Proposed Amendments to the RCSL Standing Rules
The following items are recommended by the committee to implement all current motions and/or correct any rules
that are in conflict with our current practices (deletions are “lined out” with additions in bold, underlined italic) .
1. Pursuant to the motion proposed by Barbie Lagdon at the January RCSL meeting, the following change to the League
Standing Rules is recommended to implement that motion:
Amend Section 206.1 & 206.2 as follows:
.1 Points shall be awarded in all Dual Meets & Tri Meets as follows:
Place
Dual / Tri Meets
Individual Events:
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Relay Events:
1st
2nd
3rd
.2 Tri Meets:
Place
1st
Individual Events:
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
1st
Relay Events:
2nd
Points
5 7
3 5
1 4
3
2
1
7 8
4
2
Points
6
4
3
2
1
0
8
4
.2 Points shall only be awarded to the top four (4) individual swimmers from each team in each individual event and to
the top two (2) relay teams from each team in relay events.
2. Further, the committee recommends changing the Championship meet scoring to accommodate more swimmers
scoring points as well; the following change to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Amend Section 306.1A & B as follows:
.1 The Championship meet(s) shall be scored for ten (10) sixteen (16) places as follows:
A. Individual Events:
Place
Points
1st
11 20
2nd
9 17
3rd
8 16
4th
7 15
5th
6 14
6th
5 13
7th
4 12
8th
3 11
9th
2 9
10th
1 7
11th
6
12th
5
13th
4
14th
3
15th
2
16th
1
B. Relay Events – Relay events shall be scored at double the individual event values shown in A. above.
3. Should the above recommendations be approved, the committee further recommends that the awards given out at the
Championship meets be changed to reflect the scoring changes; the following change to the League Standing Rules
is recommended to implement this:
Amend Appendix “C” as follows:
Appendix “C” - Awards for RCSL Championships
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
RCSL Championships
Individual Awards
Award
Color of Ribbon or Neck Ribbon
Gold Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Silver Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Bronze Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
RCSL Championships
Relay Awards
Award
Color of Ribbon or Neck Ribbon
Gold Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Silver Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Bronze Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Standard
“A”
“B”
“C”
RCSL Championships
Time-Standard Awards
Award
Color of Ribbon
Gold Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Silver Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Bronze Medal Determined by Awards Committee
Appendix “C” - Awards for 6 & Under Championships
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
6&Under Championships
Individual Awards
Award
Color of Ribbon or Neck Ribbon
Gold Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Silver Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Bronze Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
6 & Under Championships
Relay Awards
Award
Color of Ribbon or Neck Ribbon
Gold Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Silver Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Bronze Medal
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
Ribbon
Determined by Awards Committee
4. The committee recommends giving the Executive Board the ability to set the dates of the dual meet season based on
the dates of each season’s Championship meets; the following change to the League Standing Rules is
recommended to implement this:
Amend Section 201 (Schedule) as follows:
.1
Dual/Tri Meet Schedule – The dual/tri meet schedule shall be set annually by the League at its regular March meeting a
regular meeting designated by the Executive Board, using the following procedures:
A.
All teams shall be required to schedule a minimum of five (5) meets for the dual/tri meet season.
B. The teams of the League shall be divided into three (3) separate divisions based on results of the prior year’s
Championship results. Three (3) dual/tri meets must be scheduled within their division.
C. Each team shall be permitted to “pre-schedule” up to two (2) additional dual/tri meets prior to this (March) meeting.
D. The first week for dual meets shall be the last week of May Each season, the Executive Board of the League shall
designate a beginning week for the dual/tri meet season based on the chosen dates for that season’s championship
meets. The Executive Board shall designate a beginning week that will allow for no fewer than the above stated
minimum number of dual/tri meets (201.1A).
E. The balance of the schedule shall be set in a manner determined by the Executive Board of the League.
5. The committee recommends that the League clarify exhibition swimming in dual meets to allow for what has occurred
in the past two seasons; the following change to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Amend Section 203 (Entries) by adding the following subsection:
.7
Exhibition swimming by member athletes duly registered with the League shall be permitted in dual meets only.
6. Due to the limitations of the software we presently use, the committee recommends that seeding for tri meets be
changed to accommodate the software; the following change to the League Standing Rules is recommended to
implement this:
B
Tri Meets:
L1= Fastest time for Larger Visiting Team
H1 = Fastest time for Host Team
# of Lanes
in Pool
7
6
5
Lane Numbers> 8
5 Lanes
2nd Last Heat
L4
Last Heat
L2
6 Lanes
2nd Last Heat
Last Heat
8 Lanes
2nd Last Heat
Last Heat
L6
L3
H5
H2
S1 = Fastest time for Smaller Visiting Team
4
H3
H1
3
S2
S1
2
L3
L1
1
H4
H2
H4
H2
S4
S2
L3
L1
H3
H1
S3
S1
L4
L2
S4
S2
L4
L1
H4
H1
S3
S1
L5
L2
H6
H3
B. Tri Meets: All League sanctioned tri meets shall be seeded as a timed final meet in accordance with “C” below.
7. Due to the appointment of a Meet Referee for our Championship Meet, the committee recommends changing the
wording of Section 308.3C as regards protests to reflect this change; the following change to the League Standing
Rules is recommended to implement this:
C
Protests against the judgment decisions of the Deck Referee, Starter, Stroke & Turn Judges, Place Judges or
Relay Take-off Judges can only be considered by the Meet Referee of the meet under 401.1C. After
investigation, the decision of the Meet Referee shall be final.
8. Pursuant to the tabled motion of Charlie Cofer regarding the limit to the number of coaches allowed “on deck” at our
Championship meet for each club, the committee recommends a system based on the number of each club’s entered
athletes be adopted; the following change to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Amend Section 308.2 (Team Representation) as follows:
B. Each team shall be permitted no more less than two (2) coaches in the designated coaches’ areas on the pool deck at
any time during the Championship meet.
C. For any team entering more than fifty (50) individual athletes, the number of coaches permitted in the designated
coaches’ areas shall be:
(1) Three (3) coaches for teams entering more than seventy-five (75) but less than one hundred twenty five (125)
individual athletes.
(2) Four (4) coaches for all teams entering one hundred twenty five (125) or more individual athletes.
9. The committee recommends the following change to correct the grammar in Section 402.3A:
A
If one or more swimmers leavinge their marks before the starting signal is given, the heat shall be charged with a false
start if the Referee independently observes and confirms the Starter’s observation that a violation has occurred…
10. As currently written, the League Standing Rules do not define the duties of the scoring personnel used at Championships; therefore the committee recommends that Section 406 be revised as follows:
Amend Section 406 Scoring Personnel and their Duties) as follows:
.1
Dual/Tri Meet Scorers:
A. The Scorers/Recorders shall, for each event, record the Official Times and disqualifications.
B. The Scorers/Recorders shall determine the official Order of Finish and publish the results.
C. The Scorers/Recorders shall determine the score of the meet and sort and assign the awards in compliance with the
League’s rules.
.21 RCSL Chief Scorer – The League shall appoint a “Chief Scorer” for each season. The Chief Scorer shall:
.2
A. serve on the Executive Board;
B. shall serve as the Chief Scorer for all League Championship meets and
C. be responsible for enforcing all League rules associated with the scoring of both the dual/tri and Championship
meets.
For all RCSL Sanctioned meets, the Scorers/Recorders shall:
A. record the Official Times and disqualifications for each event;
B. determine the official Order of Finish and publish the results and
C. determine the score of the meet and sort and assign the awards in compliance with the League’s rules.
11. The committee recommends that the League specify an upper age limit in the Standing Rules to conform to our
current practices; the following change to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Amend Section 500 (Registration of Swimmers with RCSL) by adding the following to the subsection:
.5
A swimmer’s age for purposes of the RCSL season shall be the age attained as of May 1 of that year. Only swimmers who
have not yet attained the age of nineteen (19) as of that date shall be eligible to compete in a League sanctioned meet.
Recommended Additions to the RCSL Standing Rules
The following items are recommended as new sections of our Standing Rules by the committee to correct what we
believe are critical omissions in these rules.
1. In light of recent problems regarding the conduct of League member athletes, coaches and parents, the committee
recommends that the League adopt a Code of Conduct for it members and that this Code of Conduct be included in
the Standing Rules; the following addition to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Add a new Section 600 – “Code of Conduct for Members” as follows:
SECTION 600 – CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS
.1
The mission of the River City Swim League is “to develop interest and participation in amateur swimming in a safe and
fun environment and afford the opportunity of skill development and team participation” The River City Swim League
grants the privilege of membership to individuals and organizations committed to that mission. The privilege of
membership may, therefore, be withdrawn or denied by the River City Swim League at any time where the League
determines that a member or prospective member's conduct is inconsistent with the mission of the organization or the
best interest of the sport and those who participate in it. In order to assist all members to better serve the interests of
those who participate in swimming, the River City Swim League has adopted this Code of Conduct.
.2
Any member or prospective member of the River City Swim League may, after due process, be denied membership,
censured, placed on probation, suspended for a definite or indefinite period of time with or without terms of probation,
fined or expelled from the River City Swim League if such member violates the provisions of the League’s Code of
Conduct, as set forth in 600.3 below, or aids, abets or encourages another person to violate any of the provisions of the
River City Swim League Code of Conduct.
The following shall be considered violations of the River City Swim League Code of Conduct:
A. Discrimination in violation of Article V, Section I or XIII of the River City Swim League Corporate Bylaws or any
other section of the River City Swim League Rules and Regulations;
B. Conviction of, imposition of a deferred sentence for, or any plea of guilty or no contest at any time, past or present,
or the existence of any pending charges, for any felony, any offense involving use, possession, distribution or intent
to distribute illegal drugs or substances, or any crime involving sexual misconduct;
C. Any sexual contact or advance or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action directed towards an
athlete by a coach, official, trainer, or other person who, in the context of swimming, is in a position of authority
over that athlete;
D. The use of illegal drugs in the presence of an athlete, by a coach, official, trainer of, or a person who, in the context
of swimming, is in a position of authority over, that athlete;
E. The providing of alcohol to an athlete by a coach, official, trainer, manager or any other person where the athlete is
under the legal age allowed to consume or purchase alcohol in the state where the alcohol is provided;
F. The abuse of alcohol in the presence of an athlete under the age of 19, by a coach, official, trainer of, or a person
who, in the context of swimming, is in a position of authority over, that athlete;
G. Physical abuse of an athlete by any person who, in the context of swimming, is in a position of authority over that
athlete;
H. Any non-consensual physical contact, obscene language or gesture, or other threatening language or conduct
directed towards any meet official and which is related to any decision made by such official in connection with a
River City Swim League-sanctioned competition;
I. Any deliberate destruction of, or vandalism to, the property of the River City Swim League or its member clubs by
any member coach, athlete or related parties;
J. Any act of fraud, deception or dishonesty in connection with any River City Swim League-related activity.
K. Action, other than through general advertising, by a coach, owner, officer, volunteer, representative, or employee of
a swim club, or a River City Swim League representative or employee, either through direct contact with an athlete
or the encouragement of others, to recruit or otherwise encourage an athlete who is already a member of a River City
Swim League member swim club to compete for or become a member of the swim club with which the acting party
is affiliated, unless the acting party receives prior written approval to recruit or encourage the athlete from the coach
of the athlete's existing River City Swim League-member swim club or contact is initiated by the athlete, the
athlete's parent or authorized representative;
L. Any other act, conduct or omission not provided for in 600.3A through K above, which is detrimental to the image
or reputation of the River City Swim League, any of its member clubs or the sport of swimming.
.3
2. In order to bring the Standing Rules into compliance with the Bylaws (Article V, Sections X through XII, the committee
recommends the adoption of procedures for “Hearings and Appeals”; the following addition to the League Standing
Rules is recommended to implement this:
Add a new Section 700 – “Hearings and Appeals” as follows:
SECTION 700 – HEARINGS AND APPEALS
701 GENERAL
As hereinafter set forth, the River City Swim League may censure, place on probation, suspend for a definite or indefinite
period of time with or without terms of probation, fine, or expel any member of the River City Swim League, including any
athlete, coach, manager, official, member of any committee or any person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the
affairs of the River City Swim League, who has violated any of its rules or regulations, or who aids, abets, and encourages
another to violate any of its rules or regulations, or who has acted in a manner which brings disrepute upon the River City
Swim League or upon the sport of swimming.
702 BOARD OF REVIEW AND ITS MEMEBERSHIP
The Chairman of the Board of Review shall be appointed by the President. A committee, comprised of the President, the Vice
President and the Chairman of the Board of Review shall appoint other members of the Board of Review. All Board of
Review appointments shall be confirmed by the Executive Committee. The term of the Chairman shall be one year with no
limit on the number of terms the Chairman may serve.
703 JURISDICTION
.1
.2
ORIGINAL AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION – The Board of Review has original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear:
A. any complaint where athletes or other members of the League are involved;
B. any complaint involving athletes or other members during a League sanctioned event; or
C. any complaint initiated by the League, which shall be prosecuted by and may be appealed by the League President.
DISCRETIONARY JURISDICTION
A. Upon a majority vote of the League’s Executive Committee, the Board of Review may be assigned exclusive and
immediate jurisdiction at any stage of any matter within the purview of this section when the best interests of the
League will be served thereby, or when compliance with regular League procedures would not be likely to produce a
sufficiently early decision to do justice to the affected parties.
B. If discretionary jurisdiction is so assigned, the Board of Review shall comply in every instance with all requirements
of procedural due process as set forth in these Rules. The Board of Review may set such procedural time limitations
as it may deem necessary in order to reach a decision, which will do justice to the affected parties under particular
circumstances.
704 AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW
.1
.2
The Board of Review shall have the authority set forth in the Bylaws and Standing Rule of the League.
The Board of Review shall have the authority to:
A. Impose and enforce penalties for any violation of the rules and regulations, administrative or technical, of the
League;
B. Determine the eligibility and right to compete of any athlete;
C. Vacate, modify, sustain, reverse or stay any decision or order properly submitted on appeal, or remand the matter for
further action;
D. Investigate any election impropriety or cause for removal of an officer or committee member and take corrective
action;
E. Interpret any provision of the rules and regulations of the League with the exception of the technical rules (Section
100 of these Standing Rules);
F. Review any revocation, suspension, reinstatement of membership or challenge the granting or denial of
membership;
G. Issue such interim orders, prohibitory or mandatory in nature, as may be necessary pending a final decision of the
Board; and
H. Reinstate an athlete’s eligibility status.
705 PROCEDURES FOR FILING AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS
.1
FILING COMPLAINTS – All complaints under Article 403.1 A through C above shall set forth the allegations and be
filed with the League President, who shall promptly initiate an investigation of the matter as set forth below.
.2
.3
.4
INVESTIGATON OF COMPLAINTS
A. In those matters occurring during the course of a League Championship or Dual Meet, the League’s Officials’
Chairperson or his/her designee shall make the investigation and report;
B. In those matters involving an alleged violation by a coach, a committee of three (3) coaches appointed by the
President shall make the investigation and report;
C. In all other matters, the League President or his/her designee shall make the investigation and report.
DISPOSITION OF INVESTIGATION - After the initial investigation is completed, the League President may decide to
either (i) cause further investigation into the alleged violations to be conducted; (ii) seek to mediate the complaint; (iii)
take interim action as set forth below. Either the President or Chairman of the Board of Review may then decide to
assign the matter to the Board of Review for hearing or jointly decide to dismiss the complaint.
EMERGENCY HEARING - After the initial investigation, depending on the severity of the alleged misconduct, the
President may order an emergency hearing before the Board of Review to determine if the member should be suspended
pending the outcome of a full hearing before the Board of Review. If an emergency hearing is ordered, the Board of
Review shall conduct the hearing and publish its results within twenty-one (21) days. Until such time as the Board of
Review makes a decision all proceedings shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure to anyone other than the
parties to the review and witnesses.
706 HEARING PROCEDURE
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
REFERRAL TO THE BOARD OF REVIEW – Matters under original jurisdiction of the Board of Review shall be
instituted by a written complaint served upon the League President. An investigation of the matter will be conducted in
accordance with Article 705.2. If the results of the investigation warrant referring the case to a Board of Review, the
League President shall send a copy of the written complaint together with the results of the investigation to the Chairman
of the Board of Review.
The Chairman will set a hearing date, which shall be not less than twenty-five (25) nor more than forty-five (45) calendar
days from the date of mailing the Notice of Hearing. The Notice of Hearing will include:
A. the name of the Respondent(s);
B. a written statement of charges, which will be set forth in sufficient detail to give the Respondent(s) sufficient notice
of the charges and the facts supporting the charges;
C. the name of the Petitioner(s);
D. the date the Response is due;
E. the date, time and place of the hearing;
F. the names of the members of the Board of Review;
G. the possible penalties;
H. the right of appeal and the time limit to file for an appeal;
I. any other general information, including the right to be represented by counsel, to have witnesses testify, and to
submit any and all evidence which is relevant to the issues.
The Chairman will mail the Notice of Hearing, together with a copy of the written Complaint received by the League
President to the parties. The Respondent(s) shall have ten (10) calendar days from the date of mailing to submit a written
Response to the charges. The Response shall be mailed to the Chairman, who will mail a copy to the Petitioner(s).
The Petitioner(s) shall have ten (10) calendar days from the date of mailing of the Response to submit a written Reply.
The written Reply will be mailed to the Chairman, who will mail a copy to the Respondent(s).
Upon showing of good cause, the Chairman may decrease or increase the time limits for any of the foregoing upon
request of either party.
HEARING:
A. For hearings conducted other than through the receipt of written statements, the Board of Review shall cause a
recording or transcription to be made of the proceedings.
B. The hearing may proceed in the absence of any party who fails to be available at the appointed time and judgment
shall not be reached merely because of the person’s absence. If the Board of Review determines that the hearing
cannot proceed without the absent party, the Board of Review may adjourn the hearing and reschedule it for such
time as the absent party can be present.
C. The hearing shall be opened by the recording of the place, time and date of the hearing, and the presence of the
Board of Review, parties, counsel, if any, and any other witnesses or observers.
D. Each party may then present an opening statement setting forth generally the party’s view of the issues in dispute,
the relief sought and what they hope to prove by the presentation of evidence.
E. Petitioner may then present his/her claims, proofs, and witnesses, who shall be subject to cross-examination by the
other party. Respondent may then present his/her claims, proofs, and witnesses, who shall also be subject to crossexamination by the other party.
F. Petitioner may then be allowed an opportunity to rebut any testimony or evidence presented by the Respondent after
the Respondent’s presentation.
.7
.8
.9
G. The Board of Review may question any person at any time. The Board of Review has the discretion to vary these
procedures, but shall afford all parties a full and equal opportunity to present any material or relevant proofs.
H. Upon the request of either party or the determination of the Board of Review, the hearing may be closed.
A decision may be rendered by the Board of Review at the time of the hearing and reduced to writing within seventy-two
(72) hours. A written decision will be mailed to the parties within four (4) calendar days after the hearing. The written
decision will set forth the right of appeal.
The Board of Review shall have the authority to stay the enforcement of its decision during the time allowed for appeal,
with the decision going into effect automatically if no appeal is perfected during the allowable period.
All mailing shall be by (a) United States certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested or (b) overnight express
delivery.
707 APPEAL PROCEDURE
.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
Any real party in interest, including any officer of the League, may appeal any decision of the Board of Review to the
League Executive Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of the date of the postmark of the mailing of its written
decision.
The Petition on appeal is to be served upon the League President and shall be accompanied by a $250 filing fee payable
to the River City Swim League.
The Petition shall set forth the grounds for appeal, citing factual and legal issues in as much detail as possible.
Unless the League Executive Board, by majority vote, decides otherwise, the review by the League Executive Board
shall be on the basis of the record and written briefs and shall not be an oral hearing.
The League Executive Board, or its authorized representative, may establish a hearing panel consisting of at least five (5)
members to hear any appeal, including appeals conducted as oral hearings. The decision of the hearing panel shall be
final with the same force and effect as if the full Board of Directors heard the matter.
The League Executive Board may, in cases where the League is not a party, assess fees and costs against the losing
party.
3. The committee recommends the adoption of “Facility Standards” to provide guidelines in the hosting of all competetions within the League; the following addition to the League Standing Rules is recommended to implement this:
Add a new Section 800 – “Facility Standards for Swim Meets” as follows:
SECTION 800 – FACILITY STANDARDS FOR SWIM MEETS
.1
DEFINITIONS
A. /M/ = Indicates mandatory requirement for all competition.
B. /CH/ = Except as noted otherwise, indicates mandatory requirement for RCSL Swimming Championships
C. ./O/ = Indicates a recommended but not required feature for all other competitions
D. Where dimensions are given, the dimension listed first shall govern and dimensions given in parenthesis are for
reference only.
.2
WATER DEPTH
A. /CH/ 4 feet 0 inches deep throughout the course.
B. /O/ Teaching Racing Starts – Minimum water depth for teaching racing starts in any setting from any height starting
blocks or the deck should be 5 feet (1.53 meters) measured for a distance of 3 feet 3-1/2 inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5
inches (5.0 meters) from the end wall.
C. /M/ Racing Starts – Minimum water depth for racing starts during practice and competition shall be measured for a
distance 3 feet 3-1/2 inches (1.0 meter) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the end wall. Starting requirements and
height of starting block shall be:
(1) In pools with water depth less than 3 feet 6 inches (1.06 meters) at the starting end, the swimmer must start from
within the water;
(2) In pools with water depth between 3 feet 6 inches (1.06 meters) and 4 feet (1.22 meters) at the starting end, the
swimmer must start from the deck – no starting platform is allowed;
(3) In pools with water depth of 4 feet (1.22 meters) or more at the starting end, starting platforms shall meet the height
requirements of 600.12.A.
Note: Local, state and municipal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, may have depth limitations in conflict with
this section. The LSC and all Member Clubs should check for this at all times.
.3
RACING COURSE DIMENSIONS —
A. Length
(1) /CH/ All RCSL Championship meets shall be competed in courses of 25 yards (75 feet 1 inch) or 25 meters (82 feet
and 1/4 inch).
(2) /O/ All other RCSL Competitions shall, whenever possible, be competed in one of the following courses:
(a) Short Course: 25 yards (75 feet 1 inch) or 25 meters (82 feet and 1/4 inch).
(b) Long Course: 50 meters (164 feet and 1/2 inch).
(3) Non-Standard Courses – When the host club is unable to provide competition course as designated in (2) above, that
course shall be designated as “Non-Standard” and the distances competed shall be adjusted as outlined in section
209.2 herein.
B. Width
(1) /CH/ Eight lanes, minimum width of 6 feet (1.85 meters), from center line to center line of the lane dividers, with
approximately 0.45 meters (1 foot 6 inches) of additional open water outside lanes 1 and 8 (the League’s Executive
Board may waive this requirement) for Championship meets.
(2) /M/ Minimum lane width for competitive swimming shall be 5 feet (1.54 meters).
.4
/M/ RACING COURSE WALLS
A. Walls enclosing the racing course shall be parallel and vertical.
B. The end walls shall be at a right angle to the water surface and shall be constructed of solid material with non-slip
surface that extends to a depth of 3 feet 6 inches (1.06 meters) below the water surface.
.5
/M/ POOL AND BULKHEAD MARKINGS —
A. Pool Bottom Lane Markers:
(1) Minimum 10 inch (25 centimeter) wide lines of a dark contrasting color (preferably black) shall be provided in the
middle of each racing lane on the bottom of the pool.
(2) The lines should be uninterrupted the length of the course and shall end with a distinctive cross line 1.0 meters (3
feet 4 inches) long and the same width as the bottom marker.
(3) /O/ The line, including the cross line, shall terminate 2.00 meters (6 feet 7 inches) from each end wall.
B. End Wall Targets:
(1) Flush, non-slip targets in a shape of a “T” or a cross and the same width as the lane bottom markers shall be
provided in the center of each lane on each end wall of the course and shall extend at least 3 feet 4 inches (1.0
meters) below the level of the water surface.
(2) /O/ It is recommended that the top edge of the deck be of a contrasting color to provide a visual target above water at
the end of the course.
C. Lane Numbering:
(1) The lanes shall be numbered from right to left as the swimmers stand facing the course.
(2) /O/ Lane numbers shall clearly identify the lanes to officials stationed on each side of the course.
.6
/M/ OVERFLOW RECIRCULATION SYSTEM — The pool water recirculation and overflow system shall maintain water
level in line with the overflow rim of the pool gutters without creating appreciable current or water turbulence and shall
maintain smooth and calm water surface during competition. The pool recirculation system shall be turned off if, in the
opinion of the Referee, the water movement interferes with the conduct of competition.
7
/M/ WATER TEMPERATURE –The water temperature shall be between 78 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained
for competition.
.8
/M/ LADDERS — All ladders, steps or stairs within the racing course shall be recessed in the pool side walls or shall be
removed during competition.
.9
OTHER DECK EQUIPMENT —
A. /O/ Use of portable lifeguard chair stands and other deck fixtures is recommended and they should be removed from the
competition area to allow free passage and unobstructed view for competitors and officials along all sides of the course.
B. /CH/ 1 meter diving boards which overhang the racing course shall be hinged out of the way or removed during
competition.
.10 /M/ NO SMOKING SIGNS — No smoking indoors or outdoors shall be permitted in any area designated for swimmers and
the facility shall be so posted.
.11 /M/ STARTING PLATFORMS —
A. Height – The front edge of the starting platform shall be not higher than 2 feet 6 inches (0.762 meters) above the surface
of the water.
B. The front edge of the starting platform shall be flush with the face of the end walls.
C. The top surface of the starting platform shall be not less than 1 foot 8 inches square (0.50 by 0.50 meters) and shall slope
not more than 10 degrees from the horizontal. The entire surface of the platform shall be faced with permanent non-slip
material.
D. Backstroke starting grips: Starting platforms shall be equipped with firm starting grips located between 12 inches (0.3
meters) and 24 inches (0.6 meters) above water surface. The front edge of the grips shall be parallel to and flush with the
face of the end wall.
E. Starting platforms shall be clearly marked with lane numbers visible to competitors and officials (See 600.5.C)
F. .Starting platforms shall be anchored to the deck or bulkhead to remain stable at all times.
.12 /M/ FLOATING LANE DIVIDERS —
A. Floating lane dividers shall extend the full length of the course and shall be attached at each end wall with recessed
anchors so located that the center line of the cable securing the dividers shall be on the surface of the water with the
bottom half uniformly submerged for its entire length. They shall:
(1) Separate the racing lanes.
(2) /O/ Be outside the outermost lanes being used.
B. Dividers shall consist of contiguous floats having a minimum diameter of 5 centimeters (2 inches) to a maximum
diameter of 15 centimeters (6 inches).
C. /CH/ Minimum 10 centimeter diameter floats shall be required (the League’s Executive Board may waive this
requirement) for Championship meets.
D. The color of the floats extending from the walls to the distance of 15 feet for short course or 5 meters for long course
shall be distinct from the rest of the floats.
E. /CH/ Distinctive colored floats, or markers extending around the full circumference of the floats, shall be placed at 15meters (49' 2-1/2") from each end wall of the pool.
F. There shall be no exposed cables accessible to swimmers within the length of the racing course and the cable take-up
spools and ratchet mechanisms shall be completely concealed with durable flexible covers. Damaged or broken floats
shall be removed and replaced whenever possible
G. A single line of dividers between racing lanes shall be used in long course and short course meters competition. Multiple
lines may be installed for short course yards competition, provided the width of water between dividers is not reduced to
less than 7 feet. /O/
.13 /M/ BACKSTROKE FLAGS AND LINES —
A. Design: At least three triangular pennants six (6) to twelve (12) inches in width at the base and twelve (12) to eighteen
(18) inches in vertical length, of two or more alternating and contrasting colors shall be suspended on a firmly stretched
line over each lane during all warmup periods and during competition for all backstroke, individual medley and medley
relay events.
B. Location:
(1) Short course yards: 15 feet (4.57 meters) from each end of the course, 7 feet (2.13 meters) above the water surface.
(2) Long course and short course meters: 5 meters (16 feet 5 inches) from each end of the course, a minimum of 1.8
meters (5 feet 11 inches) to a maximum of 2.5 meters (8 feet 3 inches) above the water surface.
C. Height shall be measured to the horizontal line from which the pennants are suspended.
.14 /CH/ LOUDSPEAKER START SYSTEM — An electronic sound generating device shall be provided to give the starting
and recall signal. Loudspeakers may be mounted underneath or on the side of each starting platform, between every two
platforms, on each side of the racing course, or positioned behind the starting platforms in such a manner that equitable
dispersion of sound to all lanes is assured. The device shall also activate a strobe light, or similar visual signal, located on the
starter’s side of the course approximately 15 feet forward from the starting end, to indicate the start to manual timers and deaf
and hard-of-hearing swimmers. The start system may include an underwater recall speaker and gun lap signal option.
.15 /O/ RECALL DEVICE — A device to recall swimmers shall be provided. If a recall rope is used, it shall be placed at the
mid-point of the course in long course facilities and at the turn end backstroke flags in short course facilities.
.16 /CH/ AUTOMATIC OFFICIATING EQUIPMENT
A. A Fully Automatic Timing System shall be used for the League Championship Meet.
B. A Semi-Automatic Timing System shall be used for the 6 & Under Championship Meet (the League’s Executive Board
may waive this requirement).
Note: See Section 305.1 for Automatic and Semi-Automatic Timing equipment types and performance requirements.
C. Equipment powered directly from the utility line electrical service shall have the capability to automatically switch to
stand-by battery power source in case of line power failure without affecting the continuity and accuracy of the timing
system.
D. /M/ Installation and safety – Equipment shall be installed so that it will not interfere with swimmers’ start, turns, or
finish and the normal overflow functions of the pool water recirculation system. All deck-level wiring shall carry no
more than 12 volts.
E. Touch Pads:
(1) Size and thickness: Recommended pad size shall be 6 feet 6 inches (2 meters) wide and not less than 2 feet (0.60
meters) deep. Minimum width of pads shall be 5 feet (1.52 meters). Thickness shall not exceed 3/8 of an inch (1
centimeter).
(2) Markings: Panel face markings shall conform and superimpose on pool end wall markings as closely as possible.
Perimeter edges of the panel shall have a one-inch wide black border.
(3) Sensitivity: Panels shall stop the timing system instantaneously by a light hand touch anywhere on the flat surface
facing the racing course and the upper edge but shall not be activated by water turbulence.
(4) Panels shall be installed and firmly anchored in the center of each lane and shall have no sharp edges, corners, or
other protrusions on any exposed surfaces.
(5) Optional Accessories: Automatic officiating equipment may provide relay judging capability, automatic lap
counting, split times’ readouts for all lanes and the correction of erroneous touch(es). Any corrections or impulses
generated by the equipment operators shall be clearly identified on the results printout.
F. /O/ Time display board – An automatic display board visible to all swimmers shall give a digital time read-out to two
decimal places, displaying split times, final times, and places for all lanes. In the event of a tie, the place shall be
displayed as a tie.
.17 /M/ ELECTRICAL SAFETY — All permanent or temporary electrical connections to the electronic loudspeaker start
system, automatic officiating equipment and other electrical or electronic devices operating on line voltages in the vicinity of
the racing course shall be made only from a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI) protected convenience receptacles or
circuits. In the event such receptacles or circuits are not available in the facility used for competition, portable U.L. approved
self-contained type GFI outlet fittings shall be provided (furnished and installed) at the non-protected convenience
receptacles by the meet management, meet director, or the equipment operator(s) whenever such equipment is connected and
in use.