Well, I'm coming back to swim at Master's meets after a 5 year hiatus (surgeries, etc) and find that I cannot wear my "Farmer John" suit bought in 2000 and worn in 4 previous national meets (except this spring). Not a "tech" suit by any means but a hell of a beer-gut bra! Not sure I would get on the blocks without it so the hiatus may continue. Is it worth alienating us "plus-sized" guys over this silly rule? I suppose it will give me yet another reason to dump some weight. Looks like those other 50+ breaststrokers won't get beat by this fat guy any time soon.
Anyone else out there feel the same? I know most of you out there don't have this problem but to have a rule that reduces participation seems counterproductive.
Lee Rider
Fort Bragg, CA
All of this falls, I believe, into the realm of "Referee Discretion". My guess, 9 out of 10 times, the referee will pull you down off the blocks and not let you swim. If you tried to swim knowing you were violating a rule like that, you might get yourself an "unsportsmanlike conduct" DQ before you can even step up. Or at the very least, simply by stepping onto the blocks with an obviously illegal suit, you are DQed before you even start.
-Rick
All of this falls, I believe, into the realm of "Referee Discretion". My guess, 9 out of 10 times, the referee will pull you down off the blocks and not let you swim. If you tried to swim knowing you were violating a rule like that, you might get yourself an "unsportsmanlike conduct" DQ before you can even step up. Or at the very least, simply by stepping onto the blocks with an obviously illegal suit, you are DQed before you even start.
-Rick
