Take a look at the press release posted on swiminfo.com: www.swiminfo.com/.../6949.asp
Here's a quote that bothers me:
By strategically increasing the surface area, TYR has increased his/her ability to pull without increasing any resistance through the recovery. Just think of it as ascending an aquatic ladder.
Should these be allowed? I would guess that they are o.k. as far as current rules read, but I don't like it. I think these sleeves amount to an aid, sort of like wearing paddles. I guess the question is: what constitutes a swimsuit? Obviously caps are o.k., so you can't argue that it must be one piece.
Parents
Former Member
There's no way in the world that Aqua Bands should be considered a swim suit (or part of a swim suit)! If we're going to allow that, why not also allow "gloves" and "shoes" with webbing?
What this reveals, I believe, is just how much of a slippery slope we entered when full body suits were allowed. The argument now becomes: If it's okay to have a one-piece suit that covers your arms down to your wrists, then why not allow a three-piece "suit" where two of the "pieces" are wrist coverings?
I think the time has come to take a step backward. Throughout most of recent history, arm and leg coverings have not been a part of competitive swim suits. There is no reason to allow them now! FINA, USA swimming, and USMS need to take a firm stand against them.
Bob
There's no way in the world that Aqua Bands should be considered a swim suit (or part of a swim suit)! If we're going to allow that, why not also allow "gloves" and "shoes" with webbing?
What this reveals, I believe, is just how much of a slippery slope we entered when full body suits were allowed. The argument now becomes: If it's okay to have a one-piece suit that covers your arms down to your wrists, then why not allow a three-piece "suit" where two of the "pieces" are wrist coverings?
I think the time has come to take a step backward. Throughout most of recent history, arm and leg coverings have not been a part of competitive swim suits. There is no reason to allow them now! FINA, USA swimming, and USMS need to take a firm stand against them.
Bob
