The Rules Committee shall ensure that the competitive rules in Part 1 of the USMS rules and regulations provide for fair and equitable competition in the best interests of all USMS members. The committee shall ensure that the USMS members are informed of current rules, interpretation, 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 sufficient members to execute the committee function, with at least one member from each zone, not to exceed 16 additional members. The Legislation Committee chair, the Officials Committee chair, and the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee chair shall be ex officio members of the committee.