Swimsuit Update 28th November, 2009

Following the most recent announcement by FINA regarding swimsuits, Swimming NSW has amended its Rules, covering swimsuit guidelines for Swimming NSW and Member Association events.

Effective 26 November 2009, swimmers competing in Swimming NSW and Member Association events must comply with the following Swimming NSW Rules:

GR19 SWIMWEAR
GR19.1 General Swimsuit Rules
GR19.1.1 The swimwear (swimsuit, cap and goggles) of all swimmers shall be in good moral taste and suitable for the individual sports discipline.
GR19.1.2 Swimsuits worn by Competitors in Open Events, including ‘& Over’ events, conducted in NSW by Swimming NSW and any member Associations shall be non-transparent and conform to the following design:
  1. All swimsuits must be FINA approved;

    or
GR19.1.3 Swimmers may wear swimsuits provided the suits meet the following criteria:
  1. Men’s swimsuits are limited to one (1) suit that covers at most the body surface from hips to knee. Swimsuits may not extend above the waist or below the knees;
  2. Women’s swimsuits are limited to one (1) suit that is of “open back” and “open shoulder” designs that may extend down to the knee. Swimsuits must not extend below the knees.
  3. No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie.
  4. Swimsuits must be of textile material and must not contain any non textile material such as polyurethane or neoprene.
GR19.1.4 Swimsuits worn by competitors in Age Group (18 & under) Events conducted in NSW by Swimming NSW and any Member Associations shall be non-transparent and conform to the following design:
  1. Men’s swimsuits are limited to one (1) suit that covers at most the body surface from hips to knee. Swimsuits may not extend above the waist or below the knees;
  2. Women’s swimsuits are limited to one (1) suit that is of “open back” and “open shoulder” designs that may extend down to the knee. Swimsuits must not extend below the knees.
  3. No zippers or other fastening devices are allowed except for a waist tie.
  4. Swimsuits must be of textile material and must not contain any non textile material such as polyurethane or neoprene.
GR19.1.5 The Referee of a competition has the authority to exclude any swimmer whose swimsuit does not comply with this Rule.
GR19.1.6 Swimsuits are limited to one (1) suit.

NB: Australian Open Records can only be broken by wearing a FINA approved swimsuit.


The new swimsuit rules will apply at all NSW Championships. The NSW Open Water Championships and Metropolitan Championships are the first NSW meets in which these rules will be effective. Below is how these rules will be enforced:

NSW Open Water Championships
Before the commencement of the first race, the referee will remind swimmers of the new swimsuit rule changes at the referee briefing. As the swimmers enter the water the referee will be marking names off as well as checking that swimsuits meet the requirements for Age Group or Open events.

Metropolitan Championships
Before the commencement of the meet, the announcer will remind swimmers of the new swimsuit rules changes. When swimmers are marshalled for their respective events, the Marshall will be marking names off and checking that the swimsuits being worn meet the Age Group or Open event requirements. It is recommended that each swimmer know WHICH TYPE OF SWIMSUIT they are wearing in each event as the Marshall will also have a checklist for FINA approved suits as well as the rules.

See Also
  • FINA 2010 List of Approved Swimsuits

    • Latest News

    Cumberland Inter-Club Cup Results

    November 10, 2024

    Cumberland Inter-Club Cup

    November 9, 2024

    Metro South West Championships Results

    October 28, 2024

    Whales Challenge 1

    October 26, 2024

    Metro South West Championships

    October 25, 2024

    Cumberland Inter-Club Cup

    October 22, 2024

    Club Races are back on 21st September

    September 15, 2024

    Training Returns to Merrylands

    September 14, 2024

    New Season Registrations Now Open

    September 5, 2024

    Casual Swimming Coaches

    August 10, 2024

    News Archive