Is there any precedent in sport for an international federation limiting technical advancements?
Answer 5.1 Yes. For example, in yachting, canoeing, and kayaking, rigorous dimensions of competitive vehicles were developed so that competitive outcomes would not be dependent upon technical superiority (craft) but by competitor competence. Standardized competitive vehicles neutralize any technical determinant involved in competitions. Question 6. Equipment manufacturers have put a lot of money into the sport of swimming. Shouldn’t allowing them unrestricted development of products associated with the sport reward them? Answer 6.1 While FINA recognizes the contributions of costume manufacturers it is FINA’s responsibility to conduct the sport so that its competitions are i) fair, that is, determined by performer superiority and not extrinsic technical factors such as flotation or streamlining suits, and ii) accessible, that is, acceptable costumes are freely available and not costly. Standardized competitive costumes will neutralize any technical determinant involved in competitions.
