DQ the cheats

[Stuart]

But if a race is advertised as being ran under fra rules the isnt it the competitors responsibility to establish what they are and adhere to them? It like someone playing football and handling the ball then pleading ignorant that they didn't know the rules.

Hear hear! If you're not following the rules, it's either because you haven't made the effort to learn them or because you are intentionally bypassing them.

If you're caught not following the rules, it's a fair cop either way. The consequences are a separate issue, decided by the RO - using some discretion, given that fell-racing isn't F1.

That said, the RO has the responsibility of making the rules available and comprehensible.

[Mark G]

That said, the RO has the responsibility of making the rules available and comprehensible.

Every time I try and tactfully raise this for a constructive discussion I get suspected of moaning about ROs, being a pedant or lacking the ability to apply common sense. Most of us can apply common sense. If all of us could we wouldn't need any rules, but we cant all do that so we have rules that are adaptable to meet the ROs assessment of conditions etc - so it would help to know clearly what their assessment is because on some occasions it will inevitably be different to our own.

[beasty1711]

I just wonder what would happen if the RO said it was fine to ignore a rule for a single person as a one off (which ever that maybe).... and then a situation occured? Would that then mean that the RO was liable?
Equally if a competitor in a race chooses to ignore a rule, be that intentionally or not, would they efectivley be un-insured and on their own if anything happened?

Personaly I take the view that 90% of fell running rules are more for my saftey rather than anything else.

[IanDarkpeak]

Hear hear! If you're not following the rules, it's either because you haven't made the effort to learn them or because you are intentionally bypassing them.

If you're caught not following the rules, it's a fair cop either way. The consequences are a separate issue, decided by the RO - using some discretion, given that fell-racing isn't F1.

That said, the RO has the responsibility of making the rules available and comprehensible.

Ignorantia juris non excusat (I think thats right)


I'm trying to remember but don't all(most) entry forms have the caveat "Run under the rules of the FRA" or some such wording, where as I have some sympathy esp to new runners if you see every one wearing a bumbag or a rucsac wouldn't you ask why. But yes Mark I agree, I've been to lots of races and have had to ask what the requirement for the day were, If the weather looks bad or it's a big race I wouldn't ask I'll just take waterproofs etc but it doesn't take much to put a sign saying full waterproofs or windproof, could be printed out days in advance and choosen on the morning of the day.

I have absolutley no complaints about any RO and they all have my admiration and backing but some times a bit of forward planning would help.

[julianbramley]

As a comparative novice I must admit I was disappointed when I did the Hope Moors and Tors that quite a few people were carrying nothing at all. I can understand the rules being relaxed on a shorter summers evening, but surely not for a twenty miler?

[wjb]

I think that's fair enough..

But you still cheated.. people get too hinged on that term.. if you break the rules of the race you cheat... we've all done it... I've taken short cuts that weren't allowed... I've cut corners.. I've even doped (though those 2 times were accidental..ish..).. I think most of us push the boundaries of what is allowable..you do in any sport.. football.. especially rugby.. so people are too sensitive about the term..

If you've doped then that's totally unforgivable. Doping and turning up without kit are two different ball games. I didn't push the boundaries I simply didn't know I needed kit but the RO let me run so I'm satisfied that I didn't cheat. Did your race organiser know about the doping?

[stevefoster]

If you've doped then that's totally unforgivable. Doping and turning up without kit are two different ball games. I didn't push the boundaries I simply didn't know I needed kit but the RO let me run so I'm satisfied that I didn't cheat. Did your race organiser know about the doping?

Maybe Iain took some cough medicine that's on the list of banned substances or something similair, don't reckon he's a deliberate doper wjb:wink:

[TheHeathens]

Oh he has apologised for tarring me with your brush. You are owed nothing as you have already been allowed to bathe in my reflected glow.

Brilliant Antisocial, brilliant.

[Wheeze]

WJB, welcome to the fold! Over the years I've enjoyed this forum almost as much as the running. Things can get blunt, overheated, downright rude at times but, like fell running, it is the refreshing freedom to express yourself with like minded individuals that makes the forum so addictive (for a very tiny, sad minority of the fell fraternity!!). In your case, I think the football analogy is very pertinent. If someone joined a game you were playing and then whined that they did not know about handball I suspect you would think they were a bit of a twat and, at the very least, disrepectful for the spirit of the game. So can I suggest that you reflect for a moment about turning up to your first fell race without first checking what was involved? And how you might prepare yourself? Without wanting to sound preachy, and at the risk of repeating myself, it comes down to having proper respect....respect for your own safety, the responsibility of the organiser, the terrain you are committing yourself to and the spirit of wild racing in the hills.
But, no harm done, you've done the right thing and bought the appropriate kit. Just sling it in your kit bag and take it to EVERY race, no matter how short, flat or hot. Then you will always be one of the sensible majority who just get on and race in the proper spirit and not one of the spoilt complaining brats who make life hell for RO's by always trying to bend sensible rules that have absolutely NO effect on their performance.

Were you guilty of cheating? Of course not. Choose your own from ignorant/silly/presumptious/thoughtless/etc etc!

[nikalas]

you've done the right thing and bought the appropriate kit. Just sling it in your kit bag and take it to EVERY race, no matter how short, flat or hot. Then you will always be one of the sensible majority who just get on and race in the proper spirit and not one of the spoilt complaining brats who make life hell for RO's by always trying to bend sensible rules that have absolutely NO effect on their performance.

It really is as simple as that...