Rules & Regulations

RULES & REGULATIONS for Competitions and Record Attempts

Contents:

1. Disciplines 1.1. Pool Disciplines 1.2. Depth Disciplines 2. Records 3. Competition and Record Attempt Requirements 3.1. Competitions 3.2. Mini-competitions 3.3. Record Attempts 4. General Rules 5. Competition Rules 6. Record Attempt Rules 7. Safety 8. Static (STA) 9. Dynamic Apnea with/without Fins (DYN/DNF) 10. Constant Weight Apnea with/without Fins (CWT/CNF) 11. Free Immersion (FIM) 12. Penalties 13. Protest 14. Judges’ Responsibilities 15. Assistant Judges’ Responsibilities 16. Conflict of Interest

This document applies to all competitive events organized ratified by Pure Apnea. Pure Apnea reserves the right to only recognize and ratify competitive events where organizers have applied to Pure Apnea as event organizers and Pure Apnea has provided written acceptance of the organizer's application. If an event does not comply with the Pure Apnea Competition Rules and Regulations, Pure Apnea reserves the right to decline ratification of the event and all performances from the event even if the event organizer's application was accepted by Pure Apnea prior to the event.

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1. Disciplines

1.1. Pool Disciplines

1.1.1. Static Apnea (STA) The athletes hold their breath for as long as possible while their nose and mouth is submerged.

1.1.2. Dynamic with Fins (DYN) The athletes swim as far as possible underwater on one breath with the aid of accepted artificial propulsion devices.

1.1.3. Dynamic without Fins (DNF) The athletes swim as far as possible underwater on one breath without the aid of artificial propulsion devices.

1.2. Depth Disciplines

1.2.1. Free Immersion (FIM) The athletes descend to depth and back up by pulling on a vertical diving line.

1.2.2. Constant Weight (CWT) The athletes dive to depth and back up with the aid of accepted artificial propulsion devices, but without pulling on the diving line.

1.2.3. Constant Weight without Fins (CNF) The athletes dive to depth and back up without the aid of artificial propulsion devices and without pulling on the diving line.

2. Records

2.1. Male and female categories exist for all records.

2.2. National records and overall Pure Apnea records may be set in mini- competitions, competitions and record attempts.

2.3.1. World records may be set in mini-competitions, competitions and record attempts that have been awarded world record status by Pure Apnea.

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2.3.2.1. World records will only be awarded if doping control measures are in place for record breaking athletes and the entire performance is continuously recorded from the surface starting at the official countdown and ending after a card has been awarded by the judge. This footage must be made available to Pure Apnea.

2.3.2.2. For depth disciplines, additional video footage showing the athlete's turn at the target depth must be recorded and made available to Pure Apnea.

2.3.3. World records set under Pure Apnea, must be greater or equal to existing world records already ratified by CMAS and AIDA provided that a similar discipline exists within these organizations and that WADA sanctioned doping controls were implemented.

2.4. A record will only be deemed valid if the athlete is awarded a white card for the performance.

2.5. If an athlete equals an existing record, then that record will be shared.

2.6. Records set in events where fins are used will be separated into two categories based on fin type, namely “Monofin” and “Bi-fin”.

3. Competition and Record Attempt Requirements

3.1. Competitions (More than 8 athletes)

3.1.1. The event must be announced to Pure Apnea by the event organizer, 7 days prior to commencing. The announcement must include: ■ The name of the event ■ The date of the event ■ The names of the judges ■ The type of event ■ The location of the event ■ Depth restrictions ■ Pool length if applicable ■ The disciplines ■ If a judge or safety diver is doubling as the health care provider

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The event organizer must receive written confirmation of acceptance of the event from Pure Apnea before commencement of the event for ratification of the results by Pure Apnea. However if the event does not comply with the Pure Apnea Competition Rules and Regulations, Pure Apnea reserves the right to decline ratification of the event and all performances from the event even if the event organizer's application was accepted by Pure Apnea prior to the event.

3.1.2. The type of competition, pool length, depth restrictions and disciplines must be communicated to interested athletes by the event organizer prior to registration. Depth restrictions may be changed if conditions become too dangerous to continue with the announced depth.

3.1.3. A minimum of 2 Pure Apnea judges are required for depth competitions and pool competitions. 2 judges are compulsory per performance zone.

3.1.4. All athletes are required to sign the Pure Apnea Indemnity Form and Medical Questionnaire.

3.1.5. A health care provider specialized in resuscitation (EMT), is mandatory at all competitions. For pool competitions, a professional lifeguard or above is appropriate. For depth competitions, the health care provider must be capable of providing CPR, oxygen and use an AED. The health care provider must minimally be equipped with emergency oxygen and standard first aid equipment. If possible, an AED should also be available. The health care provider must be someone other than a judge or safety diver.

3.1.6. The results of events must be sent to Pure Apnea within 7 days of ending by the event organizer. This must include: ■ The event name (this must match the name used in the announcement) ■ The names of the judges ■ The results data per athlete, per performance including: full name, nationality, sex, discipline, AP, RP, penalties, card, type of fins (if applicable) and remarks. The remarks field must only contain the reasons for penalties and/or disqualification. ■ Video footage (digital format) for all record performances, disputed protest rulings and performances that resulted in a blackout.

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Judges must be supplied with copies of all the above information by the event organizer.

3.2. Mini-Competitions (2 to 8 athletes)

3.2.1. The same requirements must be met for mini-competitions as for normal competitions except:

3.2.2. A minimum of 1 Pure Apnea judge and 1 Pure Apnea Assistant judge is required for depth mini-competitions and pool mini-competitions. A minimum of 1 Pure Apnea judge and 1 Pure Apnea Assistant judge is compulsory per mini-competition dive line and per mini-competition pool lane.

3.2.3. A health care provider specialized in resuscitation (EMT), is mandatory at all competitions. For pool competitions, a professional lifeguard or above is appropriate. For depth competitions, the health care provider must be capable of providing CPR, oxygen and use an AED. The health care provider must minimally be equipped with emergency oxygen and standard first aid equipment. If possible, an AED should also be available. A judge or safety diver with the same medical qualifications and equipment as a health care provider may double as the health care provider for pool competitions. If the health care provider is a judge or safety diver who cannot be replaced then competitors must be notified prior to the event that should a serious incident occur then the event will be delayed until the judge/safety diver has adequately performed the necessary health care support or alternatively the competition will be cancelled.

3.2.4. A minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 athletes may compete in mini- competitions.

3.2.5. Mini-competitions may be upgraded to competitions provided that notification of this is sent to Pure Apnea and is announced to the athletes prior to competitions commencing and provided that competition requirements are followed.

3.3. Record Attempts (1 athlete)

3.3.1. The same requirements must be met for record attempts as for mini- competitions.

3.3.2. Only 1 athlete may compete in a record attempt.

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3.3.3. The name of the athlete and the record which he/she is attempting to break must be communicated to Pure Apnea 7 days prior to the event.

4. General Rules

4.1. All athletes competing in Pure Apnea competitions must be registered with Pure Apnea and implicitly accept the current regulations. Membership numbers must be assigned to athletes before they may compete.

4.2. The use of any performance enhancing drug listed in the latest World Anti-Doping Agency's latest prohibited list is strictly prohibited. Other than drug tests, if any other credible evidence exists of prohibited drug use by an athlete then Pure Apnea reserves the right to disqualify and expunge all results and records for that athlete.

4.3. Breathing any gas mixture, other than air, 1 hour before a performance is forbidden.

4.4. All athletes must be 18 years of age or older for depth disciplines and 18 years of age or between 16 and 17 years of age provided written consent is provided by a legal guardian for pool disciplines.

4.5. Proof of nationality must be presented by the athlete when registering with Pure Apnea.

4.6. In the case of dual nationality, national records will be set for the country stipulated by the athlete on registering with Pure Apnea.

4.7.1. Athletes must present a medical certificate stating “Fit for freediving” in order to participate in Pure Apnea competitions or record attempts. The certificate must be in English and must be less than 1 year old.

4.7.2. If the athlete has incurred an injury or disease after being issued with a medical certificate stating “fit for freediving”, the athlete must communicate this information to the competition organizers. The organizers have the right to request that the athlete undergo another medical examination before being allowed to compete.

4.7.3. If an athlete suffers a blackout as per point 4.11.2. then the athlete may not be allowed to continue competing on that day.

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4.7.4. If the athlete incurs and injury that results in bleeding from the nose, eyes, mouth or nose then the athlete may not continue competing in the event until another medical certificate for the athlete stating “fit for freediving" is issued by a medical doctor.

4.8. All athletes must supply an Announced Performance (AP) and estimated dive time (for depth disciplines) for each performance before the start of every event day. This must be done during the period set aside for this by the event organizers.

4.9. Athletes must appear before the competition judges or appointed assistants 1 hour prior to their performance.

4.10.1. Artificial equalization devices are not allowed.

4.10.2. Masks and nose clips are not regarded as artificial equalization devices unless their design is deemed controversial by a Pure Apnea Judge. In such cases, permission must be obtained from Pure Apnea for the device's use.

4.11.1. A ‘Blackout’ will result in disqualification for that particular performance.

4.11.2. Any of the following symptoms during a performance will be deemed a ‘Blackout’: ■ Cardiac arrest ■ Respiratory arrest ■ Clear loss of consciousness ■ Unable to keep the nose and/or mouth above water after surfacing

4.11.3. In cases where athletes experience Loss of Motor Control (LMC), a ‘Blackout’ will be ruled if athletes appear to be in danger of lowering their nose and/or mouth below the water surface or if their head makes contact with any object including pool floors, buoys and floats with the exception of the dive line and their own bodies.

4.12. If an athlete experiences a ‘Blackout’ any time before a card has been awarded, even if the Surface Protocol has been successfully completed, the athlete will be disqualified.

4.13. Athletes may not be helped or touched by anyone and may not touch anyone during their performance except:

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■ If it is done by a safety diver or judge to prevent an accident due to organizational problems e.g. in-water counter ballast collision. Once the potential accident has been avoided, the athlete may no longer be touched or helped or this will result in disqualification. ■ If it is done by a safety diver or judge and does not assist the athlete in any way. ■ If it is done due to the athlete being in trouble. This will result in disqualification. ■ During Statics after the nose and/or mouth have been submerged and prior to surfacing. During this period the athlete may be touched by an appointed coach or the safety diver. ■ Verbal assistance from the athlete's designated coach

4.14. One personal float is allowed in all disciplines after approval by the judges.

4.15. An exact time that an athlete has to start his/her performance is called ‘Official Top’. All Official Tops will be announced the day before the performance via a 'Starting List'. The Starting List must also include the following information of all the participating athletes: Name, Nationality, Sex, Discipline, Dive Time (if applicable), Fin Type(if applicable) and AP. An ‘Official Time’ will also be announced.

4.16. Three zones must be allocated: a warm-up zone, a transition zone and a performance zone. The warm-up zone and transition zone may be in the same area. For record attempts, only a performance zone is required.

4.17. Athletes may only access the warm-up zone 45 minutes before their Official Top. An athlete may only move to the transition zone after the preceding athlete has left that area unless the warm-up zone and transition zone are in the same area. Only one athlete is allowed in the performance zone at any time.

4.18. The athlete is allowed to assign a coach for his/her performance. The coach is allowed to accompany the athlete in all three zones.

4.19. A countdown in English must be conducted starting 2 minutes before an athlete’s Official Top. The countdown must be clearly announced as follows: 2'00, 1'30, 1'00, 30", 20", 10", 5", 4", 3", 2", 1", Official Top, 1", 2", 3", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 20”, 25”, 26”, 27”, 28”, 29”, 30" Start Cancelled.

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4.20. A performance starts when the athlete’s nose and/or mouth is submerged on or after Official Top.

4.21. If the athlete starts his/her performance more than 30.0 seconds after Official Top he/she is disqualified.

4.22. If the athlete starts his/her performance before Official Top he/she will incur a penalty. An early start will be ruled if the athletes' nose and/or mouth is submerged before Official Top and continues to remain submerged on or after Official Top.

4.23. Only 1 start is allowed with the exceptions listed in 5.4, 6.6 and 13.6.

4.24.1. The Surface Protocol must be performed within 20.0 seconds after the athlete’s nose and/or mouth surfaces. . The athlete must remove all facial equipment before starting the Surface Protocol. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. The Surface Protocol begins when the athlete gives the OK hand signal. The athlete must be facing in one of the judges’ general direction so that all phases of the Surface Protocol are visible to the judges

4.24.2. The Surface Protocol consists of 3 sequential phases:

1) Give 1 visible OK hand signal consisting of the index finger touching the thumb 2) Look at one of the judges at least once 3) Clearly say the words "I'm OK" or "I am OK" or “OK” in English.

4.24.3. Each phase must be done in the correct sequence without any additional hand signals excluding wiping the face. After completing the Surface Protocol the athlete may make additional signals.

4.24.4. Judges, safety divers, event staff and officials may not prompt the athlete to perform the Surface Protocol or verbally coach the athlete.

4.25. Failure to correctly complete the Surface Protocol will result in disqualification with “SP” noted in the remarks category.

4.26. The athlete’s nose and mouth must remain above water after surfacing up until the judge presents the athlete with a white card. Judges should make exceptions in rough conditions where waves or current result in the athlete’s nose and/or mouth dipping below the surface due to conditions beyond the athlete’s control.

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4.27. A minimum of 30 seconds and maximum of 1 minute must pass after the athlete surfaces before a judge, after consulting with the second judge/assistant judge, may award the athlete with a red, yellow or white card.

4.28. An assistant judge may not award cards. This must be done by a judge.

4.29. The meaning of the judge’s cards is as follows: White: Perfect performance Yellow: Performance with penalties Red: Disqualification

4.30. If the athlete is awarded a yellow or red card, he/she is entitled to a verbal explanation for the penalty directly after the card is awarded. However if this explanation will disturb the continuation of the event then it may be done at the posting of the results and prior to protests.

4.31. If an athlete's Realized Performance (RP) is less than the Announced Performance (AP) then a penalty will be incurred.

5. Competition Rules

5.1. Pure Apnea competitions are either individual or team competitions consisting of one or more of the recognized disciplines.

5.2. Competitions may consist of qualifying heats and a final or direct finals. The structure of the heats and finals is determined by the organizers, however similar conditions must be provided to all athletes, excluding uncontrollable environmental factors. All performances are valid for records.

5.3. Organizers of competitions have the option of using a points system to determine an overall winner. Provision must be made for determining a winner in the case of a points tie. If a points system is used, it must be communicated to all athletes prior to registration and it must use the following point weighting per discipline:

■ CWT: 1 point per 1m ■ CNF: 1.2 points per 1m ■ FIM: 1 point per 1m ■ DYN: 0.5 points per 1m

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■ DNF: 0.6 points per 1m ■ STA: 0.2 points per sec

5.4. Deliberate actions by an athlete or a member of another team which negatively alter the mood of the athlete in the performance zone, can on the judge’s discretion; result in disqualification of the offending party or parties. The affected athlete may be given a restart after all the following performances have been completed, if this does not have negative consequences on the event or event organizers.

5.5. Athletes and team members who display the following behavior may on the judge’s discretion be warned, penalized or disqualified:

■ Not complying with the regulations. ■ Not complying with the judges and/or organizers. ■ Disrupting the competition. ■ Causing a safety hazard.

5.6.1. It is the responsibility of the competition organizers to supply an accurate and clearly marked diving line for depth disciplines. The line must be marked at 1m intervals and additionally marked at 10m intervals. A 2m grace zone must be clearly marked above the bottom plate.

5.6.2. The bottom weight must be sufficiently weighted to keep the diving line vertical and straight.

5.6.3. The dive line must be attached to a platform at the surface. The platform can be a buoy, floating on the surface from which the dive line is suspended or any structure which is capable of safely and accurately suspending the dive line. In all cases, the platform must be safe to use in conjunction with the fast retrieval system and must allow athletes to easily hold and support themselves above the water surface without difficulty.

5.6.4. If an in-water fast retrieval system like a counter ballast is used, the dive line may not start deeper than 400mm (ideally 200mm) below the water surface, the length of the dive line must be adjusted to correct this difference and no extra weight may be added during the event e.g. safety divers or judges hanging on any part of it.

5.7. The organizer must film the athletes’ performances from the surface, starting at the official countdown and ending after a card has been awarded by the judge. A judge may act as a videographer if a head

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mounted video camera is worn. This video footage will be used for protests by athletes on the judge’s ruling. If the video footage is not clear then the judge’s initial decision stands. All footage must be supplied to the judges by the event organizers in a digital format.

5.8. A judge may not compete in the same competition in which he/she is a judge.

5.9. Additional photographers and videographers are not allowed in the performance zone. Specific areas will be allocated to them.

5.10. Cheering is allowed even if athletes are preparing for a performance.

5.11. The organizer must inform athletes when the results of all performances from each day are to be posted. Results are posted by means of a Results List. This must be done at a time that will allow for protests should there be any and before athletes announce APs for the next event day. The Results List must list the following for each athlete: Name, Nationality, Sex, Discipline, Fin Type, AP, RP, Penalties, Card, Remarks and Points.

6. Record Attempt Rules

6.1. Pure Apnea record attempts are for a single athlete performing in one of the recognized disciplines.

6.2. The athlete may arrange his/her own record attempt or appoint someone to organize it on his/her behalf.

6.3. It is the responsibility of the organizer to supply an accurate and clearly marked diving line for depth record attempts. The line must be marked at 1m intervals and additionally marked at 10m intervals. A 2m grace zone must be clearly marked above the bottom plate.

6.4. The bottom weight must be sufficiently weighted to keep the diving line vertical and straight.

6.5.1. The organizer must film the athlete’s performances from the surface, starting at the official countdown and ending after a card has been awarded by the judge. Without video footage or video footage that is unusable for verification, the results of the record attempt will not be ratified.

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6.5.2. This video footage will be used for protests on the judge’s ruling. If the video footage is not clear then the judge’s initial decision stands.

6.5.3.The video footage must be presented to Pure Apnea in a digital format for review. If upon review of this footage it is found that irregularities existed in judging or that the record attempt did not comply with the rules stated within this document then Pure Apnea reserves the right to adjust or overturn the judge's decision.

6.6.1. The athlete is allowed any number of starts within the allocated period. The organizer must communicate the time and duration of this allocated period to Pure Apnea and the judges 24 hours before the first Official Top for that day.

6.7. The record attempt may be stopped by the judges if the safety of the athlete becomes a concern.

6.8. A judge may not compete in the same record attempt in which he/she is a judge.

6.9. Additional photographers and videographers are not allowed in the performance zone. Specific areas will be allocated to them.

7. Safety

7.1. Athletes must wear a safety lanyard in all depth events.

7.2. A safety lanyard must be made of the following:

■ A carabineer must be attached to one end of the lanyard. It must have a spring-action opening clip and the opening must be big enough to easily attach to a dive line (minimum 15mm). ■ A non-elastic cord of between 300mm and 1500mm which does not make knots or coil and will not break under strain must be attached on one end to the carabineer. ■ A wrist, ankle or waist strap, which will not break or come undone under strain, must be attached to the other end of the cord. A quick-release mechanism must be integrated into the strap section of the lanyard to easily allow the athlete to free him/herself from the dive line if the lanyard becomes entangled.

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■ A lanyard may not weigh more than 500 grams or be longer than 1500mm in total.

7.3. Judges must check all lanyards for compliance with regulations and must check that athletes’ lanyards are securely attached to the dive line before performances.

7.4. The lanyard may not be removed during a performance except for safety reasons. If the removal was not necessary for safety reasons then a penalty will be incurred by the athlete.

7.5. Depth gauges or any other equipment that can obstruct access to the strap may not be worn on the same limb as the lanyard.

7.6. A fast retrieval safety system must be used for all competition dive lines in depth competitions and must be safe to use in combination with lanyards.

7.7. If the competition is being held in a remote area, a medical evacuation plan must be in place. Details of the plan must be sent to Pure Apnea together with the Event Organizer Application Form.

7.8. At least two safety divers per performance zone must be used in depth competitions to allow for rotation and backup. The safety divers must be fully equipped and capable of performing deep rescues. Safety divers must be a minimum of Pure Apnea Level 3 Master Freedivers or equivalent. Both safety divers must be in the performance zone and ready to dive during athletes' performances.

7.9. At least one safety diver per performance zone must be used in pool competitions. The safety divers must be fully equipped and capable of performing pool rescues.

7.10. At least one safety diver per warm-up zone must be used. The safety divers must be fully equipped and capable of performing rescues.

8. Static (STA)

8.1. A quiet pool of water, artificial or natural, with a minimum depth of 60cm must be used.

8.2. The performance takes place on the surface.

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8.3. Both judges will time the performance, which begins when the athlete’s nose and/or mouth are submerged below the water or a snorkel is removed from the mouth and ends when the athlete’s nose and/or mouth are raised above the water.

8.4. The performance of the athlete is calculated using an average of the registered times recorded by the two judges. Times are rounded down to the nearest second before calculating the average and the average is again rounded down.

8.5.1. Should there be a problem with the time kept by any one of the two timekeepers, then the official performance time will be recorded as the time taken by the remaining timekeeper.

8.5.2. Should there be a problem with the time kept by both timekeepers, then the video footage may be used to establish the time provided that it is accurate.

8.6. A coach is allowed in the performance zone and is allowed to touch and instruct the athlete during the performance up until the athlete’s nose and/or mouth rise above the water. After this point the coach may no longer touch the athlete without incurring a disqualification for the athlete. The coach may still verbally instruct the athlete.

8.7. The coach may act as an additional safety for the athlete, but the official safety diver is still responsible for the athlete’s safety and may override the coach if he/she thinks that the athlete is in trouble.

8.8. Athletes must be accompanied by either only a performance zone safety diver or a performance zone safety diver and a coach in the performance zone.

8.9.1. If the athlete is accompanied only by the performance zone safety diver: 1 minute before the athlete’s announced performance (AP), 30 seconds before the athlete’s AP and when the athlete’s AP is reached, the safety diver will touch the athlete and clearly say “Give me an OK” to which the athlete must respond by giving an OK hand signal. This process continues every 15 seconds after the athlete’s AP is reached. The safety diver may also ask the athlete to give an OK hand signal at any stage if the safety diver thinks the athlete is in trouble.

8.9.2. If the athlete is accompanied by a coach:

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The coach can use any means of checking on the athlete, but if a judge or the performance zone safety diver is concerned about the athlete’s physical state, then they may request that the coach ask the athlete to provide an OK hand signal.

8.10. If at any point the athlete fails to respond to 2 consecutive requests by the safety diver to signal that he/she is ok, then the judge is allowed to request that the athlete be lifted out of the water. This will result in disqualification.

9. Dynamic Apnea with/without Fins (DYN/DNF)

9.1. A 25m (length) or 50m (length) swimming pool with a minimum depth of 1m must be used.

9.2. Arm strokes may be used in both disciplines. Other than fins or monofins, no other artificial propulsion devices may be used for DYN including webbed gloves or webbed socks. No fins or other artificial propulsion devices like webbed gloves or webbed socks may be used for DNF.

9.3. The athlete must be in the water when starting his/her performance. Jumping or running starts are not allowed.

9.4. The performance ends when the athlete’s nose and/or mouth rise above the water level.

9.5. An athlete may choose to dive without fins in a DYN performance, but an athlete may not wear fins in a DNF performance. If an athlete dives without fins in a DYN performance, the results will still be recorded as DYN.

9.6. At the start, the athlete’s nose and mouth must be submerged within 1.5m from the pool starting wall otherwise the athlete will be disqualified.

9.7. An athlete may swim out of his/her performance zone as long as other athletes are not disturbed by this. The athlete must surface in his/her performance zone otherwise a disqualification will follow.

9.8. A coach may accompany the athlete in both the warm-up, transition and performance zones. After OT the coach may not touch the athlete until a card has been awarded by a judge otherwise disqualification will

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follow. The coach is allowed to verbally address the athlete throughout the performance. If the coach remains in the performance zone during the athlete’s performance, he/she must not obstruct the safety diver.

9.9. The athlete must stay completely submerged throughout the performance except for the blade of the fins on DYN and the feet up to the ankle on DNF; otherwise a penalty will be incurred. A 5m grace zone will be assigned on each end of the pool for turns. In these zones any part of the athlete may break the water surface except for the athlete’s nose and mouth.

9.10. There must be at least 1 safety diver swimming with the athlete in the performance zone, ready to assist if needed. The safety diver must take care not to hinder the performance of the athlete especially in the 5m grace zone at the turns.

9.11. The athlete’s Realized Performance (RP) is measured up to where the athlete’s nose and/or mouth rise above the water level or up to the end of the pool if the pool end wall is touched below the waterline before the athlete’s nose and/or mouth rise above the water level. All measurements are rounded down to the nearest meter e.g. 99.9m = 99m.

9.12. No part of the athlete may touch the pool floor or side walls during the performance except for the fin blade in DYN and when surfacing otherwise a penalty will be incurred.

9.13. The athlete must touch the end walls of the pool with a part of his/her body on the turns otherwise a penalty will be applied. The foot pockets of fins in DYN count as a part of the athlete’s body.

9.14. If the athlete turns more than 1m from the pool end wall without touching the end wall then the athlete will be disqualified.

9.15. When surfacing and while the athlete's nose and mouth are still submerged, touching the pool floor, pool wall and lane barriers below and above the water surface is allowed, except if this helps the athlete gain extra distance. Gaining extra distance will incur a penalty.

9.16. When surfacing the athlete may touch and take hold of the side of the pool or the lane barrier above the water surface before the athlete’s nose and/or mouth have surfaced, but may not use this to gain extra distance otherwise a penalty will be incurred.

9.17. The performance area must be measured and clearly marked.

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10. Constant Weight Apnea with/without Fins (CWT/CNF)

10.1. This event takes place in salt or fresh water in an area with sufficient depth. Judges have the right to cancel an event if they feel that the conditions at the event location are dangerous to the athletes.

10.2. After OT the coach, or anyone else, may not touch the athlete until a card has been awarded by a judge otherwise disqualification will follow. The coach is allowed to verbally address the athlete throughout the performance. If the coach remains in the performance zone during the athlete’s performance, he/she must not obstruct the safety diver and must stay at the surface. The coach may assist the athlete if he/she is in trouble, but this will result in disqualification.

10.3. Any form of ballast is allowed as long as it has a quick release mechanism and is in an easily reached position where it can be removed from the athlete.

10.4. Judges must check for all forms of ballast before the athlete’s performance and must check that the same ballast is on the athlete after surfacing. Any changes will result in disqualification.

10.5. Arm strokes may be used in both disciplines. Other than fins or monofins no other artificial propulsion devices may be used for CWT including webbed gloves or webbed socks. No fins or other artificial propulsion devices like webbed gloves or webbed socks may be used for CNF.

10.6. The athlete is required to wear an accurate official depth measuring device on his/her wrist provided by the organizer. This device must be attached to the athlete in the transition zone.

10.7. The athlete must retrieve a tag from the bottom plate at the announced depth. The tag must be easy to remove from the bottom plate. It must also be easy for the athlete to carry it back to the surface without being a hindrance.

10.8. The tag must be presented to the judges after completing the surface protocol or a penalty will be incurred.

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10.9. The athlete must descend and ascend by swimming. The athlete may not grab or pull on the dive line except: ■ Anywhere within 2m of the bottom plate. This zone must be clearly marked. ■ Anywhere above the water surface even if the athlete’s nose and/or mouth are submerged. ■ When performing an early turn. In this case, the athlete is allowed to grab and pull once on the dive line while turning. ■ The line is used as a guide by the athlete. The athlete may make contact with the line with any part of his/her body, including an open hand. ■ If at any time the athlete grabs the line or uses it as a support, other than 2 meters from the bottom plate, on an early turn or above the water surface then the athlete will be penalized.

10.10. The athlete must be in the water when starting his/her performance. Jumping or running starts are not allowed.

10.11. A light colored or white bottom plate, with a minimum diameter of 200mm, must be attached to the dive line at the athlete’s announced depth.

10.12. If the athlete is not able to retrieve a tag from the bottom plate, then the depth indicated by the official depth gauge will be used to measure the athlete’s performance. Performances are rounded down to the nearest meter. If the official depth gauge records a depth deeper than the announced performance, then the announced performance will be recorded.

10.13. If a tag is retrieved by the athlete and the official depth gauge indicates a depth shallower than the announced performance then the accuracy of the bottom plate depth must be checked and corrected if need be.

10.14. An athlete may choose to dive without fins in a CWT performance, but an athlete may not wear fins in a CNF performance. If an athlete dives without fins in a CWT performance, the results will still be recorded as CWT.

10.15. Only the athletes, judges, safety freedivers, safety scuba divers, health care providers, organization officials and coaches are allowed in the 3 official zones.

20 © Pure Apnea - Rules and Regulations for Competitions and Record Attempts

10.16. The warm-up lines must be positioned near the main competition lines, but not too close so as to hinder the athletes. A safety diver must be active at each warm-up line. The athletes using the warm-up lines are not permitted to dive away from the lines and the use of lanyards should be advised.

11. Free Immersion (FIM)

11.1. This event takes place in salt or fresh water in an area with sufficient depth. Judges have the right to cancel an event if they feel that the conditions at the event location are dangerous to the athletes.

11.2. After OT the coach, or anyone else, may not touch the athlete until a card has been awarded by a judge otherwise disqualification will follow. The coach is allowed to verbally address the athlete throughout the performance. If the coach remains in the performance zone during the athlete’s performance, he/she must not obstruct the safety diver and must stay at the surface. The coach may assist the athlete if he/she is in trouble, but this will result in disqualification.

11.3. Any form of ballast is allowed as long as it has a quick release mechanism and is an easily reached position where it can be removed from the athlete.

11.4. Judges must check for all forms of ballast before the athlete’s performance and must check that the same ballast is on the athlete after surfacing. Any changes will result in disqualification.

11.5. No other artificial propulsion devices may be used including fins, webbed gloves or webbed socks.

11.6. The athlete is required to wear an official depth measuring device on his/her wrist.

11.7. The athlete must retrieve a tag from the bottom plate at the announced depth. The tag must be easy to remove from the bottom plate and it must be easy for the athlete to carry it back to the surface without being a hindrance.

11.8. The tag must be presented to the judges after completing the surface protocol after surfacing or a penalty will be incurred.

11.9. The athlete must descend and ascend by pulling on the dive line or by swimming without artificial propulsion devices.

11.10. The athlete must be in the water when starting his/her performance. Jumping or running starts are not allowed.

11.11. A light colored or white bottom plate with a minimum diameter of 200mm must be attached to the dive line at the athlete’s announced depth.

11.12. If the athlete is not able to retrieve a tag from the bottom plate, then the depth indicated by the official depth gauge will be used to measure the athlete’s performance. Performances are rounded down to the nearest meter. If the official depth gauge records a depth deeper than the announced performance, then the announced performance will be recorded.

11.13. If a tag is retrieved by the athlete and the official depth gauge indicates a depth shallower than the announced performance then the accuracy of the bottom plate depth must be checked and corrected if need be.

11.14. Only the athletes, judges, safety freedivers, safety scuba divers, health care providers, organization officials and coaches are allowed in the 3 official zones.

11.15. The warm-up lines must be positioned near the main competition lines, but not too close so as to hinder the athletes. A safety diver must be active at each warm-up line. The athletes using the warm-up lines are not permitted to dive away from the lines and the use of lanyards should be advised.

12. Penalties

12.1. Penalties are weighted as follows for each discipline: ■ CWT/ FIM: 1pen = 1 point ■ CNF: 1pen = 1.2 points ■ DYN: 1pen = 0.5 points ■ DNF: 1pen = 0.6 points ■ STA: 1pen = 0.2 points

12.2. Starting before Official Top = 5pen.

12.3. Starting after 30.0 seconds after OT = disqualification and the dive must be aborted.

12.4. The following penalties apply when the RP is less than the AP:

12.4.1. In STA if the RP is less than the AP: the difference between the RP and the AP rounded up to the nearest second = 1pen per second penalty.

12.4.2. In CWT/FIM if the RP is less than the AP: the difference (rounded up to the nearest meter) between the RP and the AP = 1pen per meter.

12.4.3. In CNF if the RP is less than the AP: the difference (rounded up to the nearest meter) between the RP and the AP = 1pen per meter.

12.4.4. In DYN if the RP is less than the AP: the difference (rounded up to the nearest meter) between the RP and the AP = 1pen per meter.

12.4.5. In DNF if the RP is less than the AP: the difference (rounded up to the nearest meter) between the RP and the AP = 1pen per meter.

12.5. Failure to correctly perform the Surface Protocol within 20.0 seconds after surfacing = disqualification.

12.6. DYN/DNF penalties: 12.6.1. Not touching the wall on the turns = 1pen per incident.

12.6.2. Turning more than 1m from the wall without touching the wall = disqualification.

12.6.3. If any part of the athlete’s body, except the blade of the fins in DYN and the feet up to the ankles in DNF, rises above the water line outside of the 5m grace zones at the turns = 1pen per incident.

12.6.4. Swimming with any body part above the surface for more than 5m, including the grace zones = disqualification.

12.6.5. Pushing off anything other than the end walls of the pool in the 5m grace zones = 1pen per incident.

12.6.6. When surfacing, using the pool floor or wall to gain extra distance = 1pen per incident and 1pen per meter gained (rounded up).

12.6.7. When surfacing using the side of the pool or the lane barrier to gain extra distance = 1pen per incident and 1pen per meter gained (rounded up).

12.6.8. If any part of the athlete’s body, touches the pool floor or side walls during the performance except the blade of the fins in DYN or when surfacing = 1pen per incident.

12.7. All depth disciplines penalties:

12.7.1. Removing the lanyard during a performance for anything other than safety reasons = disqualification.

12.7.2. No tag = 1pen.

12.7.3. Excluding FIM and early turn; grabbing the dive line outside of grace zones = 5pen per incident.

12.7.4. Change in ballast = disqualification.

13. Protest

13.1. An athlete, team captain, safety diver, event staff or judge may post a protest with the judges within 20 minutes of the judges posting the official results.

13.2. If an athlete is reported to the judges by event staff for not following any of the regulations, then this incident must be communicated to the athlete or team captain and investigated before the posting of official results.

13.3. If a protest is raised then the judges must meet to decide whether a decision needs to be amended. This must be done in the following manner:

13.3.1. Protests must be handled one at a time in a designated private area.

13.3.2. Before discussing the incident, the judges watch the video of the performance as many times and in slow motion if needed.

13.3.3. The judge who made the decision informs the other judge of the facts that led to the decision.

13.3.4. The athlete and/or team captain may enter the room, watch the video and give their comments of the incident to the judges. They must then leave the area.

13.3.5. If applicable, event staff or safety divers must provide the judges with their account of the event.

13.3.6. The two judges, discuss the findings and vote on whether the protest is valid or not. If the vote is a tie, then the athlete must be given the benefit of the doubt. If one of the judges or the athlete feels that the ruling is in anyway unfair then this must be communicated to Pure Apnea for further investigation. Pure Apnea may overturn any ruling if sufficient evidence exists that the ruling was erroneous.

13.3.7. If Pure Apnea overturns a ruling, the affected athlete’s recorded performance will be adjusted in Pure Apnea’s records. If the performance was done in a competition, then this adjustment will not affect the results of the competition.

13.4. The judges provide feedback on protest rulings before the close of the competition day.

13.5. A protest fee of 20 Euros or equivalent must be paid to Pure Apnea via the judges at the time of posting the protest. This fee will be reimbursed if the ruling goes the way of the athlete. If it does not, the protest fee must be paid to Pure Apnea.

13.6. An athlete may protest during a performance if he/she was hindered by safety divers or due to failures by the event organizers. The athlete must protest directly to the judge. If the judge accepts the protest as being valid then a restart may be given or a completed performance may be ruled valid.

14. Judges’ Responsibilities

14.1. The judges must be present at the competition site 1 hour before the first OT.

14.2. The judges or appointed assistants must check that all athletes are present at least 1 hour before their OT.

14.3. One judge must be in the water during all depth performances, but must stay at the surface. This must be a judge and not an assistant judge in the case of mini-competitions.

14.4. The judges must:

14.4.1. Check that the rules and regulations are followed by athletes and event organizers.

14.4.2. Check the equipment of athletes.

14.4.3. Rule on the performances of the athletes.

14.4.4. Disqualify athletes who disturb the running of the event or who become a safety hazard

14.4.5. Stop the event if the safety of any of the athletes or event staff is in question.

14.4.6. Take action to ensure the safety of athletes experiencing Loss of Motor Control or Blackouts, even if the action results in the disqualification of the athlete.

14.4.7. Provide event organizers with the results of all performances after the last performance on each event day.

14.4.7. Collect and rule on protests

14.4.8. Keep all video footage, supplied by the organizer in digital format, of the performances for up 1 year after the competition or record attempt.

14.4.9. Send video footage of all records, record attempts, ‘Blackouts’, and protested performances to Pure Apnea in digital format. A description of events must accompany all protested performances.

15. Assistant Judges’ Responsibilities

15.1. Assistant judges may:

15.1.1. Monitor athletes to ensure that the rules are followed.

15.1.2. Provide countdowns to Official Top and time performances.

15.1.3. Rule on the performances of the athletes together with the main judge.

15.1.4. Rule on protests.

15.1.5. Take action to ensure the safety of athletes experiencing Loss of Motor Control or Blackouts, even if the action results in the disqualification of the athlete.

15.2. Assistant judges may not be responsible for:

15.2.1. Ensuring that event organizers have followed Pure Apnea rules and regulations.

15.2.2. Checking the equipment of athletes.

15.2.3. Administrative duties; including communication with Pure Apnea and record keeping.

16. Conflict of Interest

16.1. For competitions and mini-competitions, judges may not be any of the following to athletes: ■ Coach ■ Manager ■ Family member ■ Business partners (excluding Pure Apnea affiliations) ■ Sponsor ■ Media

16.2. For record attempts, judges may not be any of the following to athletes: ■ Girlfriend/boyfriend/close friend ■ Coach ■ Manager ■ Family member ■ Business partners (excluding Pure Apnea affiliations) ■ Sponsor ■ Media