Hi HVSL Families,

Prelims are upon us and it came to our attention this morning that some of the rules were not clearly communicated, so we wanted to give you everything you need to make sure your swimmers are as successful as possible.

Meet Information and Heat Sheets

All prelim and final meet information, along with the heat sheets, have been published under the Prelims and Finals section of the league website. This includes pool addresses, maps so you can find our tents on pool premises, and meet schedules. Families may bring chairs and coolers to the team tents, but generally there is not enough room for you to set up your own tents.

Key Rules Clarifications 

The RMSL follows USA Swimming rules. We want to highlight specific areas that officiating crews will be focused on enforcing. Please review these rules carefully and ensure this information is passed along to your swimmers:

• Braces & Casts: Removable braces must be removed prior to the race. Permanent casts are permitted.
• Watches: All watches must be removed prior to the race.
• Taping: Finger/Toe Taping: "Buddy Taping" of no more than two (2) injured fingers or toes together is permitted.
• Kinesiology Tape: Therapeutic elastic tape (commonly referred to as "KT tape") is permitted.
• The Finish (Butterfly, Backstroke, & Freestyle): Once any part of the swimmer's head has passed the final 5-meter mark immediately prior to reaching the wall, the swimmer may be completely submerged. If they choose, the swimmer can submerge and kick as appropriate (e.g., no flutter kicking for butterfly) without the use of arms.
  • For backstroke or butterfly, the swimmer's shoulders must not pass vertical to the disqualifying side.
  • Note: If the swimmer resurfaces and begins to use their arms again, they will be disqualified.
• False Starts: Except under extreme scenarios at the discretion of the starter (e.g., a fighter jet passing overhead or an obvious, severe, disruptive noise), there will be no use of recall or "second chances." If a swimmer false starts and both the starter and referee independently observe it, that swimmer is disqualified.
• Backstroke Turn: Unlike USA Swimming, RMSL does not enforce the continuous arm pull for the backstroke turn. The swimmer is permitted to delay initiating their turn after turning onto their breast.

12 & Under Tech Suit Restrictions

Per USA Swimming rules, 12 & Under swimmers are restricted on the types of suits they are permitted to wear for competition. No technical suits may be worn by any 12 & Under athlete.

Please review the specific guidelines below:

• Prohibited: Any boy's or girl's suit with bonded or taped seams is defined as a technical suit—regardless of its fabric or silhouette—and is not allowed.
• Prohibited: Any suit with woven fabric extending past the knees is not allowed, regardless of the seams.
• Allowed: A knit fabric suit with sewn seams can extend to the knees and is not considered a technical suit.
• Allowed: Any suit that does not have a FINA logo on it is approved for 12 & Under use. Any suit with a green "12&U Compliant" checkmark is acceptable.
• Approval: Anyone who questions whether their suit is eligible should check in with the Referee prior to the meet to get official approval.
• Tech Suit Resources:
  • USA Swimming Guidelines
  • SwimOutlet 12 & Under Tech Suit Rule Guide

Please reach out if you have any additional questions about this week's events.

GO SEA LIONS!!