Swimming Austalia makes a ruling on tech-suits for AG's

Hi, In a month that has seen some federations in Europe and the US make some statements and rulings for young age groupers, as well as NCAA swimmers. Swimming Australia has come out with the most sweeping statement for change. FINA has meetings with coaches, National governing bodies and swimwear mfrs. coming up in January and February. Those meetings could have some sweeping ramifications for all swimmers including masters. SWIMMING AUSTRALIA STATEMENT RE SWIMSUITS

 Swimming Australia wants FINA to cease approval of any further swimsuits,
ban the use of "multi-layer" swimsuits in competition and has today
announced its own modifications to "Competition Swimwear By-Laws" for age
group swimmers.

 The decisions come after lengthy discussion by the SAL board and following
world wide discussion and debate in recent times regarding swimsuit
advancements and their impact on swimmer performance.

Swimming Australia's president and respected former international coach
David Urquhart said SAL would request that world governing body FINA cease
approval of any new swim suits immediately and request that the rules be
amended so swimmers can only wear one swimsuit.

 Mr Urquhart said Australia would support other members of the international
swimming community to have the suit approval process reviewed in relation to
fabrics and suit manufacture.

 "After long debate and input from SAL's High Performance Unit and other
stakeholders our board unanimously agreed that FINA's swimsuit approval
process needs to undergo an immediate review, in particular in relation to
fabrics and the manufacturing of swimsuits," Mr Urquhart said.

 "Australia supports other member federations and members of the
international swimming community in this endeavour."

 Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) president and
Olympic team coach Rohan Taylor welcomed the decisions saying: "Since
September ASCTA has been proactive in seeking the best possible outcome and
has worked with its board and SAL to ensure this has happened.

 "ASCTA has closely followed mounting evidence, scientific research and
information provided by industry leaders such as Forbes Carlile.

 "It has not been a simple process but now that the dust has settled after
the Olympics, ASCTA is committed to join this united front to make sure that
FINA gets a clear understanding of where Australia stands and that has
certainly happened."

 The modification to SAL's "Competition Swimwear By-Laws" for age group
swimmers follows recommendations to the SAL Board from a select 10-member
committee which included Australia's National Head Coach Alan Thompson, its
National Youth Coach Leigh Nugent and triple Olympian Adam Pine.
 
The group also included representation from the Australian Swimming Coaches
and Teachers Association (ASCTA) and the Australian Swimmers Association
(ASA).

 The modification - effective from April 1 2009 is:

 Swimwear worn by competitors in Australian Age Group Events shall conform to
the following design:
 Men's swimwear shall be limited to one swimsuit that covers, at most, the
body surface from hips to knee. Swimwear must not extend above the waist or
below the knees Women's swimwear shall be limited to one swimsuit that is of "open back"
and "open shoulder" designs that may extend down to the knee. Swimwear must
not extend below the knees. 

 General: Swimwear must not have a zipper or any type of fastening system.

 All swimwear worn by competitors in Age Group Events (18 and under)
conducted in Australia by SAL shall be commercially available products. 

 The amended by-laws will come into affect in time for the 2009 Australian
Age Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from April 13
to 18.

 Mr Urquhart said the recommendation for the modification to the "Competition
Swimwear By-Laws" from the select committee had also been unanimously agreed
by the Board.

 "SAL, ASA and ASCTA have been monitoring the advancements made in swimsuit
design and their impact on the sport over the past few years at an age group
level," Mr Urquhart said.

"We all agree this modification is in the interest of equal opportunity,
fair and equitable competition and to prevent the deterioration of swimming
skill development.

 "There has been much discussion and debate in recent times both domestically
and internationally regarding swimsuit advancements and their impact on
swimmer performance.

"SAL has received feedback and comments from numerous stakeholders regarding
this subject in the past few months and felt it had to make a stance on its
age group swimmers for the true advancement of the sport.

 "The future of swimming is about the swimmers, not about the swim suits. We
believe swimmers and coaches at an age level should concentrate on getting
the best coaching and training for the athletes and not the best swim suits.

"The focus has to be on good methodology, stroke technique, proper training,
instruction, nutrition and good preparation for our age group athletes to
make the step into our elite senior teams.

 "Australia, under Leigh Nugent's guidance, has developed the best age group
development program in the world - we are the envy of the other federations
and that will always remain our focus

"We certainly have not taken this issue lightly and believe it is a decision
for the betterment of our sport long term."


 END OF STATEMENT Just passing on the latest. TP PS: FWIW I like tech-suits, my triathlon store sells Nero's and ZeroPoint3's to local swimmers and masters.