PSAL

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SWIMMING
Updated for the 2011-2012 season

1. SPORT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

1.1. Girls Swimming Season- August 29, 2011-November 22, 2011
1.2. Boys Swimming Season - November 7, 2011-March 3, 2012
1.3. Date that all make-up games must be completed - October 31 for girls; January 30 for boys
1.4. Tryout dates - No-cut tryouts last week of May and the first week of June, anytime during the season.
1.5. Maximum number of games, exclusive of playoffs - 12 per team
1.6. Minimum number of players required to start a meet - 8 swimmers
1.7. Times of meets-
1.7.1. Games will start promptly unless a change in time is mutually agreed upon by the schools, and is included in the official league schedules, as posted on www.psal.org.
1.7.2. A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
1.8. All teams are required to complete their league schedules, and all games must be completed by October 31, (Girls) and January 30, (Boys). 
1.9. Games that are not played by these dates will be counted as forfeits for both teams involved.

2. TRYOUTS & PRACTICE

2.1. Schools must have twelve (12) days of practice prior to the first interschool contest (scrimmage or game) and each individual must have at least ten (10) practices.
2.2. Approved tryout dates for all students are the last week of May and the first week of June.
2.3. A school may not conduct organized practices prior to August 29, for girls, November 7 for boys.
2.4. All coaches must electronically submit a Team Roster to www.psal.org prior to the first scheduled meet of the season (league or non-league) which is September 26 (Girls) and November 30 (Boys). 
2.5. No PSAL team is permitted to compete unless an approved team roster is posted on the website. 
2.6. Failure to submit a roster will result in a forfeit for each contest played.

3. CHANGES IN SCHEDULE

3.1. The PSAL office will issue official schedules for each sport. 
3.2. The PSAL will not assign pools to those schools which do not have direct access to a pool of their own. The coach and/or athletic director of schools without pools must secure the permission of the coach and/or athletic director of pools they use and then submit to PSAL for posting.
3.3. Coaches have an opportunity to request adjustments or corrections to dates, times, and locations. 
3.4. Any changes in the schedule must be made before September 16 (Girls) and November 18 (Boys). This includes requests for non league meets and additional meets in your division.
3.5. The procedure for making any changes is to contact the swimming commissioner, Bob Kolonkowski at rkolonk@schools.nyc.gov with your date requests. 
3.6. You must use this format: Meet id number, correct date, time, your team vs. the opposing team, correct location. Only request changes for your home meets.
3.7. All parties involved must be in total agreement, so please contact the opposing coach and agree on a new date before making your request. 
3.8. Everyone must be aware that site availability is a major concern when rescheduling a contest. Your requests will be carefully reviewed and if possible the change will be made.

AFTER SEPTEMBER 16, FOR GIRLS AND NOVEMBER 18, FOR BOYS, ONLY EMERGENCY REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER Robert Kolonkowskirkolonk@schools.nyc.gov OR GIRLS SWIMMING SPORTS COORDINATOR Brenda Morganbmorgan2@schools.nyc.gov OR BOYS SWIMMING COORDINATOR Tyrone ParkerTparker2@schools.nyc.gov

3.9. NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN CHANGED ON THE SCHOOLS SCHEDULE POSTED ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

4. SEVERE WEATHER DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

4.1. INDOOR SPORTS-ONLY
4.1.1. All games will be played as scheduled unless cancelled by the PSAL. Check www.PSAL.org after 10:00 AM on game day.
4.2. NO CHANGE IS OFFICIAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE SCHOOLS' SCHEDULES AND ON THE PSAL WEBSITE.

5. STUDENT- ATHLETES 

5.1. Each student-athlete must have a signed parental consent form on file for each sport before the first day of participation in that sport (tryouts, practice). 
5.2. Each student-athlete must have a current (within one calendar year) medical certificate on file before the first day of participation (tryouts, practices).
5.3. No player transferring from another school may be added to a team roster after midnight October 15 (Girls) and midnight January 12 (Boys).
5.4. On days of normal school attendance, a student-athlete must be present in school in order to participate in any team practice, scrimmage, league or non-league game, meet, match, contest or tryouts on that day

6. TEACHER/COACHES

6.1. All coaches MUST attend one of the mandatory coaching clinics. 
6.2. Failure to attend will result in a loss of 2 hours from your coaching allocation.
6.3. Games cannot proceed unless both coaches are present and the required AED unit is present. All coaches must bring their AED unit to all games, practices and scrimmages.
6.4. If the AED unit is NOT present, a coach cannot practice, scrimmage, or play a game. 
6.5. If it is a game situation and neither team has an AED unit, the game will be declared a forfeit and each coach will have 4 hours deducted from his/her allocation.
6.6. Coaches must be present in the gymnasium (field, court) when his/her team is practicing.
6.7. The teacher/coach must accompany the team to each meet.
6.8. Each teacher/coach must actively supervise team members, until they are safely away from the site of competition at "away" games. 
6.9. Only a licensed teacher with current First Aid/CPR/ AED/Lifeguarding may substitute for the assigned teacher coach.

7. VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACHES

7.1. No volunteer assistant coaches are permitted to sit with the team.
7.2. No more than three (3) managers/timers may sit with the team.
7.3. If an assistant is to substitute at any time for the Head Coach, the assistant must be in possession of a six digit Department of Education file number and fully certified in First Aid/CPR/AED/Lifeguarding.
7.4. A letter of authorization from the Principal must be affixed to the official scorebook, for inspection by officials and coaches. NO WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PSAL IS REQUIRED.
7.5. All pertinent regulations regarding for the use of volunteers in the schools must be adhered to.

8. OFFICIALS 

8.1. All officials will be assigned by the PSAL.
8.2. Notify the sports commissioner by email or phone when an official is late or not present.
8.3. Only officials who have been approved by the PSAL, and whose names appear on the officials' roster may be hired for non-league (as well as league) games.
8.4. Officials must be rated by coaches on the PSAL website within 48 hours of a competition.

9. FACILITIES

9.1. All swimming facilities must be approved by the Sports Commissioner and the PSAL, prior to its first usage.
9.2. Teams not using their school sites will designate the sites for home games and notify the PSAL prior to the season by September 25, 2007 (Girls) and November 27 (Boys). 
9.3. All courts or fields must have the following (which are the responsibilities of the home team) 

9.3.1. Lane Markers
9.3.2. Backstroke Flag
9.3.3. Starting platforms
9.3.4. Scoreboard/chalkboard for scoring
9.3.5. Lap counters
9.3.6. Timing devices (calibrated to 1/100 of a second)
9.3.7. First aid kit

9.4. Schools that do not provide the above mentioned items may forfeit their games while in violation.
9.5. Any violations of the above must be reported to the PSAL and the Sports Commissioner immediately.

10. EQUIPMENT

10.1. See 10. Facilities
10.2. Safety Equipment

10.2.1. AED Unit MUST be present at ALL practices, scrimmages and games
10.2.2. The PSAL recommends that all coaches travel with a team medical bag, which include the following items:
10.2.2.1. absorbent compress dressings 
10.2.2.2. adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
10.2.2.3. adhesive cloth tape 
10.2.2.4. antibiotic ointment packets 
10.2.2.5. antiseptic wipe packets
10.2.2.6. instant cold compresses
10.2.2.7. non-latex gloves 
10.2.2.8. scissors
10.2.2.9. sterile gauze pads 
10.2.2.10. first aid instruction booklet

11. UNIFORMS

11.1. All players must be in appropriate school uniforms according to the National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming & Diving Rule Book www.nfhs.org and the PSAL www.psal.org.

11.1.1. Identical coloring of swimsuits per team (attire that advertises anything other than school in which swimmer represents is prohibited)
11.1.2. A competitor shall not be permitted to participate wearing a suit that is not of decent appearance. 
11.1.3. Boys shall wear trunks which cover the buttocks; girls shall wear suits which cover the buttocks and breasts. 
11.1.4. Competitors shall not be permitted to compete in attire (suits and caps) which include advertising or a name other than or a name other than the name and/or number of the competitor, school or mascot. 
11.1.5. One visible logo/trade name not exceeding 21/2 square inches and not exceeding 21/2 inches in any dimension is permissible on each item of uniform apparel.
11.1.6. Hair restraining devices are considered legal, provided they are functioning and are being worn in the hair during the event.
11.1.7. NO jewelry except for religious or medical reasons (must be taped to the body)

12. COMPETITIONS

12.1. Home Team

12.1.1. The first team named in the schedule is the home team.
12.1.2. The home team must provide a safe and private dressing room for officials.
12.1.3. The home team must provide a safe and private dressing area for visiting team members.
12.1.4. List sports specific responsibilities of the home team.
12.2. Bench Area
12.2.1. The only people permitted in the designated bench are:
The teacher coach (Varsity and/or Junior Varsity)
Student Managers, only as listed on the team profile
Team Members, only as listed on the official roster published on www.psal.org
Sports Specific personnel (example: physicians, trainers, etc).

12.3. All other persons and spectators must be seated in the stands. 
12.4. Violation of this rule can result in penalties to be determined by the PSAL

13. SCORING AND TIME KEEPING

13.1. Each team must time their own team's lanes. 
13.2. "Time" is to be recorded for each swimmer on a score sheet or coach's score book which is the official's score sheet. 
13.3. Official (s) and opposing coach must sign score sheet.
13.4. All individual splits for relays and total times for relays and individual events must be recorded on score sheets to the hundredth of a second. 
13.5. Finish places are awarded by lane numbers.
13.6. Points: Individual events 4-3-1-0; Relays 6-3-1-0
13.7. Relay splits and total times and points must be posted on the PSAL web site within 48 hours.

13.7.1. THE DIVE EVENT
13.7.1.1. Enter the judge's award. Multiply by degree of difficulty. (Use chart) Enter the score for the dive. The sum of the diver's score is then multiplied by three (3).This gives an equivalent score of three (3) referees.
13.7.1.2. If the host team's facility meets minimum depth recommendation and the visiting team has eliminated diving from its program because its facility does not meet the diving standard, the host team (and all teams with diving entries) shall dive. 
13.7.1.3. Places shall be awarded to the competitors and their points shall be included in the total team score.
13.7.1.4. When the commissioner has determined that diving equipment is such that the event cannot be conducted, diving will not be conducted, and no points awarded for the event.
13.7.1.5. When diving is not conducted because of inadequate water depth, no points awarded for the event. 
13.7.1.6. When two (2) teams are tied, the meet remains a tie. Each team is to record its score as a tie.

14. BOX SCORES

14.1. Following each PSAL league contest, coaches are required to complete and submit box scores, within 24 hours, to www.psal.org.

15. FORFEITS

15.1. FOUR (4) hours of pay will be deducted from the teacher/coach's allocation for each forfeit on non-played PSAL League game.
15.2. A forfeit will be declared if a team does not show up within 30 minutes of game time.
15.3. A forfeit will be declared for any team having less than eight (8) players suited up for a contest.
15.4. All forfeits must be reported to the sport's commissioner within 24 hours of the contest.
15.5. The box score for a forfeited contest will be entered by the sport's commissioner.
15.6. Coaches may be subject to further disciplinary action, based up the circumstances surrounding the forfeit.

16. PROTESTS 

16.1. Protests may only be made if a rule is alleged to have been applied incorrectly, or not applied. 
16.2. No protest of judgment calls may be entered. 
16.3. Coach must verbally inform the lead official of the protest before play commences or resumes. 
16.4. If no official is present, the protesting coach must inform the other coach of the protest before play commences or resumes.
16.5. The protesting coach must ensure that a written statement of protest containing all pertinent information and citing the exact rule or rules, as quoted from the National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming & Diving Rule Book, is signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal and postmarked or faxed to the Commissioner within two school days of the infraction. 
16.6. No protest will be reviewed without the required signatures.
16.7. The Commissioner will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt. 
16.8. The protesting coach may appeal the Commissioner's decision by ensuring that a written statement of appeal, containing all pertinent information, signed by both the school's Athletic Director and Principal is postmarked or faxed to the PSAL within two school days of receipt of the Commissioner's decision. 
16.9. No appeal will be reviewed without the required signatures. 
16.10. The PSAL will render a formal decision within two school days of receipt. 
16.11. The decision of the PSAL is final.

17. DEVELOPMENTAL TEAMS

17.1. A developmental team is a new team entering the league for the first time or so designated by the PSAL.
17.2. Upon completing their first season, teams will be reviewed by the PSAL and have the option of petitioning the PSAL for "official" status.
17.3. Developmental teams must adhere to all of the rules governing PSAL teams.
17.4. The team record does not count in the Division standings.
17.5. The PSAL will assign a schedule for each developmental team.
17.6. Officials will be paid by the PSAL for each game assigned by the PSAL.

18. EJECTED STUDENT ATHLETES

18.1. The minimum penalty imposed upon a student-athlete ejected from a PSAL league contest by an official will be a suspension from the next two scheduled PSAL contests (including league, post-season, or special events).
18.2. The official will notify the sports commissioner immediately after the contest.
18.3. The teacher/coach must post the student-athlete as INACTIVE on the PSAL website. 
18.4. The teacher/coach of the suspended student-athlete may appeal to the PSAL prior to the subsequent contest, only.
18.5. The PSAL may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are justified.
18.6. The PSAL will notify the teacher/coach of the decision prior to the next scheduled league contest.

19. EJECTED TEACHER/COACHES

19.1. Any teacher/coach who is ejected from the contest must leave the gymnasium (court, field).
19.2. If a certified replacement teacher/coach (Department of Education licensed teacher with current First Aid, AED, and CPR certifications) is not available, the ejected teacher/coach's team will forfeit the contest.
19.3. The Sports Commissioner will notify the PSAL of the ejection immediately after the game.
19.4. The ejected teacher/coach will be suspended:
19.4.1. 1st Ejection during current season- One (1) game suspension for the next scheduled league game(regular season or playoffs)
19.4.2. 2nd Ejection during current season-Two (2) games suspension and subject to further disciplinary action by the Principal, Superintendent and or the PSAL.

20. BRAWL RULE

20.1. In the event of an altercation, if teacher/coaches lose control of their benches, and both benches clear to participate in the altercation-THAT GAME WILL BE DECLARED A DOUBLE FORFEIT AND BOTH TEAMS WILL FORFEIT A MINIMUM OF THE NEXT 2 SCHEDULED LEAGUE GAMES.
20.2. The PSAL Director may impose further sanctions if there is evidence that such sanctions are warranted.

21. DROPPING TEAMS FROM ACTIVE STATUS

21.1. If a team forfeits 3 games, during the season, for not having the minimum number of players available for a league contest, that teams schedule will be cancelled for the remainder of the season.
21.2. The team's status for the following season will be reviewed by the PSAL.

22. PLAYOFF CRITERIA

22.1. Team playoffs will involve 12 teams with division champions not receiving a bye in the first round. 
22.2. The four top ranked teams will receive a bye. 
22.3. Rankings for teams, 1 through 12 will be based on dual meet record and NISCA point scoring for a meet selected by coaches and posted on the web.
22.4. Coaches must select a meet for point scoring to be contested on or before October 19, (Girls) and January 18, (Boys)
22.5. In the event of a tie for the Division Championship, a tie-breaker meet will be scheduled if time allows. During playoffs, in the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by NISCA point scoring the meet. In the event of a tie at the Team Championship, two teams will be declared champions.

23. ADDITIONAL SWIMMING SPECIFIC RULES & REGULATIONS

23.1. A swimmer shall be permitted to enter a maximum of four (4) events, no more than two of which may be individual events. Exhibition (unofficial) swimmers are permitted. An exhibition (unofficial) swim shall count as one of the four entries allowed, does not score points, but may count as a qualifying time and are subject to disqualification. These times must be posted on the PSAL web site. 
23.2. In championship meets, each team shall be permitted a maximum of four entries in an individual event and one team in a relay event.
23.3. A student-athlete must participate in at least five (5) regular season dual meets in order to participate in the B Division Swim Meet, A Division Swimming and Diving Championships or Team Championship.