Minutes of Meeting. FINA Swimwear Approval Committee (SAC) meeting with Manufacturers. November 29, 2014, Doha

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Minutes of Meeting. FINA Swimwear Approval Committee (SAC) meeting with Manufacturers. November 29, 2014, Doha"

Brice Haynes
5 years ago
Views:

Minutes of Meeting FINA Swimwear Approval Committee (SAC) meeting with Manufacturers November 29, 2014, Doha This document and

The only documents that are relevant and binding are the FINA rules and regulations in force, including FINA General Rules, By

Agenda of the meeting Welcome and introduction Follow-up from last meeting and new issues Information and discussion on issues

Welcome and introduction: 1. Attendees: The meeting performed by: Prof. Prof. Jan-Anders Månson Chairman of SAC Prof.

1 Minutes of Meeting FINA Swimwear Approval Committee (SAC) meeting with Manufacturers November 29, 2014, Doha This document and its content are provided for convenience, their content is non-binding. The only documents that are relevant and binding are the FINA rules and regulations in force, including FINA General Rules, By Laws and FINA Requirements for Swimwear Approval. Agenda of the meeting Welcome and introduction Follow-up from last meeting and new issues Information and discussion on issues from 2014 submissions Open discussion on approval procedure and rules especially the new FRSA General discussion / Q&A I. Welcome and introduction: 1. Attendees: The meeting performed by: Prof. Prof. Jan-Anders Månson Chairman of SAC Prof. David Pendergast Member of SAC Prof. Bruce Mason Member of SAC Mr. Jean-Pierre Morand FINA Legal Counsel Representatives attended the meeting from the following companies: Adidas, Arena, Asics, Fashy, Finis, Hammerhead, Mad Wave, Malmsten, Mizuno, Nabaiji, Speedo, Swans, TYR. 1

2 II. Follow-up from last meeting and new issues 1. Approval process: 2

2. FINA Requirements for Swimwear Approval The updated edition of the FINA requirements for Swimwear Approval was approved by the FINA Bureau on 28 th of November

Submission dates Following the good practice from the year 2014, for the next year there will be two official submission dates: First Submission February 1, 2015

3 2. FINA Requirements for Swimwear Approval The updated edition of the FINA requirements for Swimwear Approval was approved by the FINA Bureau on 28 th of November 2014 and now is available from the FINA official website ( 3. Submission dates Following the good practice from the year 2014, for the next year there will be two official submission dates: First Submission February 1, 2015 Second submission May 1, 2015 Official communication regarding 2015 submissions will be sent to all the manufacturers not later than 15 th of December Further regulations regarding the submission dates are stated in the clause of the FRSA. 3

4 4. Application forms According to the FRSA all applications for swimwear approval have to be submitted using the on-line web tool. None of applications submitted in any other form than through on-line will be accepted. All the applications have to comply with requirements and conditions set forth by FRSA. Further details regarding application are stated in the clause of the FRSA. Please be mindful of being complete and precise in your application forms. Applications may be rejected if they are not complete. 5. Modifications vs change of construction Some minor changes such as reinforcement of seams, replacement of seams type or addition of seam for reinforcement purpose may be accepted as modification. In some cases replacement of lining to the similar material (subject to permeability of combination as well as thickness) can be also considered as modification. However significant change in construction such as: number of seams, seams distribution and location, change of base material and change in shape and/or patterns will not be accepted as modifications. In that case, new swimsuits must be subject to full regular approval process. In case of modifications, corresponding new samples have to be provided to the FINA office together with appropriate description of modification. Considering complexity, SAC retains discretion to decide on a case-by-case basis. Important note: The products should not be commercially released as FINA Approved swimwear until formal confirmation from SAC on acceptance of modification. The Products marked with the FINA Approved Label should always comply with the clause 8 Consistency of the FRSA. 4

However it is obvious that such kind of swimwear can be still in use by many of the athletes.

5 6. Validity time of approvals: The official List of the FINA Approved Swimwear becomes too long (over 1500 items). It is noted that some of the products effectively approved are not necessarily produced any longer. However it is obvious that such kind of swimwear can be still in use by many of the athletes. The storage of reference samples, submitted during the application process, is growing every year, with increase of over 500 samples per year. 5

6 Proposal discussed is to split the existing list of Approved Swimwear into two parts List A -active list and List B - inactive list. A list : Swimsuits in actual production or discontinued since less than 2 years B list : Swimsuits discontinued since more than 2 years It is noted that the Manufacturers should notify of commercial production stops for their products. Two years after such notification received, the garment will be excluded from the List A and placed to the List B. Together with exclusion of the model from List A, the reference samples of swimwear submitted for original approval will be disposed/recycled. 7. Seams: During the last submissions the SAC observed tendency on increased number of elements/fabrics/patterns included in the construction of swimsuits. This matter has become more relevant with the liberalization of the double layer. The new more liberal FRSA rule has been applied already in In order to provide further guidelines regarding criteria s for the seams including functionality and excessive number, additional clarifications have been included in the FRSA, clause 3 in Exhibit 5 of FRSA. Taking into account complexity of the issue, SAC retains full discretion to decide on a case by case basis. Consideration in each case reserved for Actual type of seams: bonded seams vs sawn seams Seams type and overall construction. As indication used as guidance only by SAC: Maximum number 9 seams for Jammer and 11 seams for full knee and full body suit. Consideration in each case reserved. SAC will continue closely monitor further developments. If required amendments or additional clarifications will be issued. 6

7 7

8. Additional colours: Variation of colours of the same material is possible as long as the colouring does not affect compliance with tested values limits.

8 8. Additional colours: Variation of colours of the same material is possible as long as the colouring does not affect compliance with tested values limits. Manufacturers are fully responsible to ensure that requirements in respect of all tested values (permeability, thickness, etc.) are respected in any colour variation. The clause and of FRSA provides further details on this matter. Important Note: Variation of colours is allowed under condition that the fabric has to be the one originally submitted and approved. Applicants are always responsible for test values to be respected in any colour. Further colouring technique must not affect fibers (no filling technique) irrespective of test values. IMPORTANT NOTE: Manufacturers are responsible that colours remain within the requirements. Different colours of fabric can still be submitted for testing. Can be subject for additional charge. 9. Permeability tests - suits vs. fabrics. Permeability test (Stretched/ Un-stretched) According to established procedure and requirements permeability values are measured with 25% stretch. Un-stretched values are measured for reference and on field test (as control value triggering further control). Issue of relevance of the un-stretched value (linear relation in all cases between value un-stretched and value stretched) Could be relevant in relation with un-stretched material to produce valid and consistent test values. The possibility to introduce a method based on measurement of un-stretched material is still under consideration. 8

10. Flatness of material (fabric): Please refer to clause 4.1.4 of the FRSA that reads as follows: Regular flat material: The material shall be regular and flat.

A thickness variation of the material is permitted provided the thinnest point should not be less than 50% of the

9 10. Flatness of material (fabric): Please refer to clause of the FRSA that reads as follows: Regular flat material: The material shall be regular and flat. The material shall not form outstanding shapes or structures, such as scales. A thickness variation of the material is permitted provided the thinnest point should not be less than 50% of the thickest point. The overall thickness limitation (0.8mm) shall in any event be respected at the thickest point(s). 9

At approval level the value will therefore be 80(l/m2/s) without tolerance. This new practice in regard of tolerance would be applicable only towards new submissions.

10 11. Tolerance: (permeability) Proposal to apply tolerance only on control and not in the approval process: sample must be 80(l/m2/s). The tolerance of 5% for the measurement of permeability will no longer apply at approval level but will be used at check level. At approval level the value will therefore be 80(l/m2/s) without tolerance. This new practice in regard of tolerance would be applicable only towards new submissions. Models already approved within the tolerance margin remains valid. 12. Material Thickness Swimming Caps Please refer to clause of FRSA that reads as follow: Types: Different types of materials may be used on the same cap. The materials can be of different thicknesses, subject to respect of the maximum thickness (see below). However, differences in the thickness shall not be used to form shapes in the outer surface. Thickness: The maximum thickness in all points shall be lower or equal to 2mm. 10

11 13. FINA Approved Label for Caps: Discussion: For the moment the FINA Approved Label is not applied on the Swimming Caps. Observation: What should be the location for placement of the label - Inside or outside? Concerns: Cost of application/print (cheaper on the outside); Regulation on Commercial and Advertising Markings applicable at different events (Olympic Games): The location of label should allow easy check when the cap is worn. Suggestions from the Manufacturers: If the rule for caps marking will be implements it should considered for the FINA events, Olympic Games and other High Level competitions. Flexibility should be shown at lower levels competitions (unmarked caps to be accepted). 11

14. Submission Date and Validity of Approval. 15. Rules on Swimming Caps at the FINA competitions. The FINA GR 5 reads as follow: GR 5.2 All swimsuits shall be non-transparent.

4 Before any swimwear of new design, construction or material is used in competition, the manufacturer of such swimwear must submit the swimwear to FINA and obtain approval of

12 14. Submission Date and Validity of Approval. 15. Rules on Swimming Caps at the FINA competitions. The FINA GR 5 reads as follow: GR 5.2 All swimsuits shall be non-transparent. It is permissible to wear two (2) caps. GR 5.4 Before any swimwear of new design, construction or material is used in competition, the manufacturer of such swimwear must submit the swimwear to FINA and obtain approval of FINA. Proposal: Inside net cap that is mainly used as hear management cap does not necessary to be formally approved. Nevertheless should fully comply with the criteria s set forth in the FRSA. 16. Goggles criteria s for approval To simplify approval process and further checks - Goggles measurement - JAM box 12

13 Specifications to be determined, corresponding JAMbox to be proposed by Prof. Jan- Anders Månson Safety concerns in regard of sharp edges Goggle Edges specifications - Minimum thickness and radius of the edge (2mm). III. Open discussion on approval procedure and rules especially the new FRSA. IV. General discussion / Q&A There was a discussion on possibility of going back to a fuller suit for men (additional shape as full-knee, the same as Women). Would be more relevant from the point of view of technological development. Observation that this is a sensitive political decision: It would require support/ acceptance by coaches. Encouragement to the manufacturers to express their «business case» in a concrete manner. 13

MEMORANDUM FINA MEMBER NATIONAL FEDERATIONS SWIMWEAR MANUFACTURERS. DATE: 18 November 2010

MEMORANDUM FINA MEMBER NATIONAL FEDERATIONS SWIMWEAR MANUFACTURERS. DATE: 18 November 2010 MEMORANDUM TO: CC: FROM: FINA MEMBER NATIONAL FEDERATIONS SWIMWEAR MANUFACTURERS FINA, Lausanne DATE: 18 November 2010 RE: SWIMSUITS 10 th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) Dubai 2010 // Dubai (UAE)