I would have preferred a more strong governance model, with FINA setting the specs and standards, and the mfg'ers having to pay for the "proof" to submit a suit for approval, subject to audit of course. It's worked with other sports that have gone through similar technical innovation threats, such as golf.
In the past my position was to do away with the tech suits altogether--so basically what FINA actually did--and I still think this will be OK, but I do agree with what you're saying. I think FINA at least had a start with their new testing protocol. Obviously it wasn't perfect, but I think with some tweaking they could have come up with something that would still allow for innovation, yet still keeping things fair. I do have to admit the new suits have added excitement to the sport. It hasn't always been positive, but it's been excitement.
I would have preferred a more strong governance model, with FINA setting the specs and standards, and the mfg'ers having to pay for the "proof" to submit a suit for approval, subject to audit of course. It's worked with other sports that have gone through similar technical innovation threats, such as golf.
In the past my position was to do away with the tech suits altogether--so basically what FINA actually did--and I still think this will be OK, but I do agree with what you're saying. I think FINA at least had a start with their new testing protocol. Obviously it wasn't perfect, but I think with some tweaking they could have come up with something that would still allow for innovation, yet still keeping things fair. I do have to admit the new suits have added excitement to the sport. It hasn't always been positive, but it's been excitement.
