Important New Swimwear Rules Relating to Gala participants

Current situation from 01-09-09 to 31-12-09 in relation to swimsuits for all competitions, except Masters.

In swimming competitions, the competitor must wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces which shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the ankle. No additional items, like arm bands or leg bands shall be regarded as parts of a swimsuit.

From 1st January 2010

Following FINA Congress swimwear rules were placed in the Byelaws.

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.

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