State high school associations may adopt rules permitting the use of backstroke ledges during swimming competitions starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Rule 2-7-3 was approved by the NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee during its annual meeting last month in Indianapolis. All recommended changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
According to last week's announcement posted at nfhs.org, the new rule allows backstroke ledges in pools that maintain a 6-foot water depth, measured from the starting end wall to at least 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall. It also specifies the acceptable dimensions for the ledges.
Under the rule, if backstroke ledges are used in a competition, identical ledges must be provided by the host team for all lanes. Even if the ledges are available, individual swimmers are not required to use them.
The change follows years of discussions regarding backstroke ledges in high school competition, with the committee making its final decision based on research focused on risk minimization and alignment with national and international swimming standards, the announcement stated.
“I think the most important thing to consider about this rule passing is that it is a permissive rule,” said Rod Garman, chair of the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee and assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association. “State associations will have the choice of whether to allow backstroke starting ledges in their state. We recognize this is a major change in high school swimming, so it may take time for some states to adopt it.”
A strongly recommended teaching protocol for backstroke ledges will be available through the NFHS in the future, according to the rule change announcement.
“I think it’s going to create an opportunity for swimmers to improve in backstroke events,” Garman said. “Swimmers sometimes slip when placing their feet along the wall or touchpad at the start of a backstroke race. These ledges will help prevent that, allowing for stronger and more consistent starts. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have on our sport."
