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Suits: The Wording Of USA Rule Change Proposals

Nov 24, 2008  - Craig Lord

Further to SwimNews breaking the news that USA Swimming is pressing FINA to ban the bodysuit, here are the specifics of the American federation's rule-change proposals as agreed at its latest board meeting just a week ago - proposed additional wording in bold:

GR 5 Swimwear

GR 5.3

In swimming competitions the competitor must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces which shall not [REMOVE: extend beyond the ankles, the wrists and the neck] cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the knee. No additional items, like arm bands or leg bands shall be regarded as parts of a swimsuit.

GR 5.6

The manufacturers must ensure that the approved new swimsuit will be available for all competitors for 12 months prior to the Olympic Games.

SW 10 The Race

SW 10.7

No swimmer shall be permitted to use or wear any device or swimsuit that may aid his speed, buoyancy or endurance during a competition (such as webbed gloves, flippers, fins, etc.) Goggles may be worn. An independent agency will utilize established globally recognized scientific testing procedures to determine compliance.

President of USA Swimming Jim Wood has now written to FINA congratulating the international federation's commitment to consult the key parties to the suits debate in January and February as detailed in the news broken by SwimNews during the final round of the World Cup in Berlin.