Friday, May 19, 2017

DQ or no?

It's that time of year when athletes get disqualified for rules that perhaps would be overlooked earlier in the season. Read the article below, if you have not done so already, about two SCL runners who were DQ'ed for holding hands at the end of a 1600 trial. By the letter of the law, it's an instant DQ. Was it the right decision? Are you covering such rules with your athletes as a coach? Definitely up for debate.

Benefield: Debate swirls over SCL runners' disqualification

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is both a DQ and a shame. Rules are there for a purpose and intent, unless you work for the government, has little to do with the administration of those rules. I feel sorry for the kids affected but from time to time sports teaches all of us a life lesson, and that is ultimately the point of kids sports.

Anonymous said...

Not exactly this, but a similarly questionable DQ happened to me some years ago and prevented me from moving on out of league. What I remember being most upset about wasn't even the ruling, but the way in which one individual got to decide things and make a ruling without any other input. I think what is lame about high school track DQs is that kids aren't taught all of these rules until the post season, and then they learn the hard way. Showboating/not-showboating-but-showboating at dual meets? Happens every week. Assembling on-the-fly relays? All. The. Time. Impeding other runners? You'd have to DQ just about half the field of most major distance invites for (albeit unintentionally) doing that/

With that said basketball is refereed super subjectively and everyone complains about that too, so what do I know. There will always be unfortunate victims.

Anonymous said...

Dq it's the rule and to say it's a different meet on Saturday is just crazy. This against National Federation rules. If this happened at MOC or CIF state the athletes would not be allowed to run the 3200. Granted, may be a silly rule. But it's a rule.

Anonymous said...

I 'm curious. What is the reason for this rule? Our government currently ignores many of their own laws. In history people have hidden behind laws to excuse bad behavior.

Coach Tim said...

@6:29 - One scenario this rule can prevent is two teammates grasping hands to "hold back" competitors while a third runs clear. Another possibility is multiple teammates grasping hands to "slingshot" one forward, or even just one teammate pulling another ahead. I'm sure an imaginative teen could come up with more possibilities.

Anonymous said...

Maybe two runners could pick a teammate up and throw him past the competition.

Anonymous said...

My understanding is that if two runners are running side by side without holding hands. A third competitor can't push through anyway. This was a trial where the top 6 moved on. The next closest runner I have heard was greater than 10 yards back.

Anonymous said...

Is the rule that everyone is referring to page 27 article 7?" It is an unfair act when a competitor receives any assistance." It then lists examples of assistance. I am not a lawyer, but I don't believe it is saying that those are the only examples of assistance, nor do I believe it says or meant to say that all holding hands gives assistance. It doesn't take an exercise phisiologist or kinesiologist to realize in most cases, holding hands while running fast , slows both runners. I have a friend who is a retired superior court judge. I think I will ask his opinion. I believe ;although, I could be wrong that this rule is being misinterpreted and misapplied.

Anonymous said...

Is the rule that everyone is referring to page 27 article 7?" It is an unfair act when a competitor receives any assistance." It then lists examples of assistance. I am not a lawyer, but I don't believe it is saying that those are the only examples of assistance, nor do I believe it says or meant to say that all holding hands gives assistance. It doesn't take an exercise phisiologist or kinesiologist to realize in most cases, holding hands while running fast , slows both runners. I have a friend who is a retired superior court judge. I think I will ask his opinion. I believe ;although, I could be wrong that this rule is being misinterpreted and misapplied.

Anonymous said...

No, holding hands across the finish is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Similar to taunting.

Anonymous said...

Technically, the young man in the white top should be disqualified due to his Under Armour logo on his spandex being to large on his waist band.I kid you not. Check the rule book. He would stopped in the bullpen and not be allowed on the track at State.

Anonymous said...

Nothing like getting lawyers involved to complicate a simple sport.

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