USMS Reaffirms that Three Arena Suits Are No Longer Legal

USMS is reaffirming that effective May 7, in accordance with USMS article 102.12.1D, Arena Powerskin Carbon Pro suits bearing the following FINA approval codes (found on the FINA stamp on the back of each suit) are no longer allowed in USMS pool competition: AR220993 (women’s), AR220994 (women’s), and AR141364 (men’s).

“USMS article 102.12.1D states that only swimsuits complying with FINA specifications can be worn in USMS sanctioned or recognized competition. Since these three suits are no longer FINA approved, pool times swum in those suits are not eligible for USMS records, USMS Top 10, FINA World Records. or FINA Top 10,” comments Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair. “We are reaffirming this decision in the best interest of Masters swimmers based on the rules. We do not want to jeopardize their efforts and thus cause unintended harm by allowing a suit that is not FINA approved.”

An Arena representative will be at Nationals in Indianapolis to assist affected swimmers with exchanging the suits. All other affected swimmers should visit Arena Support or Arena’s FAQ page, or contact Jamie Olsen at Arena for information about exchanging suits.  It should be noted that there will be delays due to availability of comparable products.

For questions about USMS Rules, contact:

Kathy Casey
Chair, USMS Rules Committee
[email protected] | 941-556-6272
About U.S. Masters Swimming
U.S. Masters Swimming, founded in 1970, is a membership-operated national governing body that promotes health, wellness, fitness and competition for adults through swimming. It does so by partnering with more than 1,500 adult swim programs across the country; promoting information via the bimonthly member magazine, SWIMMER, monthly e-newsletters, STREAMLINES, and website,usms.org; and by sanctioning and promoting pool, open water, and virtual events and competitions. More than 58,000 adults are registered members of U.S. Masters Swimming.

This is an unedited press release.

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About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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