USAS Convention Rules Review

We just wrapped up a week in Rosemont, Illinois at the 2009 USAS Convention. Below is a recap of the rule changes and voting from the House of Delegates.

This year there were a total of 47 rule changes and 7 housekeeping actions proposed for the USA Swimming rule book at the HOD.

Rule Changes:
4 Withdrawn (Not voted on)
38 Adopted
5 Defeated

Housekeeping:
7 Adopted

Key Rule Changes:
102.9 Swimwear
USA Swimming will be enforcing the FINA swimwear rule effective Oct. 1, 2009. For a list of FINA approved suits visit USA Swimming's website

103.2 Water Depth
Initial racing starts, and any changes to basic technique thereafter, must be taught under the direct supervision of a USA Swimming member coach in a minimum of 6 feet (1.84 meters) of water measured from a distance of 3 feet 3 1/2 inches (1.0 meters) to 16 feet 5 inches (5.0 meters) from the end of the wall.

205.10 Swimwear in Age Group Competition
In Age Group swimming it is permissible to wear a garment under a swimsuit, for modesty and/or privacy reasons