In order of priority, I think USMS' adherence to swimsuit rules, in pool and open water, should be:
Aligned with FINA and the rest of the global Masters' community
Aligned with FINA and the rest of the global elite/age-group/USA-S community
Like everyone, I think FINA has botched this about every step of the way ... the recent OW ruling is just one more example.
Like Chris (I think), I'd like to see the same rules for #1 and #2. However, as there is even a smaller group of USMS swimmers who also compete in #2-style events, if there is a disconnect between #1 and #2, we should be in synch with the Masters community.
Now, like Fort (I think), I believe we should allow full body tech suits with defined, measurable criteria. I'd base those criteria on what's on the market today and some very objective regulation scheme (anathema to my libertarian leanings as saying that is) in place moving forward.
Whatever decision's made, I'll race in whatever I feel like racing in that is legal for the event I'm competing in. Like Leonard, I'm not going to have a coronary over this. I like the bodysuits, but believe my training (or lack of it) has far more to do with my times these days than a suit.
In order of priority, I think USMS' adherence to swimsuit rules, in pool and open water, should be:
Aligned with FINA and the rest of the global Masters' community
Aligned with FINA and the rest of the global elite/age-group/USA-S community
Like everyone, I think FINA has botched this about every step of the way ... the recent OW ruling is just one more example.
Like Chris (I think), I'd like to see the same rules for #1 and #2. However, as there is even a smaller group of USMS swimmers who also compete in #2-style events, if there is a disconnect between #1 and #2, we should be in synch with the Masters community.
Now, like Fort (I think), I believe we should allow full body tech suits with defined, measurable criteria. I'd base those criteria on what's on the market today and some very objective regulation scheme (anathema to my libertarian leanings as saying that is) in place moving forward.
Whatever decision's made, I'll race in whatever I feel like racing in that is legal for the event I'm competing in. Like Leonard, I'm not going to have a coronary over this. I like the bodysuits, but believe my training (or lack of it) has far more to do with my times these days than a suit.
