Should USMS follow "suit" ?

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

Amusing that a piece of clothing can divide opinions so easily. You elite swimmers are easily amused.

Without a doubt FINA is just staggering around with this issue right now. Jammers only for men is ridiculous. I do not want to be put in a place where I have to loose weight just to look reasonable. The first thing that my wife will suggest is I stop drinking wine (Mel what do say about that-it would be a disaster}. On a very personal "male" level I think the women look awesome in their Jaked's and Arena suits and "us boys" have got to demand that they be allowed at our master's meets. You know there is a little more going on in Rome then just the suits I think it is the confluence of a lot of things, better training, tremendous monmentum which stokes everyone, beautiful pool and surroundings, great weather on and on. Let me, at least, keep my B70 from neck to knees. Hey here is a novel idea for FINA lets let the swimmers decide. Phelps can act all distressed about the new suits (what does he make a year from Speedo??)

I think swimming in briefs vs. someone in a Jaked is sort of like playing tennis where you must hit into the singles court but your opponent gets to hit into the alleys. Yeah, if you're really good you will still win, but it's a hell of an advantage for your opponent. More like playing with a wooden racket when your opponent is using graphite.

Leonard makes a good point about administrative issues that will result from different governing bodies taking different stances. If USMS wants the tech suits, USMS needs to speak with one voice to convince FINA and USS that they are legit, but these forums suggest that even within USMS there is no common ground on the issue. The suit manufacturers undoubtedly have lobbied their positions already (with funding or the lack thereof, I'm sure). IMHO, USMS governing body would be remiss to ignore the regulations of the international and USS governing bodies.

I'm very disturbed that a scientist would go on record that there was a specific measurable performance enhancing effect to a specific suit without showing the emperical data that said suit resulted in "SECONDS" dropped in swimming times. www.floswimming.org/.../6033-part-iii-predictive-modeling-of-swim-performances-at-the-us-olympic-trials

www.floswimming.org/.../6033-part-iii-predictive-modeling-of-swim-performances-at-the-us-olympic-trials that proves nothing...where are the test results?????

I think swimming in briefs vs. someone in a Jaked is sort of like playing tennis where you must hit into the singles court but your opponent gets to hit into the alleys. Yeah, if you're really good you will still win, but it's a hell of an advantage for your opponent. No. It's like someone playing with a state of the art graphite tennis racket against someone who plays with a wooden racket (perhaps because he feels that the new fangled rackets have ruined the sport). Same court, same measurements, etc. but different equipment. I like the new equipment (tech suits) and don't quite grasp why some folks think it's almost immoral to wear them, that they have "ruined" the sport, etc. (I remember last year how Phelps was praising how great the LZR felt coming off the wall...they were all behind them then). I think folks find swimming more interesting now than they ever have. Much of that has to do with Phelps but some of it has to do with the excitement generated by the new suits and the speed. BTW, I think that even if Masters allow tech suits the manufacturers will stop making them if they are banned from international competition and from college athletics (for economic reasons as L. Jansen explained). As to competition, seriousness, etc., what we ought to remember is that if we don't "try" to win and come prepared to do our best then it is less fun. When we get beat we praise the winner because s/he won the race. If we win or set a record we feel stoked. It's supposed to be fun. It IS fun. That's how I understand the Smiths "beer league" statement; it may be fun, a beer league, whatever, but that doesn't mean I won't train my ass off and try to swim as fast as I can. The work is what makes it fun!

But getting back to my questions....... what are the rammifications of ignoring FINA on this issue? Other than refusing to allow World records set in the rubber suits, what can they do to force USMS to comply or otherwise retaliate? I'm glad Mr. Negasmith has finally posted a good topic, and this is interesting. Does USMS have enough members and clout to stand on our own without FINA? That seems to be the question. I don't see any real reason to be so tethered to FINA. If you want to do a FINA meet, wear their approved suits. If FINA says they will not recognize USMS swims due to our stance on suits, big whoop. USMS is an adult fitness organization and I really don't see why we need to be as controlling on what adults spend their money on as the kiddies and pros do. It's all very heavy handed.

Unless FINA states that masters swimming will be allowed to use bodysuits. I would believe that some of the suit makers would be willing to produce bodysuits for masters swimming is allowed to keep them. But why would FINA agree to this concept?