Rules

Excerpts from USMS Rule Book

303.3

ESCORTED SWIMS

303.3.1

In any event for which it has been arranged that an escort craft or paddler will accompany each swimmer throughout the event, all swimmers shall be accompanied by such an escort paddler or craft. If the escort paddler or craft becomes disabled or cannot continue to accompany the swimmer, the swimmer may stay in the water near the disabled escort craft until a replacement arrives, join another escort craft that is accompanying only one other swimmer until another escort craft arrives or exit the water.

303.3.2

If a swimmer’s escort becomes disabled as per article 303.2.1, an escort for another swimmer may assume responsibility for the swimmer with the disabled escort, subject to the following conditions:

a. Any one paddler or craft may escort no more than two swimmers.

b. The two swimmers must stay within 3 meters of each other. Failure to stay within 3 meters shall result in immediate disqualification of the second swimmer assigned to the escort and the immediate removal of that person from the water.

303.3.3

Swimmers may receive the following assistance from the escort:

a. Food or drink may be passed from escort to swimmer as long as deliberate contact is not made between the two.

b. The escort may also assist the swimmer with navigation, including verbal and written communication.

303.3.4

Swimmers shall not be assisted by escort craft as follows in the2012 U.S. Masters Swimming Rule Book Page 63

a. Swimmers shall not receive flotation or propulsion from any escort craft nor make intentional contact with any craft.

b. Drafting (swimmer swimming directly behind the escort) shall not be permitted when other open water is readily available.

c. Escort boats shall not obstruct other swimmers in the race.

303.7.2

Rules for category 1swimwear for Open Water Events:

a. Swimwear shall include only a swimsuit, cap or caps (which may include those made of neoprene) and goggles. Swim caps shall be defined as head

gear conforming to a traditional swim cap design and shall not extend to protect the neck and shoulders. Nose clips, ear plugs, wristwatches and grease are also allowed.

b. The competitor shall wear only one swimsuit in one or two pieces. All swimsuits shall be made from textile materials. For men, the swimsuit shall not extend above the navel nor below the knees, and for women, shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder nor extend below the knees.

c. Exemptions to the restrictions in articles 303.7.2A-B may be granted to a swimmer, on a case by case basis, by the chair of the Long Distance

Committee or designee. Exemptions will be granted only for conflicts due to the swimmer’s verified religious beliefs or verified medical conditions.

(1) Procedures for applying for an exemption will be published by the Long Distance Committee and posted on the U.S. Masters Swimming website.

(2) No exemptions to these restrictions will be granted for swimwear that would give a swimmer a competitive advantage.

(3) The decision of the Long Distance Committee chair may be appealed only to the entire Long Distance Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding on all parties.

d. Swimmers are not permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help their speed, buoyancy or endurance during a swim (such as wetsuits,

webbed gloves, fins, snorkels, buoyant armbands, etc.). Any kind of tape on the body or flat armband is not permitted unless approved by 303.6