATION OF MISAPPLIED AND/OR MISUNDERSTOOD RULES

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Meet Referee vs. Deck Referee

Is there a difference?

Why both?

Roles and Responsibilities

Referee Lecture

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MEET REFEREE

An individual may not act simultaneously as the Team Representative and the Meet Referee. The Meet Referee can simultaneously fulfill any of the deck roles including Deck Referee, Starter, and Stroke & Turn official and will remain the Meet Referee.

Referee

The Meet Referee shall have full authority over all officials and shall assign and instruct them. Shall enforce all the rules and shall decide all questions relating to the actual conduct of the meet including eliminating any behavior by an official, coach, competitor or spectator that interferes with the operation of the meet by means of, but not limited to, suspension of the meet or forfeiture.
The Meet/Deck Referee may overrule any meet official on a point of rule interpretation, or on a judgment decision pertaining to an action which he/she has personally observed (except for relay takeoffs in meets using dual confirmation). The Meet/Deck Referee shall also disqualify swimmer(s) for any violations of the rules that he/she personally observes. The Meet Referee may remove any person from the meet area for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
The Deck Referee shall signal the Starter that all of the Officials and swimmers are in position, that the course is clear, and that the competition may begin before each race. Shall be in position at the starting end of the pool to ensure that a fair start has been achieved for each race,which may include activating a recall device or instructing the starter to recall a race whenever a fair start has not been achieved. Shall carry a sounding device (recall whistle) and be prepared to use it to recall unfair starts that he/she has observed.
The Meet/Deck Referee shall give a decision on any point where the opinions of the officials differ. The Meet/Deck Referee has the authority to intercede in the competition at any stage to ensure that the appropriate racing conditions are observed.
The Meet/Deck Referee may at his/her discretion prohibit the use of an noisemaker or light whether natural or artificial, that he/she feels would interfere with other swimmers during a meet.
The Meet/Deck Referee shall prohibit the use of tobacco and vaping products in the vicinity of the meet. (Note: vapes also added to the NWAL Code of Conduct document).
The Meet/Deck Referee shall prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of the meet.

Meet/Deck Referee Role

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h. The Meet Referee shall, in those situations where an individual is unable to comply with the literal meaning of a rule by reason of a physical handicap, interpret the rule in such a way as to allow the individual to comply so long as no advantage or disadvantage is conferred upon other competitors or that individual. (Note: See Appendix C: Guidelines and Recommendations for Officiating Swimmers with Disabilities).

i. The Meet Referee shall prohibit the use of videotape review.

j. An individual may not act simultaneously as the Team Representative and the Meet Referee

k. An individual may not act simultaneously as a Coach and a Meet Official during the meet in which the coach’s team is competing

l. The Meet/Deck Referee shall ensure that officials use the language of the rulebook in describing violations in writing and in communication of disqualifications to swimmers and coaches. However, failure to use the language of the rulebook in describing violations does not invalidate a disqualification. (See Appendix C, for further clarification on swimmer with disabilities)

m. The Meet Referee, Starter, Head Timer, and Computer Personnel shall agree on the responsibilities of each Official with respect to the Timing System in use at the meet.

n. For Divisional or Invitational meets, the Meet Referee shall require dual confirmation of the observed order of finish to make changes to the times based solely on order of finish.

n. The Meet Referee shall ensure that Computer Personnel determine the Official Time for each lane in each race using the Primary Timing System

(Items concerning timing systems covered Separately)

q. No swimmers shall be allowed to remain in the water while the starting signal is given for the next heat.

r. When it is detected that a swimmer is bleeding, has an open wound or an excessive amount of blood on the swimsuit, the swimmer may not compete in another event until proper treatment has been administered. If this occurs prior to the start of a relay race, the start shall be delayed while the swimmer receives proper treatment or is replaced by another eligible swimmer. Once a relay race begins and blood is detected in the starting area or on a swimmer who is not in the water (except the fourth swimmer when in the water), the race shall be stopped. The area and the swimmer shall be properly treated and the race re-swum after an appropriate recovery period. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, or the wound is not properly covered, or there is no eligible substitute the relay team shall not swim.

s. See Appendix A for clarification on responsibilities of Deck/Meet Referee

Meet/Deck Referee Role

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Appendix A: Separation of Duties for Meet Referee and Deck Referee

MEET REFEREE

The Meet Referee:

Is ultimately accountable for ensuring that NWAL meets are operated according to the current NWAL rules and other applicable sanctioning documents;
Shall determine if adjustments to Official Entry Lists are allowed due to discrepancies caused by human error;
Shall have full authority over all officials and shall assign and instruct them;
Shall determine preferences for open lanes, reseeding and combining of events;
Is accountable for the Scratch meeting, officials meeting, and Timers meeting;
Shall enforce all the rules and shall decide all questions relating to the actual conduct of the meet, including eliminating any behavior by an official, coach, competitor or spectator that interferes with the operation of the meet by means of, but not limited to, suspension of the meet or forfeiture;
May overrule any meet official on a point of rule interpretation, or on a judgment decision pertaining to an action which he/she has personally observed (except for relay takeoffs in meets using dual confirmation);
May resolve questions and shall resolve protests raised by coaches or team reps during the meet, including verification of disqualifications and determining Official Times;
May disqualify swimmer(s) for any violations of the rules that he/she personally observes;
May remove any person from the meet area for Unsportsmanlike Conduct;
Shall give a decision on any point where the opinions of the officials differ;
May intercede in the competition at any stage to ensure that the appropriate racing conditions are observed;
Shall, with the Starter, Head Timer, and Computer Personnel, agree on the responsibilities of each Official with respect to the Timing System in use at the meet;
Shall ensure that Computer Personnel determine the Official Time for each lane in each race using the Primary Timing System (as described in V.F.1.n. and VI.C. ) according to procedure covered separately in this lecture;
May consider changing the times-based order of finish if a malfunction or irregularity of the Timing System is reported or suspected, or in the event of an order of finish protest;
Shall instruct Computer Personnel to adjust the times of the Primary Timing System when the time of an Automatic or Semi-Automatic Timing System is equally incorrect for all lanes in a heat because of an early start, late start, or other equipment or operator malfunction;

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Appendix A: Separation of Duties for Meet Referee and Deck Referee

MEET REFEREE

q. Shall prohibit the use of tobacco and vaping products in the vicinity of the meet. (Note: vapes also added to the NWAL Code of Conduct document);

r. May prohibit the use of any noisemaker or light, whether natural or artificial, that could interfere with other swimmers during a meet;

s. Shall prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of the meet;

t. Shall, in those situations where an individual is unable to comply with the literal meaning of a rule by reason of a physical handicap, interpret the rule in such a way as to allow the individual to comply so long as no advantage or disadvantage is conferred upon other competitors or that individual; (Note: See Appendix C: Guidelines and Recommendations for Officiating Swimmers with Disabilities)

u. Shall, in partnership with the Team Reps determine course of action the postponed meets;

v. Shall prohibit the use of videotape review;

w. Shall ensure that officials use the language of the rulebook in describing violations in writing and in communicating disqualifications to swimmers and coaches. However, failure to use the language of the rulebook in describing violations does not invalidate a disqualification.

x. Is accountable for ensuring that meet scoring is correct;

y. Shall report to the NWAL First Vice President any disciplinary action taken against a coach or official;

z. May determine official time and order of finish as allowed by the rulebook;

aa. Shall be responsible for the accuracy of the final results with respect to the order of finish and disqualification final results. This may include working with the clerk of course, coaches and both Team Representatives to resolve any issues found after the posting of final results and follow NWAL Change Times Protocol to make any corrections;

bb. Shall sign the Final Meet Results and have access to the final results until the end of the current NWAL season.

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Appendix A: Separation of Duties for Meet Referee and Deck Referee

DECK REFEREE

The Deck Referee:

Shall supervise the Starter and on deck officials assigned by the Meet Referee;
Shall, before each race signal the Starter that all of the Officials and swimmers are in position, that the course is clear, and that the competition may begin;
Shall be in position at the starting end of the pool to ensure that a fair start has been achieved for each race, which may include activating a recall device or instructing the starter to recall a race whenever a fair start has not been achieved;
Shall carry a sounding device (recall horn or whistle) and be prepared to use it to recall unfair starts that he/she has observed;
May accept or refuse to accept calls made by other stroke and turn officials due to jurisdiction issues, uncertainty on behalf of the official who made the call, or actual observation of the swimmer;
Shall ensure that disqualified swimmers or the swimmers’ coaches are notified of disqualifications;
Shall ensure that disqualifications are properly recorded;
Shall ensure that order of finish is recorded for every heat. (Note: This does not imply that a complete order of finish is required for every heat. It may be impractical to determine proper order for every swimmer. The Deck Ref or the delegated official shall only record the order of finish that can be accurately determined.)

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Referee Whistle Protocol for starting a heat….

Referee Lecture

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Disqualification Expectations

Raise your hand immediately upon observing an infraction

Gain the attention of the writing official
Keep hand raised until you are noticed
On Relays, you will raise your hand at the completion of the race, so that the deck referee can dual confirm the relay take off sheets
Having a radio does not eliminate the requirement to signal an observed infraction by immediately raising one hand over head with palm open

Communicate that you have an infraction

Variety of methods can be used: Hand signals, Verbally, verbally via radio

What to Communicate

Lane # and infraction
Use the proper dq verbiage
You may be asked additional questions – the 3 W’s
Deck Referee will confirm or repeat dq’s called

Record the infraction

If you are the turn official at the start end, you may be required to write the infraction and also inform the swimmer

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Referee Lecture: Disqualifications

Disqualifications

Unless otherwise specified in these Rules, the consequences of a violation of any rule shall be the disqualification of the swimmer or relay team from the event in which the violation occurred.
A disqualification shall be made only by the official within whose jurisdiction the infraction has been committed, or by the Meet/Deck Referee.
The Deck Referee or designated official shall make every reasonable effort to seek out the swimmer and inform him or her as to the reason for disqualification.
Any swimmer who acts in an Unsportsmanlike manner may be considered for disciplinary action by the Meet Referee.
A swimmer shall start and finish the race in his or her assigned lane.
Standing on the bottom during backstroke or freestyle shall not disqualify a swimmer, but he or she must not walk, spring from the bottom, or pull on the lane ropes to gain advantage. Standing on the bottom on breast or fly WILL result in a DQ.
Competitors shall not wear or use any device to aid their speed or buoyancy. (No floaties or kickboards)
Obstructing another swimmer by swimming across the lane or otherwise interfering may disqualify the offender at the discretion of the Meet/Deck Referee.
Should a foul endanger the chance of success of a swimmer(s), the Referee may allow the affected swimmer(s) to re-swim the event. If the re-swim offer is accepted, the time achieved in the re-swim shall be the Official Time. In case of a collusion to foul another swimmer, the Referee may, at his/her discretion, disqualify the swimmer for whose aid the foul was committed, as well as the swimmer committing the foul.
Any swimmer not entered in a race, who enters the competition pool while a race is being conducted, shall be disqualified from his or her next scheduled competition in that day’s session, subject to the discretion of the Meet/Deck Referee.

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Referee Lecture: Disqualifications

Disqualifications

Coaches, assistants and/or spectators shall not be allowed in the starting, turn, finish areas, ready bench area or within five (5) feet of swimming pools, except to assist a swimmer with a prescribed medical device. Coaches, assistants and/or spectators shall not interfere with any meet official during the progress of any competition. No photography or digital recording is allowed in the restricted area behind the starting blocks. Violation may result in expulsion from the meet at the discretion of the meet referee. This is for the privacy and protection of our swimmers while they are in a vulnerable position. Upon being apprised of a violation of this rule, it shall be the duty of the Meet Referee to remove, or have such offender removed immediately.
Any swimmer, who is a participant in more than 3 individual events, shall be disqualified in all events including relays.
If unsportsmanlike conduct occurs, swimmers shall be disqualified from their event immediately before or after the event at which the unsportsmanlike conduct occurred. If unsportsmanlike conduct occurs between races, the swimmer(s) shall be disqualified from their next scheduled event. If the conduct occurs after the swimmers’ final event, they shall be disqualified from their last event. If the conduct occurs during an invitational at which they were not entered, the swimmer may be disqualified from an event at any other invitational meet they were participating in on the same weekend, following the above protocol.
The Meet Referee may eject any team personnel from the meet for excessive unsportsmanlike conduct, including aiding or assisting another swimmer. No official or team personnel shall aid, assist, or interfere with a swimmer while competing in a race, including taking any steps to prevent a backstroke swimmer colliding with the end of the pool. If a swimmer gains an advantage because of assistance he/she shall be disqualified from that event.
No team personnel, including coaches and /or spectators, shall act in an Unsportsmanlike manner. This includes any act the Meet Referee or the League’s officers or board deems poor sportsmanship, such as:

Making insulting or derogatory remarks or acts to officials or opponents;
Improperly questioning, trying to influence, or showing disgust with an official's decisions;
Entering the water during an event in which they are not a participant
An act undertaken by any individual or team that the league’s officers or board determines is detrimental to the league or may result in a swimmer or team obtaining an unfair competitive advantage.

Any swimmer who does not finish the proscribed distance shall be disqualified.
Suits shall be one piece. Males shall wear suits which cover the buttocks. Females shall wear suits which cover the buttocks and breasts.

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How to Set the Deck

Referee Lecture

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Turn�Official

Stroke�Official

Starter

Referee

Wall to Wall

Last In and First Out

Deck for Technical Events, 8 lanes, full officials

Referee Lecture

Officials: 8

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Stroke and Turn�Official

Starter

Referee

Quad 1

Quad 2

Deck for Technical Events, 8 lanes, limited officials

Quad 4

Quad 3

Referee Lecture

Officials: 6

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Turn�Official

Starter

Referee

Last In and First Out

Deck for Freestyle, 8 lane pool, full officials

Referee Lecture

Officials: 6

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Turn�Official

Stroke�Official

Starter

Referee

Wall to Wall

Last In and First Out

RTO-O

RTO-I

Deck for 100 Medley Relays, 8 lanes, full officials

Head �Timer

Referee Lecture

Officials: 16

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Turn�Official

Starter

Referee

Last In and First Out

RTO-O

RTO-I

Deck for 100 Free Relays, 8 lane, full officials

Referee Lecture

Officials: 14

free

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Turn�Official

Stroke�Official

Starter

Referee

Wall to Wall

Last In and First Out

Deck for Individual Events, 6 Lanes, full officials

Pool

Stairs

Referee Lecture

Officials: 8

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Turn�Official

Stroke�Official

Starter

Referee

Wall to Wall

Last In and First Out

Deck for Individual Events, 6 lanes, diving well

Pool

Stairs

Pool

Stairs

Diving Well

Referee Lecture

Officials: 8

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Stroke and Turn�Official

Starter

Referee

Quad

Deck for Individual Events, 6 lanes, diving well

Pool

Stairs

Pool

Stairs

Diving Well

Quad

Referee Lecture

Officials: 6

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Referee Lecture

Assignments

Prepare a written assignment sheet. It is good practice to inquire about which officials will be present at the swim meet and their certification status.

Your officials then will know when and where they are expected. You will be able to move officials around the deck so they do not get bored. You can make sure that the deck is properly balanced for all events.

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Relays & Take-Off Officiating

Referee Lecture

F. RELAYS

1. RULES PERTAINING TO RELAY RACE

i. No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event.

ii. In relay races a swimmer other than the first swimmer shall not start until his teammate has finished his leg.

iii. Any relay team member and the relay team shall be

disqualified from a race if a team member other than the swimmer designated to swim that leg enters the pool in the area where the race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race.

iv. In relay races the team of a swimmer whose feet have lost contact with the starting platform (ground or deck) before his preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified. The second, third and fourth swimmers on the relay team may be in motion prior to the touch of the incoming swimmer, but no intentional movement of the feet is permitted on deck starts (no running starts from the deck). Moving from the back of the blocks to the front of the blocks is permitted provided that the swimmer does not initiate the action from the deck.

v. In relay races each swimmer shall have finished his/her race when he/she has covered the prescribed distance and executed a legal finishing touch as prescribed in the rules in the rules pertaining to the specific stroke involved.

vi. Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing his or her leg, except the last member.

vii. The swimmers on any particular relay heat cannot be

changed in any way once the relay in question has launched. Any change to the composition of swimmers on a relay team in a heat due to insertion of an alternate (including an alternate originating from one of the other relays competing in that same heat) will result in the disqualification of the relay team(s) in question

G. FREESTYLE RELAY

i. Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one fourth of the prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s). Swimmers may swim in any order desired.

H. MEDLEY RELAY

i. Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one fourth of the prescribed distance, in the following order:

first, Backstroke; second, Breaststroke; third, Butterfly;

fourth, Freestyle.

ii. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where

applicable.

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Referee Lecture: Timing Systems

The Meet Referee, Starter, Head Timer, and Computer Personnel shall agree on the responsibilities of each Official with respect to the Timing System in use at the meet.
The Meet Referee shall ensure that Computer Personnel determine the Official Time for each lane in each race using the Primary Timing System (as described in VI.C.) according to the following procedure:

Automatic Timing

The NWAL intends to mirror the Automatic Timing protocols in use by USA Swimming and the National Federation of High School Swimming. The current version of this protocol in use by the NWAL is available at https://nwal.org/nwal-downloads under the “Touchpad Protocol” link.
If a malfunction is confirmed for the lane, the Official Time shall be determined by following the Semi Automatic Timing section

Semi-Automatic Timing

If three button times are available, and the difference between each time is less than 0.3 seconds, the time of the intermediate button time shall be the Official Time.
If three button times are available, and the difference between any time and its nearest other time is greater than or equal to 0.3 seconds, then the time with the greatest difference from the nearest shall be discarded and the Official Time shall be the average of the two remaining button times. Any digits representing thousandths of a second shall be rounded up to the next slowest hundredth.
If only two button times are available, the Official Time shall be the average of those two button times. Any digits representing thousandths of a second shall be rounded up to the next slowest hundredth.
If only one button time is available, or no button times are available, the Official Time shall be determined by following the Manual Timing section.

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Referee Lecture: Timing Systems

Manual Timing

If three watch times are available, and the difference between each time is less than 0.3 seconds, the time of the intermediate watch time shall be the Official Time.
If three watch times are available, and the difference between any time and its nearest other time is greater than or equal to 0.3 seconds, then the time with the greatest difference from its nearest shall be discarded and the Official Time shall be the average of the two remaining watch times. Any digits representing thousandths of a second shall be rounded up to the next slowest hundredth. The discarded time shall remain legible on the scribe sheet.
If only two watch times are available, the Official Time shall be the average of those two watch times. Any digits representing thousandths of a second shall be rounded up to the next slowest hundredth.
If only one watch time is available, the time of that watch shall be the Official Time.
If no watch times are available, the Meet Referee shall determine the Official Time by adding or subtracting 0.01 second to the nearest Official Time in the heat based on the observed order of finish. If no order of finish is available, the Meet Referee may use an unofficial watch time, or offer the swimmer the option of re-swimming the event.

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Referee Lecture: Timing Systems

The Meet Referee may consider changing the times-based order of finish if a malfunction or irregularity of the Timing System is reported or suspected, or in the event of an order of finish protest.

A malfunction or irregularity may be suspected if:

The difference between the times for a lane obtained by the Primary and available Backup system(s) is greater than or equal to 0.3 seconds; or
A Certified Official designated by the Meet Referee to record order of finish reports a different order of finish

When a malfunction on a lane is confirmed in the Primary system, the Official Time for that lane shall be determined in accordance with the procedure for the Backup system in V.F.1.n.
For Divisional or Invitational meets, the Meet Referee shall require dual confirmation of the observed order of finish to make changes to the times based solely on order of finish.
For information on resolving a Timing Malfunction or order of finish Protest with Manual and Semi-Automatic timing systems, refer to Appendix D - Timing Malfunction or Irregularity Guide.

When, because of an early start, late start, or other equipment or operator malfunction, the time of an Automatic or Semi-Automatic Timing System is equally incorrect for all lanes in a heat, but the order of finish is accurate, the Meet Referee shall instruct Computer Personnel to adjust the times of of the Primary Timing System by calculating the average difference between the Primary times and the valid Backup times and adding, or subtracting when appropriate, that difference to the Primary times of every lane in that heat.

NOTE: A conversion factor of 1.11 shall be used whenever times need to be converted from yards to meters. Yard times shall be meter times divided by 1.11, and meter times shall be yard times multiplied by 1.11.

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Appendix D: Timing Malfunction or Irregularity Guide

A guide for using observed order of finish to determine the official order of finish, when a Manual or Semi-Automatic timing system (watches or buttons) is the Primary Timing System.

This is a guide intended to cover the most common situations related to timing malfunction or irregularity, and may not address all possible situations. This guide is not intended for use with Automatic Timing Systems (touchpads).

Timing Malfunction or Irregularity

When a timing malfunction or irregularity exists, the referee has reason to believe that the time is one or more lanes was not accurately measured or reported. The fact that an observed order of finish differs from the times-based order of finish is NOT a reason to conclude that a timing malfunction or irregularity exists. The conclusion of a timing malfunction or irregularity should be reached independently of observed order of finish. Examples include:

Observation that timer(s) were not positioned to see a swimmer touch the wall,
Observation that a scribe did not record the time,
Lanes where all timers did not start their watches at the start of the race
Lanes where all timers’ watches did not function
Observation or reporting that a timing device continued to run after the swimmer finished the race.

To resolve a timing malfunction or irregularity:

Identify the lane(s) where the malfunction or irregularity exists.
Identify the placement of the swimmer according to the observed order of finish.
Use the observed order of finish to determine a swimmer’s order of finish and to calculate the swimmers official time. Either add 0.01 seconds to the time of the swimmer who finished immediately ahead of the swimmer in question or subtract 0.01 seconds from the time of the swimmer who finished immediately after the swimmer in question and assign that time to the affected swimmer.

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Appendix D: Timing Malfunction or Irregularity Guide

Order of Finish Protest

The guiding principle is that preference is given to the timers-based order of finish until it can be demonstrated convincingly that there was a timing error. Each swimmer is independently timed by 3 different people while the order of finish judge is attempting to evaluate as many as 8 swimmers. If the spread between the timer’s watches is less than 0.3 seconds, there should be a strong bias to the time-based order of finish. If the spread between watches is equal to or greater than 0.3 seconds, you have a good reason to believe that one or more timers made an error.

Before concluding that the observed order of finish is now correct, follow the below procedure:

Compare the observed order of finish to the times-based order of finish. If they match, then the times-based order of finish is final. If not, go to Step 2.
Review the scribe sheets for all lanes in question. Calculate the spread between the fastest and slowest time for each swimmer impacted by the protest. If the spread is less than 0.3 seconds in all affected lanes, then the times-based order of finish is final. If the spread is equal to or greater than 0.3 for either lane, then continue to Step 3.
Determine if any of the watch times are inconsistent with the others (i.e. look for outliers). If no outliers exist, the times-based order of finish is final. If inconsistencies do exist then assume the outlying watch does not exist and recalculate the times based upon V.F.1.n., and continue to step 4�
If the adjusted time (from Step 3) and observed order of finish now agree, then this is the new official order of finish. The new official time is now the result of Step 3, based on V.F.1.n. If the adjusted times-based order of finish and observed order of finish still do not agree, then the unadjusted times-based order of finish and times are final.

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Eligibility and Waivers

The goal of the NWAL is to promote a competitive program for community swimmers. The intent of the following rules regarding team representations is to promote the community concept and at the same time make provisions for situations where NWAL swimmers' families are Members of a Club or reside in an area that does not have a community team.

“Community” is defined as a local neighborhood entity that may include subdivisions, villages, unnamed areas, or aggregates of these up to and including cities. A “Club” is defined as a commercial business that may include country clubs, health clubs, YMCA’s, etc.

“Member of a Club” means one who has paid a club’s normally charged initiation, annual or monthly fees and is entitled to full use (for class of membership) of the facilities year round (this specifically excludes swim team only memberships and clubs without other substantial facilities which would induce membership.

A swimmer who lives in a community represented by a NWAL swim team shall swim for the community team. The core area, or boundary of the team follow this hierarchy:

If the community is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA) or equivalent, the boundary of the team is the boundary of the HOA or equivalent
If the community is a municipality (city, town, township), the boundary of the team is the city or town limits (not including the City of Houston).
If the community has more than one team, then written criteria for determining the boundary of the team and/or distribution of swimmers must have been submitted to the League Officers for approval and kept by the teams.

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Eligibility and Waivers

If a swimmer is also a Member of a Club represented by the NWAL, or resides in more than one community represented by the NWAL, the swimmer may choose the team he or she wishes to represent, but the swimmer shall represent the same team throughout the swim season.
Any swimmer who lives in the area covered by the NWAL but does not live in a community represented by a NWAL team may join an NWAL team for which he or she meets that team’s membership requirements. In this case a swim team-only membership will be allowed.
Paid coaches are ineligible to swim in the NWAL.
Coaches' children may swim with the team their parents coach and meet that teams' membership requirements. A waiver is required to be on file in the event that the parent does not coach that team in subsequent years.
Only NOVICE SWIMMERS may participate in the League. A NOVICE SWIMMER is any individual up to and including eighteen (18) years of age.
Eligibility for an age group is determined by the individual age as of the end of the day on May 1 of the current year.
To maintain a stable environment for team competition, it is expected that swimmers and their families shall not seek, nor be encouraged, to change NWAL teams except as an incident of a move of the family residence. The NWAL’s eligibility rules are established with this purpose in mind, recognizing that an individual’s opportunity to participate on a particular team shall be appropriately balanced against the League’s legitimate interest in maintaining stability and competitive fairness within the League. The NWAL Board may investigate and provide appropriate sanctions with regard to any instances that it deems may affect the stability and competitive fairness of the League.

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Eligibility and Waivers

Requests for eligibility waivers or exceptions shall be approved by the receiving Team Representative and the sending or original team as soon as possible. An eligibility waiver will be submitted using the NWAL Certification site for approval. The following are suggested exceptions that the Division(s) may consider (not all inclusive):

Diagnosed disabilities that would be better served in a different age group or different team.
Circumstances outside the swimmer’s control that would prevent the swimmer from otherwise being able to participate in NWAL swimming
Swimmer previously given permission to swim on wrong team without the properly approved waiver.
Swimmer denied membership because of team size restriction. (Only needs to be approved one time, not each year.)

J. . Every swimmer must complete all of their team’s registration requirements and agree to a waiver of all liabilities of NWAL and its teams before participating at any practice or swim meet. Any swimmer requiring an eligibility waiver or exception to swim for a team must (in addition to completing any and all registration requirements) have submitted an eligibility waiver to NWAL and received approval from NWAL for such eligibility waiver before participating at any practice or swim meets for such team. The deadline for requesting an eligibility waiver is prior to the first dual meet.

Any waiver requests not approved by the affected Division may be appealed to the NWAL League Officers. All eligibility waivers approved at the Division level shall be submitted and approved using the NWAL Certification site for Waivers. The League Officers have the authority to override any eligibility waiver decisions made at the Division level in order to maintain consistency across the League. All appeals and Division-approved waivers shall be submitted on the NWAL Certification site for Waivers no later than two weeks prior to the start of the NWAL season. All approved waivers shall be displayed on the NWAL Certification Site for Waivers no later than the start of the NWAL season. All approved waivers are considered to be permanent unless there is a change in the swimmer’s eligibility circumstances.
Any team wishing to contest the validity of a submitted waiver must provide documented proof to the satisfaction of the NWAL League Officers that the exception for the waiver is invalid or false.
The violation of any of the above eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of each meet in which an ineligible swimmer participated. [Note: The score of a forfeited meet, regardless of the reason for the forfeit, shall be 749 to 747.] Violations determined by the NWAL League Officers to be willful or premeditated shall result in additional disciplinary action up to and including expulsion of both swimmer and team from the League.

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Entries and Seeding

Referee Lecture

Number of Events a Swimmer may Enter

Swimmers may enter no more than three (3) individual events. Swimmers may not swim individual events in more than one age group. Swimmers may not swim more than 1 freestyle relay and 1 medley relay. A swimmer who participates in more than three (3) individual events or individual events in more than one age group; more than one (1) freestyle relay; or more than one (1) medley relay during a meet shall be disqualified in all events, including relays, in which the swimmer was Entered.

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Scoring

Referee Lecture

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Scratch Meeting: Morning of Meet

Scratch Meeting

The purpose of the scratch meeting is to make adjustments on relay teams in age groups that have been reduced to fewer than four swimmers because one or more of the swimmers did not show up for the meet by the time of the scratch meeting. Teams may scratch a swimmer who is not attending the meet and reseed the meet.
At the scratch meeting a team may move a swimmer officially entered in the meet from a lower age group into a relay for a higher age group (up to two age groups) of the same gender provided that the team does not have enough swimmers in the higher age group available. The swimmer moved into the higher age group for one or more relays may remain in all individual events originally entered in the lower age group. Swimmers are only allowed to swim one freestyle and one medley relay at dual meets. After making these Adjustments, all swimmers must remain in compliance with the number of events a swimmer may enter.
Substitution of alternates on relay teams may be done at any time, not necessarily during the scratch meeting.
Swimmers may be entered into the meet at the scratch meeting with approval of both team representatives and the Meet Referee.
No adjustments shall be made after the start of the meet. The fact that a relay alternate swims is not an adjustment

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Protests and Disciplinary Actions

Protests and Disciplinary Actions

Certified Team Reps or Coaches are the only Team members to approach a Meet Referee of a disputed call, protest or disciplinary action.
Protests against judgment decisions of starters, stroke, turn, and relay takeoff judges shall only be considered by the Meet Referee, who has the authority to disqualify swimmers for any violation of the rules that he personally observes.
Any other protest arising from the competition itself shall be made to the Meet Referee prior to the completion of the meet. If the protest is not resolved immediately, the protesting Team Representative may, within 36 hours, file a written protest accompanied by $100 to their Division Representative or to a League Officer for Board adjudication at the earliest possible time which shall then be binding on all parties. Any monies received with protests are non-refundable unless the protest resolved in favor of the protester.
Until final action is determined, the results of any heat, event, or meet conducted under protest shall not be announced, and awards for that contested situation shall not be awarded nor scoring of points allowed unless the protest is officially withdrawn.
Disciplinary action taken by a Meet Referee against a coach or official shall be reported in writing to the First Vice-President before the next scheduled meet.
The League Officers shall have the final authority to censure or discipline team personnel.
The League Officers shall have the discretion to refer any protest to the Training and Certification Committee for input, clarification and recommendations prior to ruling on the protest.
Physical, mental and verbal abuse of any of the participants, coaches, managers, employees, spectators or volunteers involved in our sponsored activities is not permitted before, during or after sponsored activities.

Notwithstanding requirements to report allegations of sexual abuse immediately to the proper authorities, allegations of abuse away from competition are to be made first to the Meet Referee and, if before or after the meet, should be made to the respective Team Representatives for reporting to the First Vice President / Head of Officials.
Unless referred to NWAL legal counsel or insurance claims adjuster, allegations will be adjudicated by the Head of Officials, utilizing appropriate investigation techniques and reports from the respective parties involved.
Decisions by the First Vice President / Head of Officials may be appealed to League Officers for review. Decisions by the League Officers are final.

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Delay or Postponement of Meets

Delay or Postponement of Meets Due to Climatic Conditions

The Host Team Meet Referee, working with the Team Reps for both teams, may postpone a dual meet up to 24 hours prior to that meet due to unfavorable climatic conditions or unavailability of the pool.
If a dual meet has progressed through event 60, and is suspended due to unfavorable climatic conditions, the meet is considered complete, no reschedule is necessary, and the results through the last event completed shall be the final score.
The Visiting Team may also postpone a dual meet up to 24 hours prior to scheduled meet start, due to circumstances which would significantly impact their participation, and shall do so only with concurrence of the Host Team Meet Referee and both Team Reps.
In either of the above situations (A and B), the process for re-scheduling of the meet must be followed as per rule IV.C. If either team should be without a Meet Referee, contact NWAL 1st VP (Officials@nwal.org) to ensure that your team is represented in this process.

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Delay or Postponement of Meets

E. Swimming competition shall be suspended immediately when thunder is heard, or lightning is visible.

The meet shall be suspended until 15 minutes after the last thunder was heard or the last lightning was sighted. Note that local facility rules and/or pool management rules regarding thunderstorm suspension, should they exist, take precedence over NWAL rules.
When a meet is suspended because of lightning and/or thunder, the pool area shall be cleared immediately of all participants, officials, and spectators.
When a meet in progress is suspended, the Meet Referee and both Team Representatives shall meet prior to leaving the facilities to determine what course of action to pursue.
Delayed meet postponed.

Team Representatives may agree mutually to postpone any meet that has been suspended due to climatic conditions.
A meet suspended for 2 hours in the aggregate shall be considered postponed unless both Team Representatives agree otherwise.

Re-scheduling of postponed meets is by mutual agreement. Any team acting in an unresponsive manner during the climatic rescheduling process will be considered as unsportsmanlike and risk meet forfeiture.

In the event that Team Representatives cannot mutually agree to a date to reschedule a dual meet, the following procedure shall be implemented:

The host team shall offer three (3) dates prior to the next scheduled meet when the facility will be available for rescheduling the meet. The rescheduled meet is to occur prior to the next scheduled meet.
The visiting team shall select one of the dates to reschedule the meet.
In the event that the facility is not available, or if by mutual agreement the meet is not rescheduled, the meet shall be declared a draw. In that event each team shall be awarded one half of the total points for the meet (748 points each for a dual meet).
The Weather Delay Form, located on the NWAL website, shall be filled out by the host team when any weather delay or postponement occurs and be signed by both teams. This form shall be filled out during the delays and all information recorded. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the meet by the home team in the event of disagreements. This applies to both dual and divisional meets.

Divisional meets shall be rescheduled and completed through event 86.

If other pool conditions such as water quality make it unsafe or inadvisable to swim, the meet shall be postponed and rescheduled as necessary using an approach consistent with Rule IV.B.

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Protests / Delays /Blood

Referee Lecture

When it is detected that a swimmer is bleeding, has an open wound or an excessive amount of blood on the swimsuit, the swimmer may not compete in another event until proper treatment has been administered. If this occurs prior to the start of a relay race, the start shall be delayed while the swimmer receives proper treatment or is replaced by another eligible swimmer. Once a relay race begins and blood is detected in the starting area or on a swimmer who is not in the water (except the fourth swimmer when in the water), the race shall be stopped. The area and the swimmer shall be properly treated and the race re-swum after an appropriate recovery period. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, or the wound is not properly covered, or there is no eligible substitute the relay team shall not swim.

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Referee Lecture: Facility Requirements

FACILITIES

REQUIRED

COURSE SHALL BE FREE OF OBSTACLES

All ladders, steps, stairs or other projection shall be recessed or removed when possible. Any team shall have the option of refusing to swim in the lane where such projections present, in their opinion, unsafe conditions for their swimmers.

POOL AND BULKHEAD MARKINGS

The top edge of deck-level pools shall be marked with a contrasting color to provide a visual target at the end of the pool. Towels may be hung as targets at the request of any team in lieu of permanent targets.

STARTING PLATFORMS (Blocks)

The blocks shall comply with each of the following requirements; otherwise forward starts shall be from the deck. This is a requirement not an option.

The surface of the starting platform shall be no less than 20 inches square, and the maximum slope toward the pool shall be no more than 10 degrees from the horizontal.
The top shall be covered with a non-skid material.
Firm starting grips, flush with the end of the pool, for Backstroke starts shall be placed 11 3/4 inches to 31 1/2 inches above the surface of the water.
The platform may be flush with the end of the pool.
Height above the Water Line:

The front edge of the starting platform shall not exceed 30 inches in height above the surface of the water if the depth of the pool at that end is 4 feet or more.
The front edge of the starting platform shall not exceed 18 inches in height above the surface of the water if the depth of the pool at that end is less than 4 feet.
In pools with water depth less than 3 feet 6 inches at the starting end, the swimmers shall start from the deck. With the Meet/Deck Referee’s permission, a swimmer may start in the water. The swimmer shall be stationary and have at least one hand in contact with the starting platform or end wall. A backstroke start is not permitted except on backstroke event

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Referee Lecture: Facility Requirements

FACILITIES

LANE LINES AND ANCHORS

Permanent provisions shall be made to anchor lane lines at the water level in recessed receptacles. Tightly stretched, easily visible floating lane markers shall be provided for all meets. The color of the floats for 15 feet from each end shall be distinct from the rest of the floats.

BACKSTROKE FLAGS, LINES AND ANCHORS

Provisions shall be made to anchor the backstroke flag line. At least three (3) triangular pennants of two or more alternating colors shall be suspended over each lane from a line fifteen (15) feet from each end of the swimming course. The flag line shall be at least seven (7) feet above the water surface. Pennants shall be six (6) to twelve (12) inches in width at the base, and twelve (12) to eighteen (18) inches in vertical length.

Pools shall have a minimum of four (4) lanes with an individual width of five (5) feet or greater.
Pools shall have a minimum of three (3) feet of water at the shallowest part of the course.
A CPR and First Aid Certified person shall be at all NWAL events and functions including Divisionals and Invitationals.
Facilities shall be safe for athlete and spectator use.

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Referee Lecture: Facility Requirements

FACILITIES

RECOMMENDED

POOL AND BULKHEAD MARKINGS

Lines should be placed on pool bottoms to serve as guides for each swimmer, and the color of these lines (preferably black) should be a marked contrast to the general color of the pool. Such lines should be at least 10 inches wide and placed in the middle of each swimming lane. As these lanes approach the end of the pool, it is recommended that distinctive "T" markings be placed on the bottom sixty (60) inches from the wall. It is recommended that target lines at least ten (10) inches wide be placed on each end wall of the pool, in the center of each lane, extending from the deck to at least four (4) feet below the surface water. Lanes should be numbered from right to left as the swimmer stands facing the course. Each lane should be clearly marked.

STARTING PLATFORMS (Blocks)

The lane number should be visible from all sides of the platform.

RECALL ROPE

Provisions should be made to anchor the recall rope so that it shall be suspended at least four (4) feet above the water at its lowest point. A recall rope may be available which may be dropped across the racing lanes in case of a false start. It should be located within 36 feet from the take-off point.

TWO WAY RADIOS

The use of Two Way Radios for communication between Officials is recommended but optional. The use of Two Way Radios shall follow the latest published NWAL guidelines available on the NWAL web site.

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Referee Lecture: Facility Requirements

FACILITIES

NON-STANDARD POOLS

Where the pool does not meet the requirements of Rule VII.A., and a team cannot provide them, it is a non-standard pool.
When a team's pool is more than plus or minus one (1) yard from 25 yards or 25 meters, it is a non-standard pool.
Fifty-meter pools are non-standard.
Pools of teams who do not respond in a timely manner to the NWAL with dimensional information are designated non-standard subject to a formal appeal to the Board of Directors.
All other pools, whether 25 yards or 25 meters shall be considered standard. Any pool whose length exceeds plus or minus 6 inches from nominal shall receive a timing adjustment factor from the NWAL to be used for seeding events at all meets.
It is the option of the team with a standard pool to decline to swim at the non-standard pool, and the following procedures shall be followed:

If the standard pool team exercises that option, the standard pool team shall supply the standard pool facility for the meet.
The non-standard pool team shall have the option of acting as host team for the meet.
If the non-standard pool team exercises that option, they shall supply the Meet Referee and the ribbons.
Whenever possible, concessions are negotiable. However, if there is no mutual agreement between the teams, then the team with the non-standard pool facility shall be awarded concessions.

TEAMS WITHOUT POOLS shall provide host officials and ribbons when hosting a meet as a visitor subject to forfeiture at the option of the team supplying the facility.
The host team is required to allow the visiting team the option of the later warm up time slot, unless previously agreed to by both teams and the Meet Referee.

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Referee Lecture

Refer to Appendix C for a guidance on handling visual, hearing, physical, and cognitive disabilities.

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Official’s Meeting

Gather all officials before the meet start and review the following. Keep it light and interesting.

Introduce yourself
Pool layout and features
Jurisdiction
DQ protocol & processing
Stroke and turn expectations
Deck Ref and Starter expectations
Swimmers with Disabilities
Relays and ballots
What to do with protests
Provisional forms (VOD Form)
Deck assignments and rotations
Seek questions

Timer’s Meeting

Gather all timers before the meet start and review the following. Keep it light and interesting.

Introduce yourself
Where to stand
When to clear your watch
When to start your watch
What to do with a malfunction
What to do with the 3^rd decimal place
Best practices for the scribe
Make sure you have the right swimmer
Let them know the meet will be moving fast!

Referee Lecture

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Referee Best Practices….

Purchase a whistle!
Ensure all officials are in position before starting each event
Ensure the course is clear before starting each heat
Provide the starter with a clear whistle blow
Closely observe each start
During each heat spend most of your time observing your officials for an infraction
Note each heat you launch on the referee heat sheet
Note all infractions + lane number on the Referee heat sheet

Deck Referee Sheets are the Final Authority on DQ’s on Swimmers. This will be used to check for DQ accuracy and No Show accuracy after computers enters the information.

Note all “no shows” or empty lanes
Be aware of rules for swimmers with disabilities
Have access to a rulebook at all swim meets
Coordinate with your Computer official and clerk of course.
Always remain calm, no matter the situation
Keep the meet moving
Keep an eye out for any and all safety issues!

Referee Lecture

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