High-tech swimsuits that have been the source of controversy at international competitions have been banned at the high school level. The ruling comes from the National Federation of State High School Associations and just follows a recent trend according to Todd Tharp of the Iowa association.
Tharp says the suits will be illegal at the international level in January, and the NCAA is making them illegal in the fall season that starts soon.
Tharp says under the new guidelines, swimmers will be limited to one swimsuit. He says the suit will have to be constructed of a "woven or knit textile material" that water and air can seep through, and it can’t aid in buoyancy.
Tharp says the suits may not contain zippers or other fastening systems. The suit for males can’t extend above the waist or below the kneecap, and for women the suit can extend beyond the shoulders or beyond the top of the kneecap.
Tharp says it will be up to the meet officials to enforce the new rules. He says if they see the suit and it is found before they get the announcement to take their marks, then they will be asked to change. If they find the suit while the event is underway, then they will be disqualified.
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