Open Water Swimwear for 2010

Belated Newsflash: Nothing has changed for 2010 USMS Open Water Swimwear rules! Nothing will change when/if FINA updates its open water swimwear rules in June! USMS rules for open water allow for the same swimwear as in 2009. Information regarding legal 2009 swimsuits are located on the Rules Page: http://www.usms.org/rules/. Feel free to send me (Heather Hagadorn, Long Distance Chair) a private email if you have any questions or would like more information: LongDistanceATusmsDOTorg The USMS swimwear rules that apply to 2010 Open Water events are: 303.6 Swimwear 303.6.1 Swimwear shall be the same as defined in articles 102.14.1 and 102.14.7 . Goggles, ear plugs, watches, and grease shall be allowed. The suit shall be made of a porous material. ******************************************** 102.14.1 Design-The swimsuits worn for competition shall be nontransparent and conform to the current concept of the appropriate. The referee shall have authority to bar offenders from competition until they comply with this rule. 102.14.7 Advertising-Products involving tobacco, alcohol or pharmaceuticals containing drugs banned under IOC or FINA rules may not be advertised, but the advertiser's name only may be used. Offenders may be barred from competition until they comply with this rule. ******************************************** 303.6.2 Swim cap(s), including those made of neoprene, may be permitted. Swim caps shall be defined as head gear conforming to a traditional swim cap design and shall not extend to protect the neck or shoulders. 303.6.3 Wetsuits may be allowed at the discretion of the event director when the water temperature does not exceed 78°F. If awards are given to wetsuit competitors, they shall be awarded separately from those for non-wetsuit competitors. Any published results or records must clearly indicate which swimmers wore wetsuits. 303.6.4 Devices used to maintain body heat are illegal, except for those listed in articles 303.6.1, 303.6.2 and 303.6.3. 303.6.5 Flotation or propulsive devices are not permitted, apart from those listed in articles 303.6.2 and 303.6.3, except in designated events where all swimmers are using similar devices. 303.6.6 A wrist watch may be worn in open water competition. Note: The house of delegates, long distance, and open water development committees will have the opportunity to consider new open water swimwear rules when they meet at the annual convention in September, 2010 - but not before then.