The Long Distance Committee shall oversee the rules and administration of open water and long distance events. The committee shall solicit and review bid proposals and select the sites for the long distance championship events. The committee shall work in a coordinating and advisory capacity with event hosts and make recommendations to enhance the quality of long distance championship events. The committee shall maintain records and select the Long Distance All-American and Long Distance All-Star Teams. The committee shall assure that the competitive rules in Part 3 of the USMS rules and regulations provide for fair and equitable competition in the best interests of all USMS members and that these members are informed of current rules, interpretations, and changes. The committee may initiate and shall accept, consider, and report proposed amendments, with the committee’s recommendations, at the annual meeting of the House of Delegates, in accordance with the provisions of Part 6. When necessary, the committee shall interpret and render opinions regarding any provision of the rules and regulations of USMS within the committee’s jurisdiction as defined in article 601.1. The committee shall consist of the committee chair and no more than 16 additional members. The Open Water Committee chair shall be an ex officio member of the committee.