PLAYING BY THE RULES

ASBA periodically recounts rule changes that may affect the way facilities are constructed, marked or appointed (including equipment that is either experimental, recommended or mandatory.)

Rule changes affecting athletes (uniforms, sportsmanship, NIL issues, etc.) or the game itself (what constitutes a foul, etc.) are not covered here.

Information presented here is only reviewed briefly; full information can be gained through the governing bodies mentioned.

NFHS: Standards for Remodeling Wrestling Facilities

Wrestling continues to grow, and with the NCAA announcing that women’s wrestling had taken a step closer to championship status (see elsewhere in this publication), it can be expected that expanded, and improved, space for the sport will be needed. NFHS notes the following (this information is condensed from that found on the Federation’s website.)

Many schools’ wrestling rooms are simply “found spaces” with concrete floors and a wrestling mat thrown down. Obviously, school districts have many financial needs, and identifying a dedicated wrestling room is step one. However, as opportunities arise to make improvements to these spaces, the following should be considered for student safety and optimal conditions within a wrestling room.

Proper space planning for a new or renovation of a wrestling room should take into account ample wrestling practice space on the mats, along with appropriate entry space, or space for students to collect and drop their bags and equipment, free and clear of the wrestling mat area. This space outside the wrestling practice mats cannot be overemphasized in terms of student safety and keeping the practice mats free of equipment and dirty shoes.

The primary wrestling practice area should be column-free, and at least 38 feet wide, by a length ideally a factor of 38 feet, to facilitate optimal practice circles. If possible, adding a couple feet in either direction beyond this minimal 38-foot width will enable installation of the floor padding, and will create an enhanced safety factor at the perimeter walls.

This primary wrestling practice area space should be a simple rectangular geometry (avoid ‘L’ shapes or spaces with unusual corners) and should be free of “outside corners” or “pilasters” or “bump-outs” within the space. As much as possible, the walls should be completely flat and free of corners, obstructions, doors and with hardware, etc.

Wrestling practice area flooring should contain wrestling sports mat from wall to wall. Perimeter walls should be faced with a similar wrestling sports mat to around six feet high. Given tight school budgets, coaches at many schools roll up their practice mats and transport them from their practice rooms to a gymnasium or other large gathering space for competitions. However, in an ideal situation, the wrestling practice room floor mats should be adhered to the slab and installed within the space in a more permanent/secure manner. If possible, recessing the concrete slab at the wrestling practice areas around 1.5 to 2 inches from adjacent spaces will facilitate a seamless floor transition from the entry area and other adjacent support spaces.

Ceilings with wrestling practice rooms can be suspended acoustic products, or an exposed/painted structure. In either case, a clear ceiling height between 9 to 10 feet is ideal. Along with appropriate bright lighting, sound amplification and speaker system throughout the wrestling room is highly recommended. Finally, the HVAC system should be designed for proper air changes and ventilation.

NFHS: Volleyball

Rule 2-1-9 was added to define the coaching zone as the area from the libero replacement zone to the area beyond the end line and the sideline extended.

“The committee felt it was necessary to better define the space in which coaches are allowed to stand and instruct both players on the floor and on the bench while also providing some flexibility for specialized coaching by assistant coaches during dead-ball situations,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Volleyball Rules Committee.

NFHS: Swimming and Diving

Some changes have been made that will affect facility construction or renovation taking place after January 1, 2023. While ASBA’s Membership Divisions do not specifically address this, members who are working on indoor facilities should be aware of these changes, which are found on the NFHS website.

NFHS: Boys Lacrosse

The Boys Lacrosse Field Diagram (use QR code to access the diagram) has been updated to correspond with other lacrosse rules codes. Specifically, the Table Area, Timer’s Area, Coaches’ Area and Team Area were updated to reflect 2023 rules changes. ★