FINA Extraordinary Congress approves changes in FINA rules

Abdul Rahim, from Doha, Qatar, Nov 29, 2014: With the presence of delegates from 155 National Member Federations, the FINA Extraordinary Congress took place today at the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention in Doha (QAT), and approved the following changes in the FINA Rules:

– Constitution Rules: High Diving is now officialized 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 pressure of 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. —- Courtesy FINA