During the USA Swimming Convention, swim suit legislation was approved, to go into effect on October 1, 2009. There is no list yet from FINA, but certain guidelines will be required when shopping for that new competition suit. All organizations have adopted basically the same rule.

The attached letter appeared on the USA Swimming website today from Bruce Stratton, the Chairman of the Rules and Regulation Committee of USA Swimming.

The new swimsuit requirements are very specific and technical in nature, but the most obvious restrictions/rules are as follows:

1. Swim suits for men may not extend above the navel or below the knee and for women may not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or below the knee;

2. Material used for swimsuits can be only textile fabric which is defined as materials consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting, and/or braiding; and

3. No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie on a brief or jammer.

Keep in mind when Christmas shopping!