Wetsuits at Meets?!

A wetsuit does not conform to the concept of a pool competition, as their primary use is for outdoor OW - therefore is not appropriate for a pool meet. I agree with you here. No one wears a wetsuit in pool competition. It is just something that we all take for granted. Perhaps as you suggest the competitor was really taking a chance or completely ignorant of common pool practice. (I have to wonder though how much of an advantage it would really be. Would the increased buoyancy really offset the added water weight and decreased mobility?) But the question really is: Do the rules really exclude the use of them? In my opinion Rule 102.14.1 refers to modesty and appropriate dress i.e. no g-strings, transparent swimwear, outrageously daring cuts, etc :D I think you are right about Rule 102.15.9 in that it refers to a device rather than swimwear. I don't know. The lawyers should be clearer on this. Fort? Syd

A wetsuit does not conform to the concept of a pool competition, as their primary use is for outdoor OW - therefore is not appropriate for a pool meet. I agree with you here. No one wears a wetsuit in pool competition. It is just something that we all take for granted. Perhaps as you suggest the competitor was really taking a chance or completely ignorant of common pool practice. (I have to wonder though how much of an advantage it would really be. Would the increased buoyancy really offset the added water weight and decreased mobility?) But the question really is: Do the rules really exclude the use of them? In my opinion Rule 102.14.1 refers to modesty and appropriate dress i.e. no g-strings, transparent swimwear, outrageously daring cuts, etc :D I think you are right about Rule 102.15.9 in that it refers to a device rather than swimwear. I don't know. The lawyers should be clearer on this. Fort? Syd