Japanese Swimming Federation Goes Steinbrenner On Their Athletes

Remember those days when you'd get out of the pool after a refreshing swim, lay back and just want to paint your fingernails? Well, if you're on the Japanese National Swim Team, that ain't happening, along with a bunch of other ridiculous rules that makes swimming look more like joining the military.

Apparently, the Michael Phelps smoking pot thing has freaked out the Japanese, and they are taking the "overly involved parental role," banning dyed hair, earrings and excessive fingernail painting, whatever that means. And, of course, they're being stricter on pot, naturally.

"We have had many recent controversies (in Japan) with marijuana in sport and at universities, and this is about swimming taking a stand on its own initiative."

The JSF's stringent new plan has been written into its charter following an executive board meeting on Tuesday and swimmers will have to sign a letter of oath.

Rule-breakers face being booted out of the team and sent home in disgrace, a suspension of up to five years or even a lifetime ban.

Wow, talk about fun! Taking a stand on smoking weed is one thing, but forcing these people to walk around like Speedo'd lemmings is a whole other. Have you been to Japan? This is basically the epicenter of weird outfits, teen originality and fashion. Telling these kids to dress the part is like telling a Texas teenager to put down that double cheeseburger in place of a Tuna Salad. Good luck with that battle.