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Welcome Officials to the 2026-27 Swimming Season

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Hello CSOA Members and all those interested in joining!  Welcome to the CSOA website and the 2026-27 NCAA swimming season.

I want to share with you pertinent information for the upcoming season:

  1. We have made a change to the website registration process. We no longer will be using paypal.  We will be using a far friendlier application called Stripe.  It allows us to be far more flexible in receiving payments and paying invoices.
  2. This is a “no-test” year for officials. You are only required to take the NCAA test if you are new to officiating.  However, there are several updates and new rules you need to be aware of for the upcoming season.
  3. Please see the recent posts section for a summary of new rule changes for this season regarding logos, links to important documents including pre-season reminders, and the links section for a comprehensive Q&A on logos.  We recommend you download the revised DIGITAL 26-27 rule book to reflect the new rules.

I hope you all have a successful and fun season.  Please continue to check back on the website periodically for new information.

Brian Day

President, CSOA

ATTENTION: 26-27 CSOA CRITICAL INFORMATION

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RULES CHANGES, PRESEASON REMINDERS, and NEW NCAA WEBSITE

 Greg Lockard, Secretary-Editor of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, recently issued two communications in advance of the 2026-2027 season, including a revision to the rule book that is only available in digital format.

NEW NCAA WEBSITE

The new NCAA website for swimming and diving playing rules can be accessed at the following link:

https://www.ncaa.org/championships/playing-rules/swimming-and-diving-playing-rules/

This new link will be provided on the CSOA website.  Both recent memos from the Rules Committee and the revised rule book can be accessed from the new NCAA website.

RULES CHANGES

A July 30, 2026 Memorandum announced several rules changes to adopt recent World Aquatics and USA Swimming rules revisions.  In addition, new rules are provided for Division I programs concerning logos and trademarks on swimsuits, uniforms, caps, and apparel.  These changes have been incorporated into a revised NCAA rule book, dated August 15, 2026.  No additional officials testing is required as a result of these rules changes.

The revised rule book can be accessed through the NCAA website or at the following link:

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/swimdive/rules/PRXSW_RulesBook.pdf

A summary of the rules changes is provided below.  The complete July 30, 2026 memorandum can be accessed through the NCAA website or at the following link:

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/swimdive/rules/Jul302026_PRXSDRulesChanges.pdf

Summary of rules changes:

  1. The finish rules for Butterfly (2-2-3-e) and Freestyle (2-2-4-d) allow the swimmer to completely submerge immediately prior to reaching for the finish.
  2. In the Individual Medley, intermediate turns (2-2-5-d-1) for Freestyle require the swimmer to return to the breast before any kick or stroke after leaving the wall.
  3. Positioning and use of Backstroke ledges (1-3-8-b) is restricted to 4 centimeters (approximately 1.6 inches) above or below the water level.
  4. Recent NCAA legislation, applicable for all sports, allows for use of commercial and nonprofit sponsorship to generate revenue to support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs at NCAA institutions. Three swimming and diving rules were revised regarding use of commercial or nonprofit trademarks and logos on uniforms, apparel, and equipment
    1. Pool Markings (1-3-6 permits use of commercial or nonprofit trademarks/logos on the pool bottom.
    2. Uniform and Swimsuit Customization (3-1-1-d-4 and f) permits two commercial or nonprofit trademarks/logos, not to exceed 4 square inches, on swimsuits, uniforms, caps, and apparel.  Equipment Bylaw Reference (3-1-3-a and b) were similarly revised.  Note that these two changes are limited to Division I swimming and diving programs.  There are no uniform and swimsuit customization rule changes for Division II and III programs.

On March 31, 2026 the NCAA published a lengthy question and answer document to assist NCAA membership in understanding this complex legislation.  This document is applicable to all NCAA sports and will be posted on the CSOA website on the links page.

In a discussion with Greg Lockard, Brian Day, CSOA President, confirmed that enforcement of these new Division I rules are to be handled similar to the prior manufacturer logo rules still in place for Division II and Division III programs.  Recent enforcement guidance was provided on Page 4 of the February 2023 NCAA Pre-Championships Rules Review Memorandum.

Suits and Logos: The only responsibility that a meet referee has regarding logos is to ensure that there is not more than a single manufacturer’s logo on a swimsuit and a single post-construction institutional logo that does not exceed 9 square inches. The size of the manufacturer’s logo is no longer a playing rules issue; and while potentially a bylaw issue, falls outside of the jurisdiction of meet officials. The meet officials have no jurisdiction over logos or markings on any other piece of apparel such as caps or warm-ups, etc. (Rule 3-1)

The complete February 2023 memorandum can be accessed through the NCAA website or at the following link:

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/swimdive/rules/2023PRXSW_PreChampionshipRulesReview.pdf

PRESEASON REMINDERS

An August 10, 2026 preseason memorandum provides reminders regarding diving notification deadlines, swimsuit waivers, rules revisions, and NCAA Championship information.  The complete revision can be accessed through the NCAA website or at the following link:

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/swimdive/rules/Aug012026_PRXSDPreseasonMemo.pdf

 

NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Review

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NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Review

NCAA Rules Process:

  • Waiver Requests – Institutions requesting a waiver of the NCAA Swimming and Diving playing rules must submit the request in writing to the NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor, Greg Lockard (greg@swimdiverules.com). Waiver requests must include the name(s) of the student-athlete, rationale for requesting a waiver of the specific playing rule and any other pertinent documentation (e.g. medical documentation), if necessary.

The NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules change process occurs every two years, and will begin in January 2025, with a call for suggested items for consideration. A non-binding survey will be distributed to the entire NCAA membership, and the results will be discussed at the College Swimming Coaches Convention, followed by consideration for adoption by the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, in May. The suggested rule changes will be considered by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP); and if approved, will be included in the 2025-2026, 2026-2027 rulebook that will be released on September 1, 2025.

The current rules book is available to be downloaded or purchased from NCAA publications (www.ncaapublications.com).

NCAA Officials Program:

  • All officials that wish to be NCAA registered officials are required to take the new test, which was updated and released on September 1, 2023
  • Most conferences mandate the use of NCAA registered officials, and only registered officials can be selected to officiate at the NCAA Championships, in the three divisions.

Rule Reminders:

Required Levels of Timing (Rule 4-21-2-a, b, c, d)

a. Three levels of judging and timing equipment (primary, secondary, and tertiary) are required at championship meets, for NCAA time standards, consideration standards, and optional entry standards to be achieved.

b. For clarification: primary = automatic equipment; secondary = semiautomatic equipment; tertiary = manual watches.

c. The following priority list shall be used to designate levels of judging and timing equipment:

1. Automatic equipment.

a. When stationary overhead cameras recording 100 images per second and that are fully integrated into the primary electronic system are in place at a competition, it is permissible to use the system as the primary back-up system, and no other back-up system is necessary.

2. Two-button semiautomatic equipment.

3. Two manual watches per lane.

d. For a time to be considered for entry into an NCAA championship it must have been achieved using priority level one equipment (automatic equipment).

Artificial Aids (Rule 3-1-4-a)
ARTICLE 4.a. No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or foreign substances, including kinesiology tape, to help their speed, pace, buoyancy, or body compression in competition.

  1. The use of tape, kinesiology tape, and compression sleeves is permitted to treat a documented medical condition, but not to gain an advantage over the remainder of the field. The prescribed course of treatment must describe a minimally invasive plan identifying the necessary placement of tape, kinesiology tape or compression sleeves to support the athlete’s medical condition. Documentation must be presented to the referee and must come from a physician or certified athletic trainer to be considered.

Note:  Requests for use of any form of tape must be presented to the referee and do not require approval from the Secretary-Rules Editor in advance.

Invitational Meets (Participation Limits, Scoring & Format)

(Rule 5-3-1-c)
The host institution shall establish and publish in advance, limits on the numbers of individual, relay and/or total events in which each contestant is allowed to compete in a relay or invitational meet.

(Rule 7-4)
The scoring of place values in invitational meets shall be established and published in advance by the host institution.

(Rule 8-3)
The established program for an invitational meet shall be established and published in advance by the host institution.

Bona Fide Competition (Rule 9-1-1)
Non-collegiate athletes may not participate in collegiate meets in any form. Non-collegiate athletes may compete in exhibition events conducted outside of the meet program.

Note:  These exhibition events may occur in breaks, during the regularly contested collegiate competition.  Non-collegiate athletes may not compete against collegiate athletes.

2025 NCAA Championships:

  • Division II Men and Women – Indianapolis, IN (March 12-15, 2025)
  • Division III Men and Women – Greensboro, NC, (March 19-22, 2025)
  • Division I Women – Federal Way, WA (March 19-22, 2025)
  • Division I Men – Federal Way, WA (March 26-29, 2025)

I look forward to working closely with the membership throughout the year.  If you have questions or need to request an interpretation, please contact me via email at greg@swimdiverules.com or by phone at (973) 486-5501.
Greg Lockard, secretary-rules editor
NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Committee.
This email was sent to NCAA men’s and women’s swimming and diving conference commissioners and head coaches based on contact information in the NCAA Directory; as well as the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, and selected NCAA staff members.

NCAA Position on Revised FINA Backstroke Finish Rule

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Effective February 21, 2023, World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA, implemented a change to the Backstroke finish rule, allowing the swimmer to fully submerge prior to reaching for the finish.

Here is the revised World Aquatics Rule 6.3:

“6.3   Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except that once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5 metres mark immediately prior to reaching for the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged.  It is also permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, and for a distance of not more than 15 metres after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.”

Effective March 10, 2023, Derek Paul, Chair USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Committee implemented the same rule revision as follows:

  1. USA Swimming Rule USA Swimming Rule 101.4.2 (pp 24) – To Comply with World Aquatics SW6.3
Stroke — The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water.  Additionally, once some part of the head of the swimmer has passed the 5 meter mark (long course and short course meters) or 5 yard mark (short course yards) immediately prior to reaching the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged prior to the touch.

 

With NCAA Division III and Division I Championship meets upcoming this week and next week, CSOA President Brian Day reached out to Greg Lockard, NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Secretary-Rules Editor, to obtain an NCAA position regarding these rule changes.  Mr. Lockard stated that a rule change will not be implemented before the upcoming championship meets.  Mr. Lockard contacted the respective Referees for the upcoming championship meets to inform them of the NCAA Rules Committee position on this recent World Aquatics and USA Swimming rule change.  It is expected that the Backstroke finish rule will be revised in the upcoming NCAA rules change process.

 

If interested, use the following link for the World Aquatics Competition Regulations

https://resources.fina.org/fina/document/2023/03/03/b460304b-c4fb-4a78-9307-31452ccb95ee/Final-Competition-Regulations.pdf

If interested, use the following link for USA Swimming Rules and Policies information:

https://www.usaswimming.org/about-usas/governance/rules-policies?utm_campaign=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_source=3-9-23+Rule+Changes+-+Backstroke+Finish+and+Take+Your+Marks&utm_content=Rules+%26amp%3bamp%3b+Policies+Page

 

NCAA Position on Arena Powerskin Carbon Duo Female Competition Suit

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Arena has obtained FINA approval of new two piece female competition suit.  Some of you might see this suit during the 2023 conference championship season.  The suit consists of a bottom piece, similar to a mens jammer style swimsuit, that covers the swimmer from the waist to above the knees.  The second piece is similar to a standard female swimsuit and is worn over the bottom piece.  Both pieces of the Arena Powerskin Carbon Duo are marked with a FINA approval logo.

In response to an email from the CSOA, Greg Lockard, NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee Secretary-Rules Editor, issued the following position on the Arena Powerskin Carbon Duo Female Competition Suit:

There is no prohibition against a two piece suit in the NCAA Rules.  As stated in Rule 3-1-1-d-5:  “The suit should contain the International Certification Trademark from FINA and said logo is exempt from the above logo restriction.”

If you would like to familiarize yourself with this new suit design, go to the following link:

Arena Powerskin Carbon Duo Competition Suit

If you would like to search the FINA website to find information on any other approved swimsuit, use the following link:

FINA Approved Swimwear

Clarification of Waiver Process for use of Athletic or Kinesiology Tape for Swimmers

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In response to questions on the November 2022 Rules Newsletter, on January 30, 2023 the Rules Committee provided clarification on the waiver process for addressing injuries or medical conditions that occur on the day of competition.  There is no change to the waiver process for long-term or short-term needs that are known prior to leaving for the meet location.

In the event a waiver is needed for use of athletic tape or kinesiology tape for an injury or medical condition that occurs during a competition or immediately preceding the event, and time is of the essence, the documentation from the medical personnel may be presented directly to the Meet Referee for approval.

With this clarification, the Meet Referee is now authorized to act for the NCAA Swimming and Diving Secretary-Rules Editor to approve waivers for use of athletic or kinesiology tape for injuries that occur on the day of competition, when time is of the essence.  Waivers presented to the Meet Referee must include the name of the swimmer, rationale for the requested waiver, and medical documentation.

The complete communication is provided here:

Rules Clarification for Use of Kinesiology Tape

Rules Review from the NCAA

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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

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/swimdive/rules/2022PRXSW_NovemberRulesNewsletter.pdf

Access to the NCAA test

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I’ve gotten instruction from the NCAA Rules Secretary on accessing the NCAA test:

Go to usaswimming.org to establish your personal account and password.

You can then login and click on the EDUCATION tab, select COURSE CATALOG and scroll down to NCAA TESTS.

When you successfully complete your test, you need to copy and paste a copy of that email to Brian Day using the CONTACT US page.