During the SPMA meet, I floated a Tech suit compromise by a few swimmers and they all seemed to be very interested. I am sure this has been suggested before, but here is goes -
- allow all current tech suits for all yards meets for the next 3 years (you can always revisit this)
- adopt what FINA issues in January for all meters meets
I think both "sides" could live with this, USMS can still say they comply with FINA, but the tech suit "junkies" can still have a full season each year.
A compromise is when everyone leaves unhappy. Who wants to go to the prom with the best looking girl and then turn around and date wookie the rest of the year?
The only problem I have with it is that I think we are overly-focused on SCY as it is; in fact, I would much rather the spring nationals be SCM whenever possible.
This would be a move in the opposite direction; after all, the only reason we could do it -- assuming FINA rules against the suits in January -- is because the rest of the world could care less about SCY.
But this is a fairly minor objection.
And anyway, for all practical purposes, won't we all be limited to FINA-approved suits eventually? I can't see suit manufacturers making "illegal" suits just for one season of masters swimming in one country, but maybe I'm wrong.
Since we've already had some swims done during the 2009 to 2010 SCY in the tech suits, seems like they should be kept legal until May 31, 2010. I'm in favor of banning them after that and following what USA Swimming has in force.
Since we've already had some swims done during the 2009 to 2010 SCY in the tech suits, seems like they should be kept legal until May 31, 2010. I'm in favor of banning them after that and following what USA Swimming has in force.
I basically agree,just to clarify that they wouldn't be allowed in meters if that is what FINA says.I am fine with keeping them for SCY until 5/31/10 but after that it seems a little like keeping your blanky too long.
While I love the tech suits and do not support their banning, and consider Speedo and their paid coaches to be the devil's apprentices, I think that USMS and FINA Masters should simply follow the (idiotic) guidelines set out by FINA, USAS and the other governing bodies.
And when they reverse their ban in 2011, we can switch back again.
Me...........I love the tech suits, but the world would not end if they went away. That said, I fully support the notion of tech suits for SCY and whatever FINA/USMS says for the rest of the year.
Can we get this message to Rob Butcher and the USMS board? Mike Heather are you listening??
I basically agree,just to clarify that they wouldn't be allowed in meters if that is what FINA says.I am fine with keeping them for SCY until 5/31/10 but after that it seems a little like keeping your blanky too long.
I'm happy to have my blankie through 2009-10 SCY season and beyond. As an addict (fins, nose clips), this blankie business suits me well. :D
