What Does FINA-approved Mean?

If you or your child swims there is no doubt you have come across the term FINA-approved. I came across this as a non-swimmer when I started working for Ness Swimwear. Seeing the FINA label popping up on certain products, I wondered what exactly does it stand for?

So, I decided to do a little research and find out exactly what it means.

Who Are FINA?

FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) is the international federation for the six main recognized water sports. They include Swimming, Water Polo, Diving, Artistic Swimming, Open Water Swimming, and high diving.

What Do FINA Do?

Basically, FINA oversees competitions across all the water sports. Ensuring there are rules in place to guarantee fair play. This includes rules on swimwear and swimming goggles.

They also encourage people to get involved with aquatic sports. Raise their own brand's profile and raise awareness of environmental sustainability ‘water is our world’.

FINA’s main objectives (taken from their global aquatic’s excellence brochure)

• to promote and encourage the development of Aquatics in all possible regards throughout the world
• to provide fair and drug-free sport
• to promote and encourage the development of international relations
• to encourage participation in Aquatic disciplines at all levels throughout the world regardless of age, gender, or race
• to adopt necessary uniform rules and regulations and to hold competitions in Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, High Diving, Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming, and Masters
• to promote and organise World Championships and other FINA competitions
• to encourage the increase of facilities for Aquatic disciplines throughout the world with the support of other interested parties,
• to carry out such other activities as may be desirable to promote the sport.

What Does the FINA-approved Badge Stand For?

This FINA-approved badge is a seal of approval from FINA. They carefully assess swim products' material, design, and construction. Checking it sits within their fair-play rules. To make sure using the product does not give you an unfair advantage.

I easily found this information online, however, I wanted to go one step further. So, I contacted an official member of Swim England to find out when you really need a FINA-approved badge on your swimsuit for the sport of swimming.

We Asked Swim England - When Exactly is a FINA-approved Swimsuit Required?

"The FINA-approved swimsuit is required at National Championship levels and British Championships. The FINA-approved suits code is also used if there are any new records broken."

SWIM ENGLAND

Conclusion:

FINA-approved swimwear is not required at local swimming gala events, county-level events, or regional events. Unless you are on track to break records. Using a FINA-approved swimsuit should be considered at National Level and must be used at British Championships and beyond. Where the suits are a requirement.

Are you looking to buy a FINA-approved Race Suit?

We have lots of FINA-approved swimsuits available for adults and youths. Take a Look at some of the swimsuits we have in stock. Or take a look at our Racing category and shop all FINA-approved swimwear.

First Pair

• Speedo Junior Fastskin Range
• Arena Powerskin ST2.0

Competition Entry Level

• Arena Powerskin ST 2.0
• Speedo Junior Lzr Racer X
• Speedo LZR Racer Element
• TYR Thresher Racing

Advanced Swimmer Level

• Arena R-EVO ONE Race Suits
• FINIS Fuse Tech Suits

Elite Swimmer Level

• Speedo LZR Pure Valor Race Suits
• Speedo LZR Pure Intent Race Suits
• Arena Carbon Air 2
• TYR Venzo Racing

Do You Want More Information About FINA?

If you are eager to know more about FINA. Make sure to check out their About Us

Have You got A Question For Me To Research?

Email me directly and ask the question at rory@nessswimwear.co.uk