Have you ever noticed a small label, often featuring a barcode or QR code, stitched onto competitive swimsuits? It might seem like just another tag, but this label plays a crucial role in the world of swimming competitions. Let's break down what it is and why it's there.
What is the Code?
The label you see, which includes a unique alphanumeric code and often a scannable QR code, is the Official World Aquatics (formerly FINA) Approval Label. World Aquatics is the international governing body for swimming and other aquatic sports. They set strict rules for competition swimwear to ensure fairness and prevent athletes from gaining unfair technological advantages. These rules cover aspects like fabric material, thickness, buoyancy, permeability, and suit design (body coverage).
Swimsuit manufacturers must submit their designs to World Aquatics for rigorous testing. If a suit meets all the required standards, it gets approved, and the manufacturer is permitted to add this official approval label.
What is the QR Code Used For?
The primary purpose of the label, and specifically the QR code when present, is compliance verification. It serves as proof that the specific make and model of the swimsuit is legal for use in competitions sanctioned by World Aquatics and its affiliated national federations (like Swimming Australia, USA Swimming, etc.).
Race officials, such as referees and marshals on the pool deck, use this label to quickly check if a swimmer's suit is compliant before they race. This ensures a level playing field where races are won by athletic ability, not by non-approved suit technology.
What Happens When Scanned? How Do You Use It?
The more modern QR code that World Aquatics has now adopted can be read by almost any smartphone and provides instant digital verification. The older FINA style barcode may require a specific barcode scanner to read them. Alternatively, you can just use the alphanumeric code at the bottom of them. Here’s how it works:
- Open a scanner: Use a smartphone or tablet with a camera and a QR code reader app (many phone cameras have this functionality built-in).
- Scan the Code: Point the camera steadily at the QR code on the swimsuit's label.
- Access Information: The scanner will recognise the code and typically prompt you to open a web link.
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Verify Approval / Use the code directly: If your QR code links to a URL, you will usually be redirected to the official World Aquatics Approved Swimwear database. The webpage will display information confirming that the specific swimsuit model associated with that code is approved for competition.
Alternatively, the QR code may only return you a short alphanumeric code like "SP147146" or you may read this code from the bottom of the FINA label - When this happens you can use the link below to verify the swimsuit.
While primarily used by officials, athletes and coaches can also scan the code to double-check their equipment is approved before heading to a meet, potentially avoiding disqualification.
Verify your FINA / World Aquatics swimsuit code here
Example:
In Summary
That small label with its code is a swimmer's passport for their gear, ensuring it meets the global standards for fair competition. The QR code offers a quick and easy way for officials (and swimmers) to digitally confirm that the suit is race-ready and approved by World Aquatics. It’s a simple but vital tool for maintaining integrity in the sport.
