So as I come across sporting video clips, I wonder:

Should competitors in some sports be required to use the same equipment?

In disc golf, for instance, shouldn't all the players be forced to use the same disc make/model? Or are they already?

Shouldn't baseball players all be forced to use the same bat type/make/model? They're already required to run the same distance, and I would imagine that the pitch changes and player's physical changes would more than make up for same-ness in bat.

We require athletes to use the same ski jump, the same distance for running, the same basket height, etc. Why are such extreme differences allowed for other game-changing equipment? Golf clubs, etc?

Or is my lack of sports knowledge showing? Do they already require these things? Does requiring these things make the game better or worse?

Only curious.

quote:

Originally posted by Veeper:
So as I come across sporting video clips, I wonder:

Should competitors in some sports be required to use the same equipment?

In disc golf, for instance, shouldn't all the players be forced to use the same disc make/model? Or are they already?

Shouldn't baseball players all be forced to use the same bat type/make/model? They're already required to run the same distance, and I would imagine that the pitch changes and player's physical changes would more than make up for same-ness in bat.

We require athletes to use the same ski jump, the same distance for running, the same basket height, etc. Why are such extreme differences allowed for other game-changing equipment? Golf clubs, etc?

Or is my lack of sports knowledge showing? Do they already require these things? Does requiring these things make the game better or worse?

Only curious.

In short, no. Every body is different so everyone is free to play whatever equipment they prefer, within reason. For instance, all runners don't wear the same shoes. All skiers don't use the same skis.

But equipment is held to standards. Baseball bats must be in a certain range of sizes and weights. The USGA routinely outlaws certain golf clubs. Etc...

Footballs have to have the same pressure.

Now that I think of it, how about countering the different types of bats a player can use with different types of balls? That might make baseball interesting.

quote:

Originally posted by Veeper:
In disc golf, for instance, shouldn't all the players be forced to use the same disc make/model? Or are they already?

Isn't the mere fact that this is in a thread about "professional" sports the more disturbing item?

The variable to success is not equipment.

Personal equipment no. Should every hockey player have to play with the same length stick. I once cut a stick one inch longer to try something and I could tell as soon as I stepped on the ice. How about blade curve?

How about gloves. Different styles and feel for different players.

To see examples of this idea gone too far, to the detriment of the sport, see car racing.

In any case, it's all pretty subjective and each sport and activity varies quite a bit. Should every golfer use the same putter, every bowler use the same size and weight ball, every outdoor game be played with the same wind conditions, all chess games be played with the same pieces, and so on? You (the universal) have to draw the line somewhere, and, naturally, they've been drawn all over the place and most sports/activities are fine for it...

quote:

Originally posted by JALLEN:
Footballs have to have the same pressure.

Yeah, everywhere but Massachusetts.

Having the track be the same length or the golf course be the same course is an obvious matter of fairness.

But equipment should not be standardized. In golf, for example, the clubs that a golfer 5'7" and the clubs that a 6'4" player would use would be vastly different. But there are broader restrictions on clubs. For example, no one can use a putter that you anchor against your body. The grooves on irons must be of certain configurations. Balls are tested so that they do not exceed a certain speed off the clubface of a standardized driver hit by a golf club swinging machine at a certain speed. This prevents golf from devolving into an equipment race, and prevents older courses from becoming obsolete by being too short.

Aside from personal physical differences, golfers may alter their equipment to try to tailor it to a particular course. There is a story that at a particular course, that Hogan omitted the 7 iron from his bag because he knew he would never need it, and substituted an additional wedge. That may be an extreme example, but players often prefer one mix of clubs over another based on playing conditions or a particular layout. Different players like different balls - some prefer balls that spin more for any of a number of reasons, and others prefer balls that spin less. There is an element of tactics there that we shouldn't take away.

Most sports are like that. Baseball bats can vary within certain limits. But they can't, in pros, be made of metal. Skaters like their skates set up a certain way.

So, I don't think rigid uniformity is desirable, except for things like the length of 100 meter dash tracks. For other pieces of equipment, variation, within certain parameters, is fine.

quote:

Originally posted by JALLEN:
Footballs have to have the same pressure.

Even Stevie Wonder saw that coming.

In soccer it's pretty easy. There's one ball at a time and everyone has to use it.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:
Isn't the mere fact that this is in a thread about "professional" sports the more disturbing item?

Why? It's entertainment. (same as this forum) We have threads about people who pretend to be other people for a living, or people who sing for a living. All for others to watch and listen to. So why should watching someone play a game be any different.

I can't speak to other sports but I can speak to hockey. There are several standardized items in hockey. Everyone skates on the same ice, use the same puck, shoot at the same size net. Goaltender equipment is strictly regulated (ie cannot exceed specific size measurements for the leg pads, blocker & catcher) and measured before every game.

Player personal equipment has to meet specific standards, or must fall within certain specifications. For instance stick blades are regulated to curve, width, etc. However blade rocker, round or square tip, or curve (as long as it is within spec) is up to the player. This is all personal preference and varies as much as no two players are exactly alike.

Some equipment is governed by sponsorship. If you're offered a sponsorship deal with Easton, you wear their equipment. Most likely they'll pattern their equipment to your preference as best as they can and release it as a line with your name on it, but you're wearing their gear. You don't pay for it either.

Players and manufacturers are always looking for an edge. They are free to develop new technologies as long as they fit within the rules. If the technology does not fit in the rules, but may benefit players in performance or safety, the league has to make a determination on whether to modify the regulations to allow the technology into play.

I understand that baseball bats are similar. They have a standard range of length, diameter (barrel & handle) material, weight, etc. Other than that it is up to the individual player within those constraints to find a combination that works best.

I always found it interesting that a single manufacturer was chosen as the official supplier for the league balls used in professional baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and many others, but not golf. Golfers can choose any make of ball as long as it conforms to the specs. Same with clubs.

there really needs to be more pool noodles