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USA Swimming Adopts October 1 Ban on
Full-Body Suits (9/19/2009)
At its annual Convention on Saturday, over 400 USA
Swimming Delegates,
representing swim clubs from all 50 states, voted overwhelmingly for early
implementation of a ban on high-tech swimsuits. The legislation,
which will go into effect on October 1, regulates swimsuits worn in
all USA Swimming–sanctioned
competitions.
The Amendment to Rule
102.9 reads, in part:
“All swimsuits shall be made from
textile materials. For men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the
navel nor below the knees, and for women, shall not cover the neck,
extend past the shoulder, nor extend below the knee.”
Textile fabric is defined
as material consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and
non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving,
knitting and/or braiding.
The legislation will go
into effect here in the U.S. three months before FINA,
swimming’s international governing body, is expected to
implement the same rule for international
competition.
“As an organization,
we have been working with FINA and other swimming nations to find a
solution that will ensure a fair and even playing field for all
swimmers, and that will ultimately advance the best interests of
our sport,” said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming Executive
Director. “With Saturday’s vote, our membership has
sent a clear message that it wanted this action taken sooner,
rather than later. We hope that this action will put the emphasis
back where it belongs – on our athletes, their training and
hard work.”
The regulation will apply
to all levels of USA Swimming
meets.
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