1. Who can compete in UIL middle school swimming?

• Grade level: UIL interscholastic athletics are for 7th & 8th graders. Districts may not allow 6th graders to compete in UIL contests.^*
• HISD rule: Competitive swimming teams are typically listed as “Swimming – 7th & 8th grades only” in district sports guides.
• Enrollment: Athletes must be enrolled in the school and meet all HISD and UIL eligibility rules (no home-school participation under current HISD policy).

^* UIL policy prohibits interscholastic competition for teams below 7th grade.

2. Academic eligibility – “No Pass, No Play”

• Passing grades: Students must be passing all classes (usually 70 or higher) to remain eligible.
• Six-week checks: Grades are reviewed at UIL grading periods; failing a class can result in temporary ineligibility until the next check when the grade is brought back up.
• Promotion requirement: To be eligible in the fall, students must have been promoted from the previous grade at the end of the last school year.
• Attendance & conduct: Good attendance and behavior are required; serious discipline or attendance issues can remove an athlete from competition.

Parents: if grades drop, talk with your athlete’s coach and teachers early so we can help them get back on track academically and in the pool.

3. Required forms & medical clearance

• Physical exam: A current UIL physical (sports physical) on file before an athlete may practice or compete.
• Medical history form: Completed and signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.
• Concussion & cardiac forms: UIL acknowledgement forms (and HISD equivalents) must be signed each year.
• Online registration: HISD uses an online system (e.g., Aktivate / RegisterMyAthlete) to upload forms and verify clearance for tryouts and competition.
• Insurance: Proof of insurance or district-approved coverage is required.

Athletes will not be allowed in the water for team practices or meets until all forms are submitted and cleared by the school.

4. Meet format & common events

Middle school meets follow UIL and NFHS Swimming & Diving rules. The exact event lineup may vary slightly by district, but generally includes:

• Individual events: 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, 50 Back, 50 Breast, 50 Fly, 100 Individual Medley (IM).
• Relays: 4×50 Medley Relay (Back, Breast, Fly, Free) and 4×50 Free Relay.
• Grade divisions: Separate scoring/divisions for 7th grade and 8th grade, boys and girls.
• Meet types: Dual meets (two schools), tri-meets, and the District Championship at the end of the season.

The host site publishes the event order and warm-up timelines; coaches share this information with swimmers and families before each meet.

5. How races are judged (NFHS stroke rules)

UIL adopts the NFHS Swimming & Diving Rules Book for stroke and turn rules, starts and finishes. Some common reasons for disqualification (DQ) include:

• Start: Leaving early (false start) before the starting signal.
• Freestyle/Backstroke: Not surfacing in time after the start/turn, or being completely submerged at the finish (except within the allowed 15m).
• Breaststroke: One-hand touches, scissors or flutter kicks, or non-simultaneous arm pulls.
• Butterfly: One-hand touches, alternating kicks, or non-simultaneous arm recovery.
• Turns & finishes: Incorrect wall touches or not swimming the full distance.

Our coaches teach these rules in practice. Middle school is a learning level – mistakes happen and that’s how swimmers grow.

6. Team suit, caps & equipment

• Suit: One-piece, school-appropriate suit that meets NFHS and UIL modesty standards. Tech suits are usually not allowed at the middle school level.
• Cap: Team cap or solid-color cap (no inappropriate logos). Swimmers with long hair must wear a cap for safety and visibility.
• Jewelry: For safety, visible jewelry should be removed during races.
• Goggles: Strongly recommended but must not be disruptive or unsafe.
• Warm-ups: Team shirt/hoodie and pants are encouraged at meets to keep swimmers warm and to represent Pershing respectfully.

7. Sportsmanship & parent expectations

• Respect officials: Only coaches should approach officials with questions. Parents and athletes must show respect for referees and timers at all times.
• Cheer for everyone: Applaud strong swims from all teams. We model good sportsmanship as WaterPandas.
• Bench behavior: Athletes stay in the team area unless reporting to events, cheering teammates, or using the restroom with permission.
• Social media: Celebrate meets online in a positive way; no negative comments about other teams, officials, or teammates.

8. Where to find the official rules

For families who want to dive deeper into the full regulations:

• UIL Swimming & Diving: Official sport page, manuals, and rule updates:
  www.uiltexas.org/swimming-diving
• UIL Junior High & eligibility policies:
  UIL Junior High (7th–8th) rules  and  No Pass, No Play guidelines
• NFHS Swimming & Diving Rules: National rule book used by UIL meets:
  www.nfhs.org/sports/swimming-diving

If you have questions about how a specific rule applies to Pershing or HISD District II, please contact the WaterPandas coaching staff.