4-1-4: The meet referee is the head official and is responsible for a wide variety of tasks involving the technical rules of swimming and diving. The meet referee’s authority begins at least 30 minutes prior to the contest and ends with the signing of the official scoresheet within one hour after the meet. However, this rule includes the expectation that the referee will correct any errors that may be discovered within 48 hours of the completion of competition. In order to avoid any confusion over the types of errors to be addressed, the term “clerical” has been eliminated. The understanding and expectation here is that the referee will do what is necessary to ensure that meet outcomes and related details are appropriate and accurate. The authority of the referee in this context is broad, and state associations may rely upon that official to mitigate such errors. This makes for a more efficient and effective process for fixing problems that may arise. State associations may intercede in the event of unusual incidents before, during and after the referee's jurisdiction has ended.

4-2-2e: Referee notification of violations to swimmers and/or coaches may be accomplished by several means, including public announcement (4-2-2d) if neither the competitor nor coach can be located without delaying the meet. When the violation involves improper suits, however, public announcement is not appropriate. The NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Committee has worked carefully over the past several years to ensure clear understanding of the expectation that any discussion of suit issues occurs ONLY between the referee and the coach. If there is a violation of Rule 3-3-2, the meet referee must contact the coach. The rule change addresses the context when PENALTY 2 of Rule 3-3-2 is invoked. If the meet referee determines an athlete is to be disqualified for violation of the suit coverage requirement of 3-3-2, the coach must be notified directly; no alternative method is permissible.