DQ the cheats

[multi coloured]

There is a very simple answer to this, it doesn't involve bans nor does it involve naming people on forums, the race organiser makes everybody taking part in his/her race stand for a minute on the start line and kit check the persons nearset to them, anyone with inadequate kit or no kit gets pulled out and given a bum bag full of heavy rocks to carry round with them, lets face it the real reason runners don't take a kit bag is to run faster, not that it makes any difference anyway..
Then maybe the race organiser could start a list of entratnts who tries there luck for other race organisers to add too or just note.

Bans for amature sport is over the top in my book, too much (HS)

[Stagger]

Bans for amature sport is over the top in my book, too much (HS)

Get real.

This is peoples lives we are talking about.

I have been injured in a fell race and had full kit on but was in a bit os a mess after 2 hours on freezing cold moorland in hail storms.

If you don't like the rules, get out of the sport or run on your own and don't race!

[Mark G]

Isn't this unbelievably simple or am I being naive?

Runners:Have all the mandatory kit applicable to the grade of race you're doing plus any pre-announced requirements from the RO and, unless you hear otherwise, carry it all.

[Why is it any more complicated than that?

Sadly I think it often is. Its hard to raise this without attracting lots of flak for a) slagging off ROs, b) trying to cheat, or c) being unable to apply common sense. The reality for most races is that we currently have a default position of full windproof body cover. The RO can of course specify additional levels above that - ie waterproof. Plain and simple on the face of it, but we see requests for 'windproof', 'wind/waterproof', 'waterproof', 'waterproof with taped seams', and I've also heard reference to 'rainproof' and 'heavy duty'. Sometimes which of these is required varies depending on which particular notice you have read at registration and your own personal interpretation of what constitutes each of the above, the views of whoever checks your kit and the views of the RO, all of which may vary.
Much as I would like it to be the case (and I think most of us would share this view) I dont think it is an option for a RO to say that they relied on everyone applying their common sense. What a shame.
Now before everyone starts accusing me of trying to do all or any of a,b, or c, above, please let me try and make this clear, because I think sometimes the point is missed - I am not moaning, trying to carry less kit or cause problems for ROs. I am actually trying to constructively suggest a way that might make life a bit simpler for them and for us. My suggestion is that we need to agree two simple definitions of kit - ie windproof and waterproof. Once agreed they could be included in the FRA rules for competition and this should do away with all the boring discussions on here about what constitutes which, whether or not we should have a hood or taped seams etc. ROs should then be politley and tactfully asked (reminded?) to make it clear on a notice at registration what they require for their race on that particular day. You register, you read the notice, you take the kit they ask for, it really could be that simple.
Ultimately of course the rules we have are intended to make our sport as reasonably safe as it can be and that is the purpose of them. Rightly in my view we take sanctions against individuals who breach them - but if we are going to do this I think it is only fair that the rules are clear and unambiguous and that when additional requirements are made that those requirements are clearly communicated to runners. Of course this doesn't excuse those who deliberately choose to ignore the rules for some reason, but there will always be a minority who try and do this - probably for a,b or c above!
I'm sure someone will say we could avoid all this by just taking waterproofs all the time. Well I disagree, I think there is a place for windproofs and the FRA seems to agree, based on the rules as they currently stand. Requiring waterproofs all the time could also be counterproductive - runners may delay putting them on in circumstances when they would have happily worn a windproof.
Finally please accept that I am genuinely trying to be constructive here. I realise that this forum is not a policy making mechanism for the FRA but if enough people support my suggestions above I will take them more formally to the FRA and ask them to consider them.

[Rodders]

Get real.

This is peoples lives we are talking about.

I have been injured in a fell race and had full kit on but was in a bit os a mess after 2 hours on freezing cold moorland in hail storms.

If you don't like the rules, get out of the sport or run on your own and don't race!

Stagger I am with you on this. Whats the problem with carrying the gear stipulated by the RO?

[dominion]

Stagger I am with you on this. Whats the problem with carrying the gear stipulated by the RO?

Ok, I'll humour you...

It's my first AL in the lakes on Saturday. What kit should I go and buy to ensure that I pass any kit inspection both now and in the future? I can't afford to buy a new pile of kit every week because a different RO has stipulated a higher standard than the last race I did.

[Derby Tup]

Kit doesn't contain anything that someone considering running an AL wouldn't already have or couldn't buy for say 30 to 40 quid surely dom?

[Rodders]

Ok, I'll humour you...

It's my first AL in the lakes on Saturday. What kit should I go and buy to ensure that I pass any kit inspection both now and in the future? I can't afford to buy a new pile of kit every week because a different RO has stipulated a higher standard than the last race I did.

Dom thanks for the humour, it is appreciated. Regatta do a cheap set of taped seamed water proofs and windproof cover is cheap enough. Tanky's 09 was kit checked by IDP and it all fitted in a Bum Bag for most. If you are up for the race whats the problem with taking the kit?

[daz h]

Ive just ran 14 miles over the hills with FULL waterproof gear in my bumbag, along with i phone and dog shit bags and a dog lead. A compass, passing clouds and langdale map. Then i did 40 mins on the rollers and still the kit debate rages on.Im just going to bang my head against the shed door.Jeeesus

[dominion]

Dom thanks for the humour, it is appreciated. Regatta do a cheap set of taped seamed water proofs and windproof cover is cheap enough. Tanky's 09 was kit checked by IDP and it all fitted in a Bum Bag for most. If you are up for the race whats the problem with taking the kit?

Absolutely not a problem with carrying the kit - I just want to make sure I have the right kit to carry.

[dominion]

Kit doesn't contain anything that someone considering running an AL wouldn't already have or couldn't buy for say 30 to 40 quid surely dom?

Thanks DT, I bought this one in the end - cost a bit more but must mean it's better??

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/montane-...jacket-p144394