Chapter 5: Athletes and Eligibility

FIMP Code of Competition & Technical Handbook · 2026–2029 Edition (in force from 1 January 2026)

Article 5.1: Eligibility

1. 5.1.1An athlete may represent only the national federation in whose territory they have lived for at least 24 months, or of which they are a citizen.
2. 5.1.2An athlete may change national federation once in their career, with a waiting period of 36 months.
3. 5.1.3There is no upper age limit. Athletes must be at least 16 years old on 1 January of the year of competition.

Article 5.2: Competition attire

1. 5.2.1Swimwear shall comply with the FIMP Swimwear Register (Appendix D). Swimwear shall not extend below the knee or beyond the shoulder.
2. 5.2.2Swimwear that produces sound in the water, such as fabrics with a rustle coefficient above 0.3, is not permitted.
3. 5.2.3Jewellery, watches and hair accessories are not permitted.
4. 5.2.4Swim caps are optional. Caps shall be silicone and smooth. Caps with ear covers are not permitted, as they impair hearing.
5. 5.2.5Nose clips are permitted in Indoor competition only.

Article 5.3: Ears

1. 5.3.1Earplugs of any kind are prohibited.
2. 5.3.2The Ear Inspection shall take place in the call room, no more than 20 minutes before each heat.
3. 5.3.3Any athlete found to have wax build-up that the Medical Officer considers likely to affect hearing shall be offered irrigation.