Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Swimwear — General Requirements
World Aquatics regulates swimwear through its Swimwear Approval Programme. All swimwear worn in World Aquatics-sanctioned competitions must appear on the World Aquatics Approved Swimwear List. Swimwear must be made of textile material (woven or knitted fabric). The use of rubberised, polyurethane, or neoprene materials that provide buoyancy or reduce drag beyond approved standards is prohibited.
2.2 Swimwear Coverage — Men (SW Rule BL 1)
Male competitors may wear swimsuits covering the body from the top of the hips to the knee. The swimsuit may not extend above the navel nor below the knee. No zippers or other fastening devices are permitted on the front of the suit. Only one swimsuit may be worn.
2.3 Swimwear Coverage — Women (SW Rule BL 1)
Female competitors may wear one-piece or two-piece swimsuits. The suit must not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, or cover any part of the arms. The suit may not extend below the knee. Only one swimsuit may be worn.
2.4 Starting Blocks (SW Rule SW 1.4)
Starting blocks must be firmly fixed and shall not move during use. The top surface of the block shall be covered with a non-slip material. Dimensions and specifications:
- Height above water surface: minimum 0.5 m (19.7 in), maximum 0.75 m (29.5 in)
- Top surface: minimum 0.5 m × 0.5 m (19.7 in × 19.7 in)
- The block must include a backstroke ledge of minimum length 0.15 m (5.9 in) above the water surface at the starting end for backstroke events
- The starting handle for backstroke must be horizontal or slightly angled toward the water, not inclined upward
2.5 Automatic Officiating Equipment — Touchpads (SW Rule SW 2)
Automatic Officiating Equipment (AOE) touchpads are required at World Aquatics sanctioned events. Touchpads must be positioned at both ends of each lane. Specifications:
- Width: minimum 2.4 m (7.9 ft), sufficient to span the full lane width
- Height: 0.9 m (2.95 ft), with 0.3 m (11.8 in) above the water surface and 0.6 m (23.6 in) below
- Touchpad thickness: maximum 0.01 m (0.39 in)
- Activation force: minimum 6.8 N (1.5 lbf) to prevent false triggers from wave action
2.6 Lane Lines (SW Rule SW 1.3)
Lane lines shall be continuous from start end to finish end and shall be attached to anchors in the walls. Lane lines consist of individual buoys or floats assembled on a wire or rope. Colour coding requirements:
- Lanes 1 and 8 (outermost): Green or dark blue
- Lanes 2 and 7: Green or dark blue
- Lanes 3, 4, 5, and 6 (central): Yellow or red (with a different colour band at the 15 m mark from each end to assist swimmers during underwater phases)
2.7 False Start Rope (SW Rule SW 4.6)
A recall rope must be stretched across the course at a distance of 15 m (49.2 ft) from the starting end. The rope shall be at least 1.2 m (3.9 ft) above the water surface. Upon a false start, the rope is dropped into the water to signal swimmers to stop and return to the start.
2.8 Goggles and Caps
Goggles may be worn in competition. Swimmers may wear not more than two swimming caps simultaneously. Caps must be made of textile, rubber, latex, silicone, or neoprene material. No electronic devices, tracking hardware, or non-compliant materials may be incorporated into caps worn during competition without prior World Aquatics approval.