When it comes to competitive swimming, every detail matters. For athletes, the smallest advantage can determine whether they finish first—or miss the podium by hundredths of a second. For athletic directors and facility managers, providing athletes with the right tools is just as important as ensuring the facility itself is safe, compliant, and efficient.
This year, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) took a major step forward by officially approving the use of backstroke start devices in high school competition. It’s a change that has far-reaching implications, not just for athletes, but for the facilities that support them.
A Rule That Aligns with the Future of Swimming
Until now, many high school swimmers lacked access to equipment that has long been standard in higher levels of competition. By embracing backstroke start devices, NFHS has aligned with USA Swimming, World Aquatics, and U.S. Masters Swimming, all of which already permit the use of these devices.
For facility leaders, this means a clearer path providing your athletes with the same technology they’ll encounter at regional, national, and international competitions. This consistency builds confidence and helps ease the transition as swimmers progress in the sport.
Performance and Safety in Equal Measure
At its core, the backstroke start device is about three things: performance, safety, and consistency.
- Improved Performance: Adjustable foot support reduces slips and allows swimmers to push off with more power, translating directly into faster reaction times and stronger starts.
- Enhanced Safety: By providing a secure and stable surface, the device lowers the risk of dangerous slips at the start—an important factor for both athletes and liability-conscious facility managers.
- Consistency and Fairness: Standardized equipment ensures that every swimmer, in every heat, competes under the same conditions.
Colorado Time Systems: Innovation You Can Trust
With the NFHS rule in place, facility decision-makers will be asking: Which device best serves our athletes, staff, and program?
Colorado Time Systems offers a Backstroke Start Device that combines precision engineering with ease of use.
- Compliant by Design: Fully meets NFHS, USA Swimming, World Aquatics, and U.S. Masters Swimming requirements.
- Hands-Off Efficiency: The foot ledge retracts automatically after the start—no need for staff or officials to remove it manually.
- Proven Reliability: Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing CTS timing and scoring systems, ensuring continuity and trust in every race.
Why Facility Leaders Should Act Now
For athletic directors, swim coaches, and facility planners, the new NFHS rule isn’t just a guideline—it’s a call to modernize.
- Athlete Development: Help swimmers build skills on equipment they’ll use throughout their careers.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduce downtime between races with automatic retraction and simple setup.
- Future-Proof Investment: Ensure your facility meets competitive swimming standards today and tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
Swimming is evolving, and the approval of backstroke start devices at the high school level represents a pivotal moment for facilities nationwide. By adopting this technology now, you not only keep pace with regulatory change—you position your athletes and your program for long-term success.
Colorado Time Systems is here to help facilities navigate this transition. With decades of experience, industry-leading technology, and a reputation built on reliability, CTS is uniquely positioned to equip your program with the tools it needs to succeed.
Ready to make your next upgrade?
Call +1 970-667-1000 to learn how the CTS Backstroke Start Device can help your facility stay compliant, enhance athlete safety, and elevate performance.