AIDA has announced several major freediving competition rules changes that took effect at the start of this year that involve the introduction of a bi-fins category for the Dynamic (DYN) and Constant Weight (CWT) disciplines, National Record recognition, multiple-role restrictions at competitions, black-outs and more.
For the DYN and CWT disciplines, bi-fins are now considered separate subcategories with their own ranking and record lists. For both disciplines, athletes are prohibited from using a dolphin kick when competing with bi-fins, and will be disqualified if they do so.
If an athlete matches or breaks a national record during an AIDA international competition, the “AIDA National” is now required to accept and/or recognize that achievement.
The new rules also prohibit a judge from entering as an athlete in the same competition they’re judging, or a safety diver to enter as an athlete in the same competition they’re serving as a safety freediver. Additionally, an event medic can only be a medic during a competition, and may not enter it in any other capacity.
The rules have also been changed to require that the athlete’s nose and mouth stay out of the water after surfacing until the jury makes its decision. Additionally, there are new rules that would disqualify an athlete in the event of a black-out.
The surface protocol rules have been changed to allow an athlete to remove his or her hood/swim cap upon surfacing, as have the rules governing how the athlete uses the OK sign.
The rules for determining medal positions have also been updated.
Additionally, the rules regarding the winner of a team event have been updated via a redistribution of points among the various disciplines.
To view the full rules changes, go to the AIDA Facebook page.
