Should USMS follow "suit" ?

So, the answer to your question above, form my experience, is that at least one manufacturer (Victor = Jerry Greenberg) was willing to start production for the master's community. I don't know what Speedo's motivation was. A good point of information. I do wonder, however, if the original manufacturing of tech suits, aside from master's using them, wasn't really more about "mind-share" and gambling that these might become the wave of the future. I forget the stats of USMS membership and what percent actually compete, but I wonder how many USMS types actually have a tech suit. That number, when spread across several manufacturers who will get no potential "mind share"/sales into the larger youth market, feels a bit small to justify the R&D, design, etc that goes into one of these suits. -LBJ

IMHO, USMS governing body would be remiss to ignore the regulations of the international and USS governing bodies. 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.

I think if we allow the suits and everyone else bans them then it turns USMS into the equivalent of a beer league. Maybe some people think this is fine, but not me. Why is this such a big deal? I like wearing paddles in practice, too, but I'm not advocating their use in meets. The sport has become a laughingstock due to these suits. Kirk, That's kind of the issue here. For me and big ugly Paul, Masters is a "beer" league and it is for fun. For others it is more serious. The mixture of participants and their needs is not going away. Hence..... why not let people wear what they want to wear all across USMS. I mean everyone knows the approximate advantages of the suit. If you don't want to wear one, (like me), then just don't wear one. I truly think that the girdle (or cosmetic) effect on older swimmers helps them mentally and in the water. If this is what they want to compete with ..... let'em have the suit! I'm serious. I don't see the advantage of following FINA backward on this issue for USMS...... (for USA swimming.... I have a different opinion). John Smith

I think if we allow the suits and everyone else bans them then it turns USMS into the equivalent of a beer league. We should also institute the following measures: 1. Drug testing at major competitions 2. Proof of QTs when registering for nationals 3. Fly swum with a legitimate dolphin kick only 4. All starts from the blocks, no exceptions 5. Teams defined as swimmers who train together in the same pool

This question wipes out the wetsuit/non-wetsuit debate, don't you think?

Gull, Point 5.) has never been something that has been strictly required by AAU, USS or USA Swimming throughout the years. One merely needs to look at the teams assembled by Mission Viejo in the 1970s or Cinc. Pepsi Marlins later in the 1980s to see team participants showing up at nationals from all over the country that have never even met. At least the teams in Masters events that have done this (like Team TYR) all know each other from prior lives and friendships. Swimming at meets with old friends is a great way to encourage others to participate in USMS. Contrary to Mr. Geek's opinion that these were purely formed for record breaking attempts, the fact is, we all did it for fun and to be together. Might I point out my old 11-12 year old relay I assembled at the Ft. Lauderdale nationals. There were no records set in this event. John Smith

But winning is also fun. Can you deny that when you swim in a meet you want to win? If you're wearing briefs and the guy next to you is wearing a Jaked your chances are greatly reduced. Obviously you and Paul are talented swimmers, but even you two aren't going to beat a fast swimmer if you're in briefs and he's in a Jaked. You are correct.... given swimmers of relatively equal speed, the suit will determine the winner. Yes it is fun to win a race.... even at my ripe age of 47. But really, Kirk,........ it's just masters swimming. Perhaps you need to join Paul and I for a beer next nationals. The discussions are usually better than the meet itself.

Wow - Mr. Negasmith you sure got very serious in a very serious hurry about defending your lack of seriousness when it comes to breaking records with fellow "teammates." Word. Sounds like calling it a beer league for fun is just hedging bets in case one gets "lit up" at a meet by a less-worthy swimmer.

Wow - Mr. Negasmith you sure got very serious in a very serious hurry about defending your lack of seriousness when it comes to breaking records with fellow "teammates." I will continue to "whore" out my talents to relay teams that are the most fun to be with..... this means swimming with old friends. Back to the topic Mr. Geek. What would happen if USMS had the guts to tell FINA to "pound sand" on this rubber suit issue? John Smith

I can think of valid reason for each of these. The only reason I can think of to allow tech suits when every other organization has banned them is because "people like them" and, sorry, I just don't think that's a good enough reason. I'll go along with whatever decision FINA finally decides to make regarding the suits, but I feel USMS should also adhere to this ruling. Why? So that we will be seen as a serious swimming organization? NQTs are a joke. If we are just a beer league, then anything goes.