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One of the things I find most beautiful about playing TT is the multi-generational aspect. There's no shame losing to a 60+ year old veteran of the sport - some players have class that outweighs their physical issues. And this is a real joy that puts TT apart from many sports where it's just not sensible (or even safe) to play competitively at older ages. It's a long term pastime that has massive health and wellbeing benefits for older players.
However, that needs to be balanced against the high barrier of entry for what is a technical, demanding sport with low financial rewards. Many juniors get put off and disheartened when they first encounter radically different equipment. There's a lot that can be said about this, easy to blame players, coaches, parents etc. But the end result is - TT has to compete for attention with a vast array of competing activities and families will make decisions based on the experiences their children have.
I think equipment legality has to be balanced to meet the requirements of both paragraphs above and the frictionless ban walks a tricky line to do that. Tournaments should regulate and test where needed, and players should do their best to avoid breaking the rules.
However, that needs to be balanced against the high barrier of entry for what is a technical, demanding sport with low financial rewards. Many juniors get put off and disheartened when they first encounter radically different equipment. There's a lot that can be said about this, easy to blame players, coaches, parents etc. But the end result is - TT has to compete for attention with a vast array of competing activities and families will make decisions based on the experiences their children have.
I think equipment legality has to be balanced to meet the requirements of both paragraphs above and the frictionless ban walks a tricky line to do that. Tournaments should regulate and test where needed, and players should do their best to avoid breaking the rules.