Thanks FINA, will you rebate some of the $$$ I just spent on a full arm/leg tech suit ??:badday:
I'm pretty sure suits with full arms were already banned so you wouldn't have been able to legally use that suit anyway.
This ruling does give us all a good goal for next year: equal or better our suit-aided times.
edit: yeah, just looked at the text of FINA's Dubai Charter and it explicitly banned full-arm suits: www.fina.org/.../the dubai charter.pdf
See 1a.
Uh, that wasn't exactly what I said. However, as Michael Heather recently reminded us, USMS makes its own rules.
I think Geek said it best -- this would eliminate the cool gear element of the sport. If expense is a concern, regulate coverage and material at the age group level. I don't see the need for a total ban.
USMS does make it's own rules, but surely if USMS is the only hold-out then there will be very limited quantities available and then it does become a fairness issue for USMS.
I am just joking about therapy and competitive edge. Can't someone have some fun poking at you tech suit addicts? I am sure everyone will handle slower times well.
I see Geek's point somewhat, but I have really never considered tech suits a "cool gear element". I cycle a bit and cycling has a lot cooler stuff and it is by definition a sport that is defined by technology. It is also a sport that isn't defined by world records. I don't get the analogy.
Tim
Look at the way swimmers have embraced the technology of suits in a big hurry, no different than cycling. But, now we don't have that one cool gear element anymore. We can go back to arguing over latex versus silicone caps I guess.
I think the tech suits are cool and I liked wearing one. Heck, even the name "tech suit" is cool. Just about anything is cooler than the briefs we used to wear, of course. I'm sorry to see them go. I do like the concept of the "purity" of racing without them, and it does level the playing field to some extent. But still, anything that makes swimming more "cool" is probably not a terrible thing for the sport. My guess is that they will be back in a couple of years...
I'm also curious about how some swimmers (especially masters) will handle swimming times slower than they have the last few years....
I am sure you will be able to find your answer here
Gonna go to Regionals now -- put on my banned suits and have one last run at some Long-course times :applaud:
One question though - if there will be a limit on the amount of textile to be used -- is there also a rule on the minimum amount :D
