If the full body rubber suits do end up getting banned, why should USMS follow their lead on this issue? (i.e. assuming the suits would continue to be manufactured).
Isn't Masters mostly for each individual to pursue what they want and the level they want out of the sport?
If the full body suit is preferred by many USMS participants, why not satisfy the base by keeping it available?
What's really the point of forcing old USMS swimmers out of their girdles if FINA bans them?
John Smith
I find it interesting that so many who support the use of this new technology to "further the sport" the last year and a half are now thinking it is better to side with FINA (even though they have little respect for FINA's decision process) to ban the suits.
I myself have opposed them from USA Swimming events day one, now feel they are no big deal for use in USMS events.
Amusing that a piece of clothing can divide opinions so easily.
John Smith
I support the suits only to the extent that FINA creates a logical, consistent and comprehendable standard for thier construction. Has FINA done this? No so far. Instead FINA has come out with, by my count, seven different rulings over the last 12 months, each ruling countermanding the previous one in scope or timeline.
Has this suit escalation gotten completely out of hand? yes, it surely has. But let's look at other sports where this has happened and the governing bodies have managed to come up with enforcable standards. Tennis and golf are the first two that come to my mind. Both sports experienced a rush of technological advancement. Both had a crisis as a result but both managed to overcome this by creating a standard and not by burying thier heads and pretending it never happened, as FINA appears to be doing.
IMO, what FINA should have (and still can) is establish a line in the sand where all racing suits that were legal for World Champs in 2007 can be used for competition. Then FINA has to, not should, but HAS to come up with enforceable standards for composition, coverage and bouyancy. Compression is going to be nearly impossible to create a unifying standard as compression relies heavily on the physiology of the swimmer wearing the suit. But compression can be controlled thru the composition and coverage standards.
To address concerns at the age-group level, perhaps a 2 tiered rule for what can be worn in competition? Limit swim apparel for non-National/International level meets to no more than standard tanks and jammers that meet composition and bouyancy guidelines and then break out the 'good' stuff that meets FINA established guidelines for elite level competitions.
I find it interesting that so many who support the use of this new technology to "further the sport" the last year and a half are now thinking it is better to side with FINA (even though they have little respect for FINA's decision process) to ban the suits.
I myself have opposed them from USA Swimming events day one, now feel they are no big deal for use in USMS events.
Amusing that a piece of clothing can divide opinions so easily.
John Smith
I support the suits only to the extent that FINA creates a logical, consistent and comprehendable standard for thier construction. Has FINA done this? No so far. Instead FINA has come out with, by my count, seven different rulings over the last 12 months, each ruling countermanding the previous one in scope or timeline.
Has this suit escalation gotten completely out of hand? yes, it surely has. But let's look at other sports where this has happened and the governing bodies have managed to come up with enforcable standards. Tennis and golf are the first two that come to my mind. Both sports experienced a rush of technological advancement. Both had a crisis as a result but both managed to overcome this by creating a standard and not by burying thier heads and pretending it never happened, as FINA appears to be doing.
IMO, what FINA should have (and still can) is establish a line in the sand where all racing suits that were legal for World Champs in 2007 can be used for competition. Then FINA has to, not should, but HAS to come up with enforceable standards for composition, coverage and bouyancy. Compression is going to be nearly impossible to create a unifying standard as compression relies heavily on the physiology of the swimmer wearing the suit. But compression can be controlled thru the composition and coverage standards.
To address concerns at the age-group level, perhaps a 2 tiered rule for what can be worn in competition? Limit swim apparel for non-National/International level meets to no more than standard tanks and jammers that meet composition and bouyancy guidelines and then break out the 'good' stuff that meets FINA established guidelines for elite level competitions.
