Why is it that FINA rules apply to short course yards competition?
It would have been interesting if consideration was given into doing things differently, particularly since we are the only country where non-metric events are held.
Example... the tech suit ban could be revisited. Perhaps backstroke starts should once again allow for toes to be planted over the edge of the gutter?
Just curious, why revisit the tech suit ban? It sort of sets a level playing field for all, especially those without the money to pay for the high end tech suits. Isn't it better to have accurate records based on physical performance, skill, and practice rather than how much money you spend on suits?
To answer your question, aside from the performance boost, a lot of people enjoyed the feeling of being covered up. Ironically when the ban was enacted, I knew a handful of self conscious competitors who chose to shy away. To be honest, they weren't all breaking records, but merely enjoying the meets.
Regarding cost... agreed that those suits were ridiculously expensive. There must be thousands of them in some remote warehouses just collecting dust. I bet you could buy one for under fifty dollars since they're all but useless.
What's really odd is the current mens "performance" jammers, and the ridiculous three and four hundred dollar price tag. That's just insane, and highly questionable if they even do anything! - They're probably taking the left over body suits, cutting off the tops and legs, and passing them off as the latest and greatest.
Not all FINA rules pertain to SCY. You can actually curl your toes over the gutter, but after the starter gun goes off. 15 meter rule is just a standardization, but backstroke flags are 15 feet rather than 5 meters.
Tech suits are just an economic reality. Since they are not legal for international competition, manufacturers have decided not to make any for a niche of US Masters. You can still get them (sort of) as OW suits, but good luck trying to wear one at a pool meet.
You can actually curl your toes over the gutter, but after the starter gun goes off.Not really.
101.1.2 Backstroke Start - "placing the toes above the lip of the gutter, or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter before or after the start is prohibited."
Not all FINA rules pertain to SCY. You can actually curl your toes over the gutter, but after the starter gun goes off. 15 meter rule is just a standardization, but backstroke flags are 15 feet rather than 5 meters.
Very interesting. I read the other thread regarding the starts, and how toes below the surface must be enforced: whether they offer a wedge or no wedge. Shifting ones toes after the starter signal though sounds like a slight time give away, and maybe not worth trying - in order to launch with a more solid back dive.
Agreed on the suits. They will probably never make a come back, but they sure were fun while they lasted. Ironically the women's suits are nearly what they had been, save for the portion of fabric below the knees.
Thanks for the info!
