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The Texas Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Officials aka TISDO is the group representing the officials for Texas high school swimming and diving through the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
UIL 2025 - 26 Rules updates
Use of Backstroke Ledges
NFHS Rule 2-7-3 was approved, which allows state high school associations to adopt rules permitting the use of backstroke ledges/wedges during competitions beginning with the 2025-26 school year. This rule change reflects a balanced decision based on thorough research, risk minimization strategies, and alignment with best practices in competitive swimming.
The Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA) and the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Aquatics Committee have been supportive of and advocating for this rule change for several years. As a result of the strong level of support, the UIL will adopt Rule 2-7-3 with the following stipulations:
- According to NFHS Rule 2-7-3, backstroke ledges may ONLY be used in pools that maintain a minimum of 6-foot water depth, measured from the starting end wall to at least 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters) from the end wall.
- The rule also specifies the acceptable dimensions for the ledges.
- When using a backstroke ledge at the start, at least one toe of both feet must be in contact with the end wall or face of the TouchPad.
- Aquatic facilities will not be required to use ledges during regular season competitions or during UIL District Championship Meets.
- UIL Regional Meet sites and UIL State Championship sites will provide identical ledges for all lanes.
- Under Rule 2-7-3, if backstroke ledges are used in a competition, identical ledges must be provided by the host team for all lanes.
- Individual swimmers are not required to use them in any meet, including Regional and State Championship Meets, even if the ledges are available.
Coaches are encouraged to educate themselves and use the resources available to them to develop a clear understanding of how to teach proper technique and risk minimization strategies for the use of backstroke ledges. It is of utmost importance that coaches ensure that prior to a swimmer utilizing a backstroke ledge in UIL competition, they ensure that the swimmer has a firm understanding of proper technique and safety procedures. Mastery of performing a backstroke start using a ledge will be paramount to insure risk minimization.
Use of Relay Takeoff Judging Platforms
UIL Protocols for Electronic Relay Judging Equipment
The following protocols will be utilized for the 2024-25 UIL Swimming & Diving Season.
In all UIL championship meets in which electronic relay judging equipment is being utilized, a minimum of two (2), preferably four (4), relay takeoff judges must be assigned to observe relay exchanges.
- An individual relay takeoff judge should be assigned to observe no more than four (4), preferably two (2) lanes.
- Side takeoff judges should be positioned on the side of the pool nearest the lanes for which they have responsibility.
- Lane takeoff judges should be positioned facing the side judge and adjacent to starting platforms for which they have responsibility, where they will have an unrestricted view of the incoming and outgoing touches and departures.
- An alleged rules infraction, that is observed by any of the takeoff judges, shall be recorded immediately in writing. Each relay takeoff judge, who observes an alleged rules violation, shall wait until the last competitor of the heat is in the water before signaling an observed violation by raising a hand overhead, with open palm. Both officials observing relay takeoff exchanges shall not be located next to each other on the side of the pool.
- When the relay judging equipment records an exchange of 0.00 and beyond on the positive side, or from the manufacturer’s starting point, there shall not be an early relay takeoff violation charged unless there has been an observed contact with the starting block by a swimmer or team personnel at the block and observed by the official assigned to the lane.
- Should the electronic relay judging equipment fail, it would take dual confirmation from officials to validate a DQ.
RELAY TAKEOFF PAD USAGE TABLE
Non-Omega Timing System
Any negative value
0.00 and greater
DQ MUST have confirmation by at least one (1) takeoff judge
LEGAL
NO VIOLATION
(Judges are not considered unless there was an observed contact as described in #5 above)
Omega Timing System
Any negative value less than -0.03
-0.03 and greater
DQ MUST have confirmation by at least one (1) takeoff judge
LEGAL
NO VIOLATION
(Judges are not considered unless there was an observed contact as described in #5 above)
2025- 2026 Registration
Registration will open for the 2025-26 high school season on September 1, 2025
Files coming soon.
Need help with Dragonfly?
See the link for help registering as NFHS/TISDO Tier 2 official
State Meet Applications
New This Year!
The UIL has increased the pay and added mileage for the UIL State Championship Meets.
Meet Judge/Official pay will be $100.00 per session, plus mileage and hotel.
2024-2025 TISDO-Registered Swimming & Diving officials
REVISED 2024 - 2025 TISDO SWIMMING ROSTER (xlsx)
Downloadcurrent rules interpretations
Announcement of TISDO Annual meeting
Annual Meeting
The TISDO Board of Directors will hold its annual meeting in August via Zoom. The date and time are still to be determined. A Zoom link will be posted here in the near future.
TISDO Documents
Various TISDO forms and documents
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