Competitive swim equipment isn't something you should have to figure out on your own.
We've helped hundreds of teams, from youth swim clubs and high schools to colleges, universities, and competitive aquatic facilities, select the right equipment for their programs. With decades of aquatics industry experience, we understand that every facility has different requirements, and we're here to help you find the right solution.
From equipment specifications and competition requirements to compatibility, installation, and replacement needs, you can count on our team for knowledgeable support before, during, and after your purchase.
Not sure where to start? Use this guide to help narrow down your options, or contact our team for help choosing the right equipment for your facility.
Racing Lane Requirements
World Aquatics
USA Swimming
NCAA
NFHS
USMS
Floating lane dividers
Required
Required
Required/available as specified
Required
Required
Lane line construction
Wave-dampening floating lane lines
Wave-dampening floating lane lines
Floating lane markers
Floating lane lines
Floating lane lines
Lane line diameter
Current rule does not establish one universal diameter
2–6"; 11 cm minimum for National Championships
Not specified
Not specified
2–6"; 11 cm minimum for National Championships
End-wall anchoring
Required/recessed
Required/recessed
Permanent recessed anchoring provision
Required
Required/recessed
Contrasting end section
Required/defined by course
Required/defined by course
Recommended: final 15 ft.
Required where specified
Required/defined by course
15 m lane marker
Required
Required
Recommended
Required
Required
Outside lane lines
Competition dependent
Competition dependent
Required/available as championship configuration
Competition dependent
Competition dependent
Starting Platform Requirements
World Aquatics
USA Swimming
NCAA
NFHS
USMS
Starting platforms
Required
Required where used
Required
Required where used
Required where used
Platform height
19.7"-29.5" (0.50-0.75 m)
19.7"-29.5" for 25 m/50 m; <30" for 25 yd.
<30" above water
20"-30"
19.7"-29.5" for metric courses; <30" for 25 yd.
Platform top size
≥19.7" x 19.7" (0.50 x 0.50 m)
≥19.7" x 19.7"
≥20" x 20"
≥20" x 20"
≥20" x 20"
Platform slope
<10°
<10°
<10°
<10°
<10°
Non-slip platform surface
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Platform front edge
Flush with end wall
Flush with end wall
Flush with end wall
Flush with end wall
Flush with end wall
Backstroke starting grips
11.8"-23.6" above water
12"-24" above water
<30" above water
12"-24" above water
12"-24" above water
Lane numbers on blocks
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Anchored Blocks
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Track-style blocks
Required where applicable
Permitted/required where applicable
Permitted; championship facilities may require
Not specified nationally
Permitted/required where applicable
Starting block wedge
Permitted where applicable
Permitted
Permitted
Permitted where applicable
Permitted
Timing Equipment Requirements
World Aquatics
USA Swimming
NCAA
NFHS
USMS
Automatic timing
Required/approved for applicable competition
Required/approved for applicable competition
Required/approved for championship competition
Permitted/used where available
Required/approved for applicable competition
Touchpads
Approved equipment
Approved equipment
Championship facilities use electronic timing/touchpads
Permitted
Approved
Touchpad width
at least 2.4 m
at least 2.4 m
6.5 ft. recommended for 7–8 ft. lanes
Not nationally specified
Facility/timing specifications apply
Touchpad thickness
Equipment specification
Equipment specification
~1"
Not specified
Equipment specification
Touchpad placement
Flush/at water level
At water level
Centered in lane and at/below water level
Facility dependent
At wall/water level
Backup timing
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Manual timing
Required as backup
Required as backup
Required as backup
Required as applicable
Required as backup
Relay judging/takeoff system
Approved electronic system where used
Approved electronic system
Relay Judging Platforms required for applicable NCAA championship competition
New 2026-27 emphasis
Permitted/approved
Backstroke Flag Requirements
World Aquatics
USA Swimming
NCAA
NFHS
USMS
Backstroke flags
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Distance from end wall: 25 yard course
N/A
15 ft.
15 ft.
5 yd.
15 ft.
Distance from end wall: 25 m course
5 m
5 m
5 m
5 m
5 m
Distance from end wall: 50 m course
5 m
5 m
5 m
Not applicable to standard NFHS competition
5 m
Height above water
1.8 m
7 ft. minimum; course specific
7 ft.
7 ft.
7 ft. / 1.8 m minimum
Pennants per lane
Not specified as a minimum number
At least 3
At least 3
At least 3
At least 3
Pennant base
20 cm attached side; 40 cm other sides
6–12"
6–12"
Not specified
6–12"
Pennant vertical length
40 cm sides
12–18"
12–18"
Not specified
12–18"
Contrasting colors
Required
Required
Two or more alternating contrasting colors
Required
Required
Swim Racing FAQs
Who sets the rules for competitive swimming?
Rules vary by competition level. Major organizations include World Aquatics, USA Swimming, NCAA, NFHS, and U.S. Masters Swimming.
What is World Aquatics?
World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports, including swimming. It was formerly known as FINA. View World Aquatics regulations.
What is USA Swimming?
USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. View USA Swimming regulations.
What is NCAA swimming?
NCAA swimming is collegiate swimming governed under NCAA rules and regulations. View NCAA Regulations.
What is NFHS swimming?
NFHS provides rules for high school swimming and diving competition, with state associations potentially establishing additional requirements. View NFHS Regulations.
What is U.S. Masters Swimming?
U.S. Masters Swimming governs Masters swimming in the United States and provides rules and resources for Masters competition.
Do all competitive swimming organizations have the same equipment requirements?
No. While many standards overlap, different organizations can have different requirements for equipment, pool dimensions, starting systems, and other competition elements.
Which rules should my pool follow?
Your facility should follow the rules applicable to the competitions it hosts. A pool that hosts multiple types of competition may need to accommodate requirements from more than one organization.
Can state associations have different requirements than NFHS?
Yes. State associations can establish policies or requirements affecting high school competition, so facilities should verify requirements with the applicable state association.
What are the requirements for competitive starting blocks?
Requirements can include platform dimensions, height, surface characteristics, and starting configuration. The applicable governing organization sets these standards.
Upgrading Existing Blocks
Upgrading starting blocks does not always mean removing existing anchors or modifying
your pool deck. Depending on the starting blocks currently installed, retrofit and
replacement options may allow you to upgrade your blocks while using the existing anchor
configuration.
Existing anchor size, post configuration, spacing, and the current starting block model are
all important when determining which replacement options will work for your pool.
Need Help Finding the Right Replacement?
Our Commercial Sales Team can help determine which starting blocks are compatible with
your existing installation. To help us identify your options, please provide:
Photos of the existing starting block
Manufacturer and model, if known
Anchor/post configuration: single post or dual post
Post dimensions, including diameter or square dimensions
Distance between posts, measured center-to-center for dual-post installations
Pool deck dimensions or photos of the anchor installation
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