On November 8, 2022, Greg Lockard, NCAA Swimming and Diving Secretary-Rules Editor, issued a rules review memo to all Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Conference Commissioners and Head Coaches.
The process for requesting approval for swimmers to use kinesiology tape (Rule 3-1-4) is defined. All requests must be submitted in writing to Greg Lockard with a letter from a designated health official. Upon approval, the Coach/swimmer shall present the Referee with Mr. Lockard’s approval document before each meet. This is the same process that Mr. Lockard established for the 2021-2022 season and requires actions over and above Rule 3-1-4 requirements. It is not acceptable for a swimmer to compete with kinesiology tape solely with a note or letter from a team trainer or health official. The swimmer must obtain an approval letter from Mr. Lockard. There are no changes to Rule 3-1-4 for divers.
There are no COVID-19 Waivers approved for the 2022-2023 season. Last season, there were four rules waivers issued due to COVID-19. These waivers are not in effect for the 2022-2023 season. Leaving empty lanes between swimmers or relay teams is no longer permitted, consistent with Rule 5-7 Note.
A rule interpretation applicable to swimsuits for swimmers and divers (Rule 3-1, Articles 1 and 2) is presented. In summary, the rule interpretation states that swimmers and divers must wear the swimsuit that is gender specific for the respective competition. That is, a women’s suit must be worn in women’s competition and a men’s suit must be worn in men’s competition, inclusive of all warmups, trials, finals, and any time trial sessions. Waivers may be granted for medical issues that require coverage due to a medical condition. This is the same rule interpretation communicated in Mr. Lockard’s August 24, 2022 memo.
The process for requesting waivers of NCAA Swimming and Diving playing rules is defined.
The complete communication from Greg Lockard is provided here