While I agree with many points of dress, kilt length, hose, polish on shoes etc, I would be wrong not to comment on the dress code of jackets.
Through an injury several years ago, I suffer from chronic pain and it radiates from lower back and neck. when I play at length in a jacket, I lose circulation in the hands often and I have tried many many jackets. This year at Oban, I cannot remember if I had my waistcoat on, but at Inverness , I played in my own specially tailored jacket. The arm is open and creates more flex in the arm allowing me to actually play a 16 minute tune and not worry about finishing. This is a music competition and I agree some standards must be kept but really, a jacket? I"m sure many of you watch snooker on TV and why is it that they can play in a waistcoat instead of their suit jacket. Quite simply, it gives them the reach they need to execute better. Years ago it was the norm to wear not only plus 4's but also a suit jacket on the golf course. But, some wise player thought "i"m practicing on the range and I"m hitting the ball 50 yds further with more swing rotation so I'm not going to ear that out on the course" It's evolution, no different than running gear being made better in the soles and lighter weight to increase the times that wee bit.
On the prize giving out of gear, I am more than okay with your comments here as it does look terrible. However, I feel that if they got rid of the surprise elements, then this problem may be taken care of. I do not know any of my fellow competitors who feel good about going up to accept a prize in their jeans. They are not dressed because they felt they did not play very well. I, once again find no better part in the day than to get the kilt and it's weight off of the small of my back. All the organizers have to do is nod to someone that they are in the prize list and please get dressed again and I cannot believe that any player I know would refuse to redress for prize giving knowing they were getting a major prize that day.
Sure it looks great when you see players dressed up fine, but when it compromises their ability to play their best, then I vote for better music.
Bruce Gandy
While I agree with many points of dress, kilt length, hose, polish on shoes etc, I would be wrong not to comment on the dress code of jackets.
Through an injury several years ago, I suffer from chronic pain and it radiates from lower back and neck. when I play at length in a jacket, I lose circulation in the hands often and I have tried many many jackets. This year at Oban, I cannot remember if I had my waistcoat on, but at Inverness , I played in my own specially tailored jacket. The arm is open and creates more flex in the arm allowing me to actually play a 16 minute tune and not worry about finishing. This is a music competition and I agree some standards must be kept but really, a jacket? I"m sure many of you watch snooker on TV and why is it that they can play in a waistcoat instead of their suit jacket. Quite simply, it gives them the reach they need to execute better. Years ago it was the norm to wear not only plus 4's but also a suit jacket on the golf course. But, some wise player thought "i"m practicing on the range and I"m hitting the ball 50 yds further with more swing rotation so I'm not going to ear that out on the course" It's evolution, no different than running gear being made better in the soles and lighter weight to increase the times that wee bit.
On the prize giving out of gear, I am more than okay with your comments here as it does look terrible. However, I feel that if they got rid of the surprise elements, then this problem may be taken care of. I do not know any of my fellow competitors who feel good about going up to accept a prize in their jeans. They are not dressed because they felt they did not play very well. I, once again find no better part in the day than to get the kilt and it's weight off of the small of my back. All the organizers have to do is nod to someone that they are in the prize list and please get dressed again and I cannot believe that any player I know would refuse to redress for prize giving knowing they were getting a major prize that day.
Sure it looks great when you see players dressed up fine, but when it compromises their ability to play their best, then I vote for better music.
Bruce Gandy