Some of you may have been following the recent banter about technical swim suits. There has been much publicity around the controversy recently, particularly during World Championships this past summer. The NCAA, as always, is following FINA recommendations. The newly formed rule in regards to uniforms is below.

NCAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S
SWIMMING AND DIVING RULES BOOK

Rule 3-1-1. Uniforms and Swimsuits for Swimmers

ARTICLE 1. Competitors’ uniforms and swimsuits should be characterized by conformity to recognized standards of propriety.

A: MATERIAL:
.....1. Textile: By definition, the material used for the swimsuit shall be a textile (a woven material).
.....2. Permeability: All swimsuit materials must be 100 percent permeable to air and water.
.....3. Buoyancy: The material shall have a net buoyant effect of not more than .5 Newton [50.99 grams force or 1.798 ounces force].
.....4. Thickness: The material used shall have a maximum thickness of .8 mm. The measurement method is in accordance with ISO Standard 5084 for textiles.
.....5. Ergogenic Aids: The material shall not provide external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation, compression for core stabilization, or other performance-enhancing properties).

B: DESIGN:
.....1. When used, the material shall follow the body shape.
.....2. The design shall not create air trapping effects.
.....3. For men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the waist nor below the top of the kneecap.
.....4. For women, the swimsuit shall not extend beyond the shoulders nor below the top of the kneecap, nor cover the neck.

C: CONSTRUCTION:
.....1. Any system providing external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation, performance-enhancing compression, or other performance-enhancing properties) is prohibited.
.....2. The swimsuit shall not have any zippers or fasteners other than a waist tie for a brief or a jammer. The tie shall have a maximum width of ¼ inch.
.....3. The swimsuit shall comprise no more than two layers, the sum of which shall not exceed 1 mm in total thickness (excepting the casing/ribbing at the terminal ends of the material).
.....4. Elastic material may be contained within the casing/ribbing terminal ends of the swimsuit (e.g. shoulder straps, waist opening, leg openings).

D. CUSTOMIZATION:
.....1. All swimsuits must be constructed in an identical fashion with no variation/modification for individual swimmers.
.....2. Any modification or alteration (e.g. water resistant sprays, tape, etc.) is prohibited.
.....3. One post-construction impermeable institutional marking or logo that does not exceed 9 square inches may be applied to the swimsuit.
.....4. Swimmers with physical disabilities may request a waiver for customization from the NCAA swimming and diving secretary-rules editor at least one week before the individual’s first competition.

E. USE: The swimmer shall be limited to one swimsuit.

F. CONTROL: The NCAA may establish and/or use independent sources for testing/control.

G: In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 12.5.4, an institution’s uniforms or swimsuits or any item of apparel (e.g., t-shirts and warm-ups) that is worn by a student-athlete while representing the institution in intercollegiate competition shall contain only a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark on the outside of the apparel (regardless of the visibility of the logo or trademark). The logo or trademark must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼ square inches. Such an item of apparel may contain more than one manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark on the inside of the apparel provided the logo or trademark is not visible.

H. If an institution’s uniform or swimsuit or any item of apparel worn by a student-athlete in competition contains washing instructions on the outside of the apparel or on a patch that also includes the manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo or trademark, the entire patch must be contained within a four-sided geometrical figure (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram) that does not exceed 2¼ square inches.

I. The restriction of the size of a manufacturer’s or distributor’s logo is applicable to all apparel worn by student-athletes during the conduct of the institution’s competition, which includes any pregame or postgame activities (e.g., postgame celebrations or pre- or postgame media conferences) involving student-athletes.

J. UNIFORM/SWIMSUIT DEFINITIONS:
.....1. Propriety – conformity to established standards of good or proper behavior or manners.
Decency, modesty.
.....2. Coverage – the amount of body surface covered by the swimsuit. The greater the surface area covered, the greater the effect of the suit on performance.
.....3. Compress – to press together; force into less space. Causes the reduction of water displacement (reduces buoyancy), and drag (i.e. form, etc.). Creates discriminating effects based on body type.
.....4. Ergogenic properties – increasing capacity for bodily or mental labor especially by eliminating fatigue symptoms. Materials and designs that enhance stability, circulation and movement (torso and limb), or eliminate or reduce performance-limiting factors such as pain.
.....5. Design – to plan or fashion.
.....6. Material – a textile fabric.