Can I finish a race completely underwater?
Rule- USA
- NFHS
- High school
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- NFHS rules
- Swimming and diving
- 2026-27 season
- Swimmers
In butterfly and freestyle, yes, from 2026-27. NFHS Rules 8-2-3g (butterfly) and 8-2-4e (freestyle) now say:
"Once some part of the swimmer's head has passed the 5-yard/5-meter mark immediately prior to reaching for the finish, the swimmer may be completely submerged."
Before that point, the normal surface rules for the stroke still apply. The NFHS 2026-27 changes don't extend this to backstroke or breaststroke.
Added 21 Oct 2026