Not my support, mind you, but I believe in credit-where-credit-is-due. Ran into one of the "legendary" SC coaches referenced in our original discussion yesterday. Instead of saying "hi," I just spat out the question, "What do you think of fight shorts for middle schoolers?" To my surprise he liked the idea. Said anything to get more kids out was great.
I countered with not wanting to wear singlets an excuse for not being tough enough. Coach said that was always going to be the case, but if fight shorts got him one tough kid then it was worth it. He went on to say that the mindset of kids today is much different, and just like the changes made to save Olympic wrestling, changes probably need to be made to folkstyle (he also believes there should be a pushout rule).
Now I agree that there is a different mindset and attitude today as opposed to 20, 30 or more years ago - kids just aren't as tough or motivated - but I think the changes recently made in the Olympic styles were due more to the rules being awful, and they changed them back to closely resemble the rules 20 years ago.
I brought up the point that hands and fingers could get injured if caught in loose fitting clothing. His response was how often did I see that happen, and they get tangled in singlets as well.
I have always respected this particular coach's accomplishments in the sport and his opinions - I can only think of one other topic where I have strongly disagreed with him - but I still can't agree with fight shorts. Leave them to MMA. Call me a purist, but I'm sticking with singlets; although, I could stomach compression shorts and tight tees.
I countered with not wanting to wear singlets an excuse for not being tough enough. Coach said that was always going to be the case, but if fight shorts got him one tough kid then it was worth it. He went on to say that the mindset of kids today is much different, and just like the changes made to save Olympic wrestling, changes probably need to be made to folkstyle (he also believes there should be a pushout rule).
Now I agree that there is a different mindset and attitude today as opposed to 20, 30 or more years ago - kids just aren't as tough or motivated - but I think the changes recently made in the Olympic styles were due more to the rules being awful, and they changed them back to closely resemble the rules 20 years ago.
I brought up the point that hands and fingers could get injured if caught in loose fitting clothing. His response was how often did I see that happen, and they get tangled in singlets as well.
I have always respected this particular coach's accomplishments in the sport and his opinions - I can only think of one other topic where I have strongly disagreed with him - but I still can't agree with fight shorts. Leave them to MMA. Call me a purist, but I'm sticking with singlets; although, I could stomach compression shorts and tight tees.