Swim Cap Rules

The following are main points regarding swim cap rules gleaned from the two leading swim competition bodies that govern the sport of swimming in the US, which are USA Swimming, and FINA.

The following are main points regarding swim cap rules gleaned from the two leading swim competition bodies that govern the sport of swimming in the US, which are USA Swimming, and FINA. For the official detailed swim cap rules see: USA Swimming Rulebook and FINA Swim Rules and Regulations. At the end are a few swim cap rules for channel swimming, courtesy of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.

Competition Swim Cap Rules

FINA (GR 5.1):

  • The swim cap is considered a part of the swimwear, along with the swimsuit and goggles. In general, swimwear (including the swim cap) must not bear any symbol considered "offensive".
  • Before a swimmer uses any swimwear (including a swim cap) with a new design, construction, or material in a competition, it must be cleared by FINA.

Advertising (GR 6.1):

Only FINA-approved advertising logos are permitted on swim caps, as established in the Bylaws (BL7.1.2) that state that swim caps may contain:

  • One manufacturer's logo, 20 sq centimeters, on the front.
  • One FINA partner's logo of an approved size, on a case-by-case basis.
  • One flag and/or country name, 32 sq centimeters. FINA will determine which side of the cap it will be printed.
  • The athlete's name, 20 sq centimeters, and must be on the same side as the flag and country.

USA Swimming (Swimwear 102.8 - p. 33)

  • The swim cap is considered a part of competition swimwear, along with the swim suit and goggles.
  • Two separate advertising logos, not larger than 20 sq centimeters, are permitted on swim caps.

Water Polo Swim Cap Rules

FINA (WP4):

  • Team caps must be a contrasting color other than solid red as worn by the goalkeeper, and also must contrast with the color of the ball, and fasten under the chin. Lost players' caps must be replaced when the game is stopped while the player's team is in possession of the ball. Caps must be worn throughout the game.
  • Team caps must be fitted with malleable (able to be shaped) ear protectors the same color as the cap.
  • Team caps must be numbered 1-13, beginning with the goalkeeper (no. 1), with each cap containing a number on both sides. Numbers are to be .10 meters high. Substitute goalkeepers' caps will be number 13.
  • Players may change their number during a game only with the referee's permission.
  • Team caps worn during international games must contain the 3-letter country code measuring .04 meters high on the front of caps, and may also contain the team's national flag.

Swim Cap Rules for Channel Swimming

Rules are from the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.

The rules include the following main points:

  • One swim cap per swimmer is permitted.
  • Swim cap type must be federation-approved prior to swimming.
  • Swim caps may not be made from neoprene or similar material that contains heat retention properties, as determined by the federation committee.
  • Silicone and latex caps are allowed.

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