The mandate has been reversed and Soul Caps are finally approved for international competition. Seeing this change means so much to the young swimmers who no longer have to choose between their natural hair and their sport. I am deeply relieved that we held the line together until they gave …
July 16, 2021
Final supporters
Swimmers for Justice and Equality invites you to join us in this petition.
Here’s the situation: FINA, the governing body that makes the rules for swimming in the Olympics and other international competitions, has decided to ban Soul Cap use from the Olympics. Soul Cap is a company that designs extra-large caps for swimmers with voluminous textured hair, many of whom are Black swimmers with natural styles. FINA stated that such caps had never been needed in the past, and that they were unsuitable due to not "following the natural form of the head." However, thousands of swimmers and swim fans objected. FINA announced on 2 July 2021 that it would review its decision.
Our message to FINA: Thank you for reconsidering this decision! Please reverse the ban on extra-large caps, preferably in time for the 2021 Summer Olympics. FINA, alongside many swimmers and coaches, is working to address the longstanding lack of ethnic diversity in swimming, which results from a history of segregation and exclusion. To this day, swimmers are disproportionately white – but this is changing. We are thrilled to see more Black swimmers on this year’s Olympics teams and we fear that a ban on extra-large caps may discourage future athletes. As swimmers become more diverse, it is expected that some of their needs will change. We request FINA to demonstrate inclusion by granting full approval to the optional use of extra-large swim caps in the Olympics.
Photo credit: Metro UK News.
Updates
July 7, 2021
Seeing 500 people stand up for this is overwhelming because I know exactly how many talented athletes are being pushed out of the pool by these outdated rules. This support gives me so much hope that we can finally force them to see our reality.
Reached 500 supporters
July 7, 2021
July 7, 2021
Seeing one hundred people recognize that a swim cap is about so much more than gear brings me hope for our sport. Watching people embrace the need for inclusivity makes me realize that we might actually be able to change these outdated rules.
Reached 100 supporters
July 5, 2021
123 Comments
Having been a competitive swimmer in my youth, and with long hair , I understand the need for the new design. I do not think the soul cap will create an edge over the standard cap. In fact, there may be more drag. So, if competitors using these aren't aiming for a streamlining advantage.
FINA, get with the times. How could this cap possibly be seen as something to make one go faster, like the "fast suits" of previous years? These caps simply reflect the growing diversity of the swim community.
I think it is appalling that something as natural as hair is being used to discriminate people in sports. If a solution has been made why on earth would it not be used. It in no ways breaks any protocol or causes disadvantage unlike the current way. Double standards as per usual
FINA.. whoever made the statement saying no one has needed these hats has clearly not tried to keep a swimming hat on top of big half or long hair tied up or stuffed in. Please don’t tell me white men made this decision?
Thank you for revisiting the desire for extra large swim caps by swimmers whose natural hair simply doesn't fit in smaller caps. As it doesn't affect their competitors in any way, I don't see any reason for not accomodating the natural hair of certain races. Please level the playing "field" by permitting larger sized swim caps for those who need them. Thank you.
Let be the social JUSTICE
The cap ban is needed ! Time to move forward with society!
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The mandate has been reversed and Soul Caps are finally approved for international competition. Seeing this change means so much to the young swimmers who no longer have to choose between their natural hair and their sport. I am deeply relieved that we held the line together until they gave …
July 16, 2021
Final supporters
Swimmers for Justice and Equality invites you to join us in this petition.
Here’s the situation: FINA, the governing body that makes the rules for swimming in the Olympics and other international competitions, has decided to ban Soul Cap use from the Olympics. Soul Cap is a company that designs extra-large caps for swimmers with voluminous textured hair, many of whom are Black swimmers with natural styles. FINA stated that such caps had never been needed in the past, and that they were unsuitable due to not "following the natural form of the head." However, thousands of swimmers and swim fans objected. FINA announced on 2 July 2021 that it would review its decision.
Our message to FINA: Thank you for reconsidering this decision! Please reverse the ban on extra-large caps, preferably in time for the 2021 Summer Olympics. FINA, alongside many swimmers and coaches, is working to address the longstanding lack of ethnic diversity in swimming, which results from a history of segregation and exclusion. To this day, swimmers are disproportionately white – but this is changing. We are thrilled to see more Black swimmers on this year’s Olympics teams and we fear that a ban on extra-large caps may discourage future athletes. As swimmers become more diverse, it is expected that some of their needs will change. We request FINA to demonstrate inclusion by granting full approval to the optional use of extra-large swim caps in the Olympics.
Photo credit: Metro UK News.
Updates
July 7, 2021
Seeing 500 people stand up for this is overwhelming because I know exactly how many talented athletes are being pushed out of the pool by these outdated rules. This support gives me so much hope that we can finally force them to see our reality.
Reached 500 supporters
July 7, 2021
July 7, 2021
Seeing one hundred people recognize that a swim cap is about so much more than gear brings me hope for our sport. Watching people embrace the need for inclusivity makes me realize that we might actually be able to change these outdated rules.
Reached 100 supporters
July 5, 2021
123 Comments
These caps do not enhance or impede the athlete's performance. To deny their use is to deny access to the sport to many people with a specific hair type and is discrimination. To change your mind on this decision will show respect and provides an example of growth that will open up the sport to many more people.
Having been a competitive swimmer in my youth, and with long hair , I understand the need for the new design. I do not think the soul cap will create an edge over the standard cap. In fact, there may be more drag. So, if competitors using these aren't aiming for a streamlining advantage.
FINA, get with the times. How could this cap possibly be seen as something to make one go faster, like the "fast suits" of previous years? These caps simply reflect the growing diversity of the swim community.
I think it is appalling that something as natural as hair is being used to discriminate people in sports. If a solution has been made why on earth would it not be used. It in no ways breaks any protocol or causes disadvantage unlike the current way. Double standards as per usual
FINA.. whoever made the statement saying no one has needed these hats has clearly not tried to keep a swimming hat on top of big half or long hair tied up or stuffed in. Please don’t tell me white men made this decision?
Thank you for revisiting the desire for extra large swim caps by swimmers whose natural hair simply doesn't fit in smaller caps. As it doesn't affect their competitors in any way, I don't see any reason for not accomodating the natural hair of certain races. Please level the playing "field" by permitting larger sized swim caps for those who need them. Thank you.
Let be the social JUSTICE
The cap ban is needed ! Time to move forward with society!
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These caps do not enhance or impede the athlete's performance. To deny their use is to deny access to the sport to many people with a specific hair type and is discrimination. To change your mind on this decision will show respect and provides an example of growth that will open up the sport to many more people.