Sorry, That Tape Won’t Fly at a Swim Meet

[SwimGPT]

TL;DR

• Most kinds of tape or body gear are not allowed in racing.
• You may tape up to two fingers or toes together if injured.
• Elastic therapy tape (like Kinesio tape) is prohibited in competition.
• No devices that add speed, buoyancy, or endurance — flippers, fins, or bands are for practice only.

How It Works

The rules make it simple: races are meant to test the swimmer, not their equipment. That’s why USA Swimming has strict limits on tape, devices, and other performance aids.

• Allowed: goggles, cap(s), suit, and a light rubdown oil (if not excessive).
• Allowed: taping of two fingers or two toes together as a consequence of injury.
• Not Allowed: therapeutic elastic tape (like KT tape), shoulder/leg wrapping, or any tape beyond the fingers/toes rule unless specifically approved by the Referee.
• Not Allowed: anything that gives help with speed, buoyancy, or endurance — think fins, hand paddles, webbed gloves, leg bands, adhesive sprays, or flotation devices.

Real-Life Example

A swimmer strains their shoulder and shows up to the blocks with bright blue kinesiology tape running from shoulder to elbow. The referee notices and tells them: “That tape isn’t permitted — you’ll need to remove it before racing.”

On the other hand, if a swimmer jams a finger and tapes two fingers together for stability, that’s fine — as long as it doesn’t extend beyond the hand or look like a paddle.

Special Notes

• Automated data collection devices (like wearables) may be worn only to collect data — but they cannot transmit information during a race.
• Any tape or device not explicitly allowed is considered illegal unless the Referee grants approval.
• Officials are trained to spot tape and ask swimmers to remove it before they compete.

Quick Tips

• Save your KT tape for practice and recovery — not for meets.
• Ask the Referee if you’re unsure about injury taping.
• Remember: in racing, it’s you vs. the water — no shortcuts.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming Rulebook 102.7