FINA To Allow Wearable Technology in Races Starting Jan 1st 2023
Last week’s FINA Technical Congress saw the passing of a proposed change to rule SW 10.8. As of Jan. 01, 2023:
“The use of technology and automated data collection devices is permissible for the sole purpose of collecting data. Automated devices shall not be utilized to transmit data, sounds, or signals to the swimmer and may not be used to aid their speed.”
This means wearable technology to collect data for research, education, and entertainment is legal. However, that data cannot be used in real-time - in swimming races - to aid a swimmer’s speed.
The impact of this FINA rule change will…
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