Note: The following is a synopsis of the changes that were made at the 1998 USA Swimming convention and which appear in the 1999 USA Swimming Rules and Regulations. PVS officials are expected to review the rules periodically to assure that they remain familiar with them.
- Rule Changes—(Effective May 15, 1999)
- Recall Rope – A recall rope is now mandatory for all competition. It should be placed approximately 15 meters from the starting end(s) of the course for both Short Course and Long Course competition. [Section 103.15]
As is the case with placing 15 meter markings on the lane lines, it is the responsibility of meet management (in conjunction with the pool facility manager) to arrange for its proper installation. Whenever the recall rope is available, the Referee should make a reasonable effort to assure the position to operate it is staffed by a certified official. If Stroke and Turn Judges are being positioned to judge from the side, one of them can be assigned this responsibility as an additional duty. Alternatively, a Chief Judge can be assigned. If a certified official is not available, another responsible person can be asked to assume this duty. Any person given this assignment must be properly instructed. The Referee should assure the position remains staffed. Regardless of staffing situations, if the recall rope is available, it shall be manned for any heats in which a hearing impaired swimmer is known to be competing.
- Warning Signal for Distance Events – Terminology was added to the glossary to clarify that "a starting pistol, bell, whistle, air horn, or appropriate audible device" may be used to provide signal when the swimmer has 2 lengths plus 5 yard/meters to swim. PVS's preference is to use a bell.
- Relay Entry Form – The rule has been clarified so that a team may change the order (or names) of how its relay swimmers are going to compete. This may done at anytime up to when a final declaration is made to the Head Lane Timer just prior to the commencement of the heat in which they will be swimming. [Section 102.4.9]
- Consolidated Events – As a local option, the 200 yard/meter backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and/or the 400 individual medley event may now be seeded as a single event without regard to a swimmers' age or gender. Formerly the 400/500 and longer freestyle events could be consolidated. [Section 102.1.3]
- Starting Rules – The starting rules have been changed for the USA Swimming Phillips 66 Nationals and the Speedo Junior Championships. These alternative starting rules should NOT be used elsewhere without receiving a waiver from USA Swimming. PVS has no current plans to ask for such a waiver. [Section 102.14.2C]
- Other Changes
- USA Swimming - The abbreviation USS should no longer be used. The proper abbreviation to use when referring to United States Swimming, Inc., the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States, is now USA Swimming. The 1999 rulebook has been edited to reflect this change. Other publications are being updated as they come up for review.
- Code of Conduct - Article 304 has been added to the rulebook. This important section contains specific provisions pertaining to what is not permissible behavior. Fifteen specific provisions are listed in Section 304.3. The provisions apply to all members of USA Swimming including officials. A copy of this Section is attached to this handout. Please take the time to become familiar with its provisions.