Quote:
If FastKitty never posted this and just did it, nobody would have ever noticed...including race marshals.
This is probably true. But - do you want it like this? Is this your preference?
I think that even though it happens and is unpunished, even though it MAY be rampant, I don't think it
should happen. I think it goes against the spirit of the sport that I thought I was signing up to compete in. So rather than abandon the rule just because it is frequently misunderstood and difficult to enforce, I would prefer that we clarify the rule, publicize the rule, educate people about the rule, and make an effort to enforce the rule where it is clearly being violated. Perhaps I am overly optimistic, but I think that would at least cut down on the violations, which would improve races.
It is my impression that many people violate this rule because they don't know about the rule or understand the rule. Many others violate the rule because they perceive others doing it and don't see it being enforced, so they choose to "level the playing field" on their own. If we improve efforts to clarify, educate, and enforce, I think many of these violations will go away. Look at FastKitty, she wasn't sure so she sought clarification and guidance, and has said she will now not engage in the tactic. I think that is great and I commend her for it.
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The plural of anecdote is not data. :-)
- Andrew Coggan