{"id":245024,"date":"2017-03-06T12:48:24","date_gmt":"2017-03-06T19:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=245024"},"modified":"2017-03-07T10:28:56","modified_gmt":"2017-03-07T17:28:56","slug":"england-to-allow-full-body-suits-in-competition-for-religious-purposes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/england-to-allow-full-body-suits-in-competition-for-religious-purposes\/","title":{"rendered":"England to Allow Full Body Suits in Competition for Religious Purposes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) has announced a relaxation of Regulation 411 which previously banned swimwear that covered the whole body. The ASA was established in 1869 and continues to be one of three national aquatic governing bodies in the British Swimming Federation, along with the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association and the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association.<\/p>\n

New swimwear guidance for competitive swimming will allow more people to participate in events across England.<\/p>\n

The new guidance means swimmers who wear full body suits for religious beliefs or a pre-existing medical condition, are now able to compete in all ASA licensed swimming meets and national events.<\/p>\n

A positive step for swimming in England<\/h2>\n

Chris Bostock, Chairman of the ASA Sport Governing Board, said: \u201cThis is a very positive step forward for competitive swimming in England and one that we hope will encourage many more people to take part.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want everyone to be able to reach their potential. Representing your Club at a national swimming competition is very special. By changing these rules we hope to encourage a new generation of swimmers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rimla Akhtar from the Muslim Women\u2019s Sport Foundation (MWSF), said: \u201cParticipation in sport amongst Muslim women is increasing at a rapid pace. It is imperative that governing bodies adapt and tailor their offerings to suit the changing landscape of sport, including those who access their sport.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe MWSF is glad to have requested a review of competition laws in relation to full body suits by the ASA and are extremely pleased at the outcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thank the ASA for their leadership in this matter. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that this ruling is also adopted at the elite level both nationally and internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swimwear guidance for competitive swimming already in effect<\/h2>\n

The new guidance is already in effect. It applies to all levels of ASA licensed meets (1,2,3 and 4) and ASA National Events.<\/p>\n

The guidance was developed by the ASA Swimming Management Group following recommendations from the MSWD.<\/p>\n

It also covers those involved in running the events including technical officials and volunteers.<\/p>\n