Please note that this is just a summary of some of the major rules issued by USA Swimming, and it is not intended to be a complete listing of all swimwear restrictions.   It is the responsibility of the swimmer to know if his or her suit follows the ALL the USA Swimming rules and regulations for approved swimwear.    If a swimmer is using using a so-called   “technical swimsuit,” either the style must match the description of “Traditional Style Swimsuits,” (see below) or the specific, brand, model, and make of his or her suit must appear on the USA Swimming list of Approved Swimwear (see “Technical Swimsuits” section below).   Protests regarding a particular suit worn by a swimmer may be filed with either the WCSC Championship Meet Director or with the USA Swimming Official, and may result in the disqualification of that swimmer.

Two Suit Rule

USA Swimming has determined that the use of more than one suit during a race is prohibited.   This restriction applies to all types, models, and makes of swimsuits, not just so-called “technical swimsuits.”  

Per USA swimming, this rule is not intended to apply to athletic supporters or modesty type wear.

Traditional Style Swimsuits

All swimmers of all ages will be able to wear “traditional style swimsuits” regardless of type, model, and make, including suits made of so-called “technical materials.”   USA Swimming defines traditional style swimsuits as follows:

2. For male swimmers, the swim suit shall not extend above the navel or below the knees.  

For any swimmer wearing a suit that does not fit the above description of a traditional suit, technical swimsuit rules apply.

Technical Swimsuits

First, the make, model, and manufacturer of all technical suits must appear on the USA Swimming list of approved swimwear.   A copy of this list can be viewed in the attached memo from USA Swimming dated June 25, 2009.  

Second, in accordance with Article 102.9.1 in the 2009 USA Swimming Rulebook additional swimsuit restrictions apply to the 12 & under age group.   An excerpt of this rule reads as follows:

102.9.1 A: “Swimsuits worn for all 12 & under age group defined competition shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the knee.”

Exemption

An exemption to Article 102.9.1 may be granted, on a case by case basis, to a swimmer who:

1     Based upon the swimmer’s stated religious beliefs, is required to wear a suit that covers more of the swimmer’s body than is permitted under this Rule; or

2         Whose medical condition requires more of the swimmer’s body to be covered than permitted under this Rule.

This exemption does not extend to the use of any swimwear that has ever been promoted by its manufacturer as providing a performance advantage, or has otherwise been described as providing a technological advantage.

A Word about the County Meet

All Walnut Creek Swim Conference swimmers who qualify for, and decide to swim in, the 2009 LMYA County Meet should note that all suits worn at this years’ County Meet must meet the Traditional Style Swimsuit description above.   Please check the County Meet Entry packet for additional details.