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
It is only "cheating" because someone wrote a rule that outlawed a $575 suit that I only got to wear once and was not consulted with in the matter.
Let me translate your statement.
It is ... cheating because ... a rule ... outlawed a ... suit ....
Besides, there is a difference between breaking a rule, which leads to disqualification, and cheating.
I agree that there is a difference between a disqualification and cheating. In my book, they are both due to breaking the rules. If you break the rules and get caught, it's a disqualification. If you break the rules and don't get caught, it's cheating. Either way, you broke the rules.
Here's the deal. If you want to play in this sandbox, then you have to abide by the rules of this sandbox. If you don't like the rules of this sandbox, then go find your own sandbox, and you can play by yourself.
-Rick
It is only "cheating" because someone wrote a rule that outlawed a $575 suit that I only got to wear once and was not consulted with in the matter.
Let me translate your statement.
It is ... cheating because ... a rule ... outlawed a ... suit ....
Besides, there is a difference between breaking a rule, which leads to disqualification, and cheating.
I agree that there is a difference between a disqualification and cheating. In my book, they are both due to breaking the rules. If you break the rules and get caught, it's a disqualification. If you break the rules and don't get caught, it's cheating. Either way, you broke the rules.
Here's the deal. If you want to play in this sandbox, then you have to abide by the rules of this sandbox. If you don't like the rules of this sandbox, then go find your own sandbox, and you can play by yourself.
-Rick
