A new rule proposes blackout glasses for visually impaired tri-athletes around the world that would give fully and partially blind athletes equal vision.

The International Triathlon Union has made the proposal to create one race, instead of two.

The governing body has said they want to even the playing field for totally blind athletes, but Ottawa's Dean Steacy is not a fan.

Steacy is completely blind, though he does not believe races would be a fair for those who are partially blind.

"These glasses, if you have a bit of sight and you're not used to training as a totally blind person, it becomes very disorienting," he said.

"I want to compete with those who are like me, with people who have trained the same way I have. I don't want to be given an advantage by disadvantaging another athlete."

An online petition has been launched to convince the governing body to reconsider the rule change before the triathlon seasons starts in the spring. The petition had 300 supporters by Saturday night.

He said he does not want an advantage thanks to a rule change.

Steacy has suggested three categories for competitors: some vision loss, serious visual impairment and total vision loss.