Notice Regarding the Forwarding of the Competition Rules for the 12th China Jinan Winter Swimming & Spring Water International Open

Swimming Document [2025] No. 3

To the relevant units:

The 2025 International Winter Swimming World Challenge (Jinan Station), along with the 12th China Jinan Winter Open – Spring Water International Open, will be held from January 11 to 12, 2025, at the Daming Lake Scenic Area in Jinan. We are now forwarding the competition rules.

Attachment:"Regulations for the 12th China Jinan Winter Swimming & Spring Water International Open Tournament"

National Sports Administration Swimming Center

January 2, 2025

Attachment

2025 International Winter Swimming World Challenge (Jinan Station)

The 12th China Jinan Winter Swimming & Spring Water International Open Competition

Competition Rules

I. Competition Venue and Time

(1) Competition Venue

Competition Venue: Jinan Daming Lake Scenic Area

Water and air temperature conditions: Water temperature is around 7°C–8°C, while air temperature ranges from -5°C to 0°C.

(Note: The organizing committee will determine the race distance based on the day's air and water temperatures. If either temperature falls below the safety thresholds set by the committee, the swim distance will be adjusted accordingly.)

1. Open-water race venue: The race distance from Daming Lake’s Lixia Pavilion to the pier in front of Minghu Building is approximately 300 meters.

2. Opening Ceremony and Swimming Events: Venue – Daming Lake Scenic Area.

(II) Competition Time

1. Open Water 300m Sprint: January 11, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

2. Swimming Pool Project Competition: January 11, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM; January 12, 2025, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

II. Competition Events and Age Categories

(1) Event Setup for the 300m Open Water Sprint:

Open-water swimming races are open to all swimming styles. Male and female athletes will be divided into the following age-based categories:

(II) Competition Setup for the Swimming Pool Project:

1. The competition events, categories, and age groups for this event will be conducted according to the relevant rules of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA), as detailed in Appendix 4: IWSA Competition Rules.

2. Individual events, categories, and age groups: 25m, 50m, and 100m freestyle; 25m,

50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke, plus 25-meter butterfly;

Note: Event categories for groups A1, I, J, J1, J2, J3, and J4 are exclusively for domestic participants.International Winter Swimming FederationRegister as a member to sign up for the competition. For detailed instructions, visit the official website of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA).Website search;In this competition (Jinan Station), athletes registered for the above categories will only have their scores and rankings recorded.Next, finished in the top threeA medal is awarded.

3. Relay events: 4×25m breaststroke relay, 4×25m freestyle relay;

Note: In all relay events, each team must have a mix of four male and female athletes.Contestant, at least 1 maleThe total age of the competitors—or of one female competitor—must neither exceed nor fall below the specified "team age total."And”；

(III) "Timeless Pine" Performance Program

The event is a 25-meter swim in the pool, and registration is open only to those born on or before December 31, 1954.

4. Participating Organizations and Personnel

International Winter Swimming Federation member organizations, collective members of the Chinese Swimming Association, Club Committee members, Winter Swimming Committee members (Adults, Winter Swimming, Open Water), and specially invited representative teams.

5. Entry Procedure

(1) Participants must hold a membership card issued by the Chinese Swimming Association’s Adult & Winter Swimming Committee, or present their second-generation ID card or passport. They must also submit a signed "Voluntary Participation Agreement for the Competition" (see Appendix 1) and arrange personal accident insurance before registering.

(2) Foreign athletes registering to compete must hold a passport, submit a "Voluntary Participation Liability Agreement" signed by themselves (see Appendix 1), and obtain personal accident insurance before registration is accepted. Registration will only be valid if submitted through the official website of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA).

(3) The Organizing Committee recommends that participants undergo a pre-race health checkup at an appropriate medical facility. A mandatory pre-race physical examination, including an electrocardiogram, is required. Participants in Groups A1, I, J, J1, J2, J3, and J4 must meet the competition requirements set by the Organizing Committee. Before submitting their registration materials, participants must first provide a valid health report for review and approval by the Committee. Upon arrival for registration, the health report must be submitted to the Organizing Committee.

(4) Athletes are required to be in excellent physical condition. Swimming competitions are highly demanding, placing significant physical and endurance requirements on participants. Competitors should be in good health and have a solid foundation of long-term swimming practice or training. Based on their individual fitness levels and capabilities, athletes may choose which events to enter.

(5) Participants must be regular swimming enthusiasts with a certain level of proficiency, capable of completing 1,000 meters of continuous, non-stop swimming. Individuals with the following medical conditions are advised not to participate in the competition:

1. Congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease;

2. Hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases;

3. Myocarditis and other heart diseases;

4. Coronary artery disease and severe arrhythmia;

5. Diabetes with either excessively high or low blood sugar levels;

6. Individuals unsuitable for this sport;

In the competition, participants shall be personally responsible for any personal injuries and property damage caused by individual physical conditions or other personal reasons.

(6) Enrollment Requirements

1. Open Water 300m Sprint: Registration for the event is open to organizations and teams, with a limit of 80 participants per category.

2. Swimming Pool Competition: Only team registrations are accepted, with each organization required to register at least 6 participants. Each delegation is limited to entering just 1 team for the relay event.

(7) Participants and demonstration swimmers entering the Daming Lake Open Water Race must wear approved safety flotation devices while in the water. These devices must be certified by the Chinese Swimming Association.

All-life-saving flotation devices. The competition organizing committee provides a life-saving flotation device rental service; participants and performers can rent and use them by presenting valid identification or paying a 100-yuan deposit.

(8) There is no entry fee for the competition. Participating teams are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals, as well as round-trip travel insurance. Insurance coverage at the competition venue will be purchased collectively by the organizing committee.

6. Competition Rules

(1) This competition will be conducted in accordance with relevant rules set by the Chinese Swimming Association, the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA), and other applicable regulations.

(II) This competition will feature a single-final format, with rankings determined by the order in which swimmers touch the finish line or the pool edge. In the event of a tie for a specific position in either open-water individual events or team total scores in pool-based events, the next-ranked spot will be skipped entirely. Tied competitors will then split the prize money for that tied position—and any subsequent positions as well.

(3) Domestic athletes participating must present their personal ID cards or the "China Swimming Association Winter Swimming, Adult, and Open Water Swimming Individual Membership Card" to the registration judges. Athletes without proper identification will not be allowed to compete. Foreign athletes must show their competition permits; either the original passport or a photocopy of the passport is acceptable. Athletes without valid documentation will be barred from entering the event.

(4) Participants must check in at the registration desk 30 minutes before the start of the competition. If any age group has fewer than 8 participants, they will compete as a combined group.

(5) Registered athletes are prohibited from entering the competition; anyone found to have impersonated another or submitted falsified information will have all their own and the substitute athlete's competition results disqualified.

(6) Please ensure that each team secures its own insurance coverage before reporting. Upon arrival, submit a copy of your insurance policy. Teams that fail to provide their policy will be strictly prohibited from participating in any competition events.

(7) Rules for Open Water Racing

Athletes are prohibited from using or wearing any equipment that could potentially enhance their speed, boost endurance, or improve buoyancy. They are permitted to use only swimwear, goggles, and swim caps (up to 2), as approved by the organizing committee, along with nose clips and earplugs. Athletes are also allowed to apply a moderate amount of oil and anti-freeze cream. In open-water swimming races, competitors who commit a violation will have their results disqualified upon reaching the shore.

(8) Rules for Swimming Competition Events

1. For individual events and the first leg of relay races, athletes must start from the water. Upon hearing the first long whistle from the referee, athletes should remove their outerwear at the "starting point." The second long whistle signals athletes to immediately dive into the pool and swim swiftly back toward the pool edge. When the starter gives the command "Take your marks," athletes must firmly grip the designated spot marked on the ladder with one hand, position their shoulders just below the water’s surface, and place both feet securely on the steps. Once all athletes are in a stationary position, the starter will sound the "Start signal."

Athletes who fail to complete the three mandatory commands will have a 5-second penalty added to their final race time. (For relay athletes running in lanes 2, 3, and 4, the exchange of the baton must be executed underwater as directed by the referee—provided it does not interfere with swimmers in other lanes.)

2. During the competition, athletes are permitted to wear only one swimsuit. For male athletes, the swimsuit must not extend above the navel or below the knees. Female athletes may choose either a one-piece or two-piece swimsuit, but it must not cover the neck, extend beyond the shoulders, or fall below the knees. All swimsuits must be made of breathable, opaque textile materials. Additionally, no equipment or attire that could provide any competitive advantage in terms of speed is allowed.

Equipment for buoyancy and endurance (such as hand paddles, fins, elastic bandages, or adhesive materials) must be worn with a swim cap approved by the organizing committee; goggles are permitted. No tape of any kind may be applied to the body unless authorized by a medical facility designated by the organizing committee.

Dress Code for Pool Competition Events

3. After the start or after turning, competitors are allowed to submerge their bodies completely in the water for no more than 5 meters from the starting point—but the competitor’s head must break the surface within that 5-meter mark.

Rolling turns and somersaults are strictly prohibited. Before executing a turn, competitors must touch the pool wall with at least one hand. Any athlete who violates these rules will have 5 seconds added to their individual score for each infraction, as determined by the severity of the foul, following the completion of their heat. For detailed regulations, refer to the (IWSA Competition Rules).

4. When an athlete reaches the finish line and touches the pool wall with one hand instead of the starting block, the race is considered over. Only the video equipment provided by the event organizing committee can be used as one of the official criteria for determining fouls and final rankings.

5. If any team disagrees with the referee's decision, their team leader should first verbally inquire with the Chief Referee. If the disagreement persists, the team must submit a written appeal, signed by the team leader, within 30 minutes after the completion of the event, along with a fee of RMB 500.

After the chief referee signs their opinion, the appeal document is submitted to the Technical Delegate, who will convene the Arbitration Committee to review and rule on the appeal. The Arbitration Committee’s decision is final. If the appeal is rejected, the appeal fee will be remitted to the tournament management organization; otherwise, the fee will be refunded to the appellant.

7. Ranking Admission and Awarding Procedures

(1) Rules for Rewarding Open Water Racing Events:

The top eight athletes in each group will receive cash prizes (after tax, in RMB): 3,500 yuan for first place, 3,000 yuan for second place, 2,000 yuan for third place, 1,500 yuan for fourth place, 1,200 yuan for fifth place, 1,000 yuan for sixth place, 800 yuan for seventh place, and 600 yuan for eighth place.

(II) Pool Project Competition Award Guidelines:

1. Scoring method: Follow the competition rules of the International Winter Swimming Federation;

Registered members of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) earn points for their team’s overall score based on their individual event placements: the top eight finishers in each category receive 11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 points, respectively. For relay events, the top eight teams are awarded 22, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, and 6 points.

2. Individual Single-Item Awards:

The top eight finishers in each event category will receive commemorative gifts and competition certificates. (For relay events, only the team's total score will be recorded—individual rankings will not be determined.)

Athletes who place in the top three will receive medals and cash prizes (after tax, in RMB): 500 yuan for first place, 300 yuan for second place, and 200 yuan for third place.

Registered members of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) who place receive only medals, souvenirs, and competition certificates.

3. Group Rewards:

The team's total score will be calculated by summing up the individual scores from each age group in the pool events, as well as the relay points, to determine the final ranking. Cash prizes (after tax, in RMB) will be awarded to the top eight teams: 10,000 yuan for first place, 8,000 yuan for second place, 7,000 yuan for third place, 6,000 yuan for fourth place, 5,000 yuan for fifth place, 4,000 yuan for sixth place, 3,000 yuan for seventh place, and 2,000 yuan for eighth place.

4. Participants registered for the "Buluo Song" performance event will not be ranked or awarded prizes; instead, each participant will receive a commemorative gift from the competition.

VIII. Registration Procedures and Check-in Time

(1) Domestic sports teams can register for this competition as a group, and online registration is the preferred method. All participating teams are requested to log in to the website [https://swim.org.cn] by January 5, 2025. Once there, please locate this specific event in the event list and proceed with registration. If it’s your first time using the platform, you’ll need to register; detailed registration instructions can be found in the official competition rules. Alternatively, you can also use the "HuaChuang Sports" mini-program on WeChat—simply scan the QR code provided to complete your registration. Should you encounter any technical issues during the registration process, please contact our help desk at: - Teacher Liu: 176-2785-8152 - Technical Support: Teacher Mao: 138-2154-8231 For further assistance, reach out to the Organizing Committee at: - Teacher Li: 156-6267-0610 (also available via WeChat). A step-by-step "Online Registration Guide" is available for download on the homepage of the registration website. In addition, please download the following documents from the same website: - "2025 International Winter Swimming World Challenge (Jinan Station) & the 12th China Jinan Winter Spring Water Open Registration Form" - "Voluntary Participation Agreement for the Competition" Be sure to submit the completed "Registration Form," "Voluntary Participation Agreement," a copy of your "Personal Accident Insurance Policy," and a valid "Health Certificate (including mandatory ECG screening)" upon arrival for on-site registration. Please note that once the maximum number of participants is reached, the event organizers reserve the right to close registration early. Any team registering after the deadline (as determined by the postmark) will not be accommodated in the competition schedule.

(II) Foreign athletes should log in to the official website of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) at https://iwsa.world/events by January 5, 2025, to find and register for this competition.

(3) Team leaders (limited to one person per team) are requested to check in at the competition registration desk by 3:00 PM on January 10, 2025, to confirm the participating athletes and events. Should there be any changes, the organizing committee will notify each team via telephone.

Check-in location: Regal Hotel (No. 10 Xianxi Lane, Quancheng Road, Lixia District, Jinan City)

Contact: Yu Conglin, Contact Number: 13065073779

9. Referee Selection and Assignment

(1) The chief arbitrator and enforcement judge will be appointed by the Chinese Swimming Association, while other referees and lifeguards will be selected by the Organizing Committee of the event.

(2) Please have the Chief Referee and Tournament Director report by January 9; arbitrators must check in by 8:00 PM on January 10; all other referees should arrive by 6:00 PM on January 9.

Registration Location: Science Lecture Hall, Jinan City Public Fitness Center Contact: Liu Zheng Contact Number: 15910081539

X. Other

(1) In the event of unavoidable factors such as weather, the organizing committee will decide, based on safety risks, whether to postpone or cancel the competition.

(II) Medical services will be provided during the event; all costs are at your own expense.

(III) The Competition Organizing Committee reserves the final right of interpretation for these regulations.

(IV) For matters not covered herein, further notice will be provided.