Bolton & District Swimming

& Water Polo Association

 President Mr B Thorpe

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL AFFILIATED CLUBS

 Swimming Rule  Changes

(As amended following FINA Technical Congress July 2009)

British Swimming and ASA has stated that they will implement changes to FINA Technical Rules for all their swimming events from 1^st January 2010.

 Any event swum under ASA law must, therefore, abide by FINA Technical Rules.

Whilst most of the changes relate to the organisation and running of the event there are some that apply to swimmers and need to be known by clubs and swimmers.

 SW4. The Start

  If a second start is required (due to a disqualification at the start before the starting signal) the referee repeats the starting procedure beginning with the long whistle (the second one for backstroke).

 SW7.1 Breaststroke 

 After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs during which the swimmer may be submerged. A single butterfly kick is permitted during the first arm stroke, followed by a breaststroke kick.

 SW 9.1 Medley

 In Individual Medley events, each stroke must cover one quarter of the distance.

 SW 10.8 The Race

Any kind of tape on the body is not permitted unless approved by FINA Sports Medicine Committee.

 Swimwear

 BL 8.2 In swimming competition 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 part of the swimsuit.

 BL 8.3 From 1^st January 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 the knee. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials.

 IN ADDITION

It is likely that ASA will adopt the technical specifications which relate to FINA approved swimwear. This may be of significance to those swimming above club level competition. The most important of these is that no zippers or other fastening system is allowed.

Further details are on the FINA website.

Think about this if you are getting swim kit for Christmas!!!!

Please Note for clubs participating in Open Meets in Wales, that the Swimming rule changes (SW) have already been adopted by WASA.

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Last modified: 19-05-11