News

Most of you should be aware of the changes to the swim suit regulations introduced by FINA, the world governing body, with effect from 1 January 2010.

In order to clarify what will be allowed and what won’t at East District they have sent their guidance on how these rule will interpreted.  Please see below.

The regulations state:

Bye Law BL 8.2 In swimming competitions the competitor must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. No additional items, like arm bands or leg bands shall be regarded as parts of a swimsuit.

East District notes:
This will be interpreted as a swimmer cannot wear one swimsuit over another. In order for consistency, arm bands and leg bands will apply to all bands, no matter how large or small. Charity bands, friendship bands, necklaces, bracelets and anklets will come into this category, that is, they should not be worn and any swimmer wearing these articles will run the risk of being disqualified.

Bye Law BL 8.3 From January 1, 2010 swimwear for men shall not extend above the navel nor below the knee, and for women, shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor shall extend below knee. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials.

East District notes:
This will be interpreted as only trunks and jammers for males and costumes and kneesuits for females. Suits with zips and or Velcro fasteners are not permitted. If a swimmer is wearing jammers or kneesuit and they extend past the knee because of their size, we will not disqualify, as there is no intent to breach the rules. Any swimsuits which have non textile materials on them (rubber studs, neoprene panels etc), but excluding the makers advertising logo (the size of which is subject to FINA byelaw 7.1.1) will not be permitted.

In addition to the swim suit regulation changes, there is an important change to the swimming rules which may affect swimmers.

Swimming Rule SW 10.8 No swimmer shall be permitted to use or wear any device that may aid his/her speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.). Goggles may be worn. Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by FINA Sport Medicine Committee.

East District notes:
Any tape (including “elastoplasts” or similar medical tape) must be approved by the referee prior to swimming.

Any swimmers can contact Brian Gilchrist for further clarification

Brian Gilchrist
Swimming Convenor
SASA East District.