FINA Extraordinary Congress Institutes Several New Rules Across Sports Spectrum

DOHA – With the presence of delegates from 155 National Member Federations, the FINA Extraordinary Congress took place today in Doha (QAT), and approved the following changes in the FINA Rules:

– Constitution Rules: High Diving is now officialised as the sixth FINA Aquatic Discipline; the Code of Ethics and the FINA Ethics Panel are now part of this set of Rules;
– General Rules: introduction of High Diving; Swimming finals can only be swum in 8 lanes;
– Swimming: new rules regarding early start and butterfly kick in breaststroke events; electronic lap counters for the races of 800m and 1500m free races may be used; the possibility of using a backstroke ledge was also introduced; rules governing the World Junior Records in 50m and 25m-pool were defined;
– Open Water Swimming: obligation to touch the touch pad, if available, at the finish of a race in order to validate the time and ranking;
– Diving: definition of rules for the newest Diving event, the mixed 3m and 10m synchro; minor changes in judging;
– High Diving: definition of rules for the newest and sixth discipline, contested for the first time at the 2013 FINA World Championships;
– Synchronised Swimming: introduction of mixed duet, in two new events (technical and free);
– Water Polo: minor changes were made concerning the balls, substitutions during the game, exclusion and penalty fouls;
– Masters: minor adjustments in the swimming, open water and water polo rules;
– Doping Control Rules: a new set of rules, in conformity with the WADA Code, was approved, and will be applicable from January 1, 2015;
– Facilities Rules: amendments in Swimming (backstroke ledge) and Diving (platform material) facilities; set of new rules on High Diving facilities.

“After this Congress, FINA has improved tools to continue developing its activities. We live in a very competitive sports market, and as a leading International Federation, we need to have the best possible rules to face the inevitable challenges in this area”, considered the FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com.

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Leander

9 years ago

Does anyone know what the new butterfly kick during breaststroke rules are? I know there was discussion regarding allowing swimmers to take as many butterfly kicks as they wanted because a whole bunch of swimmers were cheating and FINA doesn’t feel like enforcing the rules against blatant cheating or something.

Maureen Rankin

9 years ago

Reply to Leander

This came out from USA Swimming today:
“On November 29, 2014, FINA convened an Extraordinary Congress in Doha, Qatar and adopted changes to
FINA rules.
2. The Rules and Regulations Committee acting pursuant to the provisions of Rule 511.1, hereby amends the following rule to conform to the rules of FINA.
3. Rule 101.2.3 is amended – the underlined passage indicates the affected wording.
“101.2.3 Kick – After the start and each turn, at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick a single butterfly kick is permitted. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.
The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. Scissors, alternating movements or downward butterfly kicks are not permitted except as provided herein. Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward butterfly kick.”
4. The rule, as amended, is effective immediately “