New safety rules

[fozzy]

It looks to be getting very difficult to put a race on unless you have resources and manpower. First aider present, MR on standby, lots of paperwork on display, no random numbers etc, first aid post equipped to deal with hypothermia. I think i've been to a few little events which might end up ditched due to them not being able to meet the new regulations.

Are we going to see vigilantes shopping folk for not wearing a vest, or running with your number on your shorts?

I was worried about which direction we were heading in when metric came into force, now i think i know.

The new proposals are problematic, as they have some very real negative consequences for the sport. I often run topless, for the simple fact that I get too hot and this puts me at risk of dehydration: can anyone give a valid reason why I 'must' wear a top, as this will decrease my personal safety? I have taken part in races where organisers have insisted on the carrying of full waterproofs on blazing summer's days, yet not provided one drop of water, or even insisted that any was carried- this is not a proper duty of care to the competitor, it's dumb adherence to rules rather than intelligent, dynamic risk assessment
Similarly, many runners have pointed out that numbers worn on shorts are actually more likely to be seen by marshals than ones covered by a top in poor weather; I now fold numbers and put them on my shorts after having lost more than one from a top, torn off by strong winds. Let's engage brain before casting these rules in stone- Pertex and water on hot days and full waterproofs when actually needed. Numbers to be clearly visible . Runners to be treated as intelligent adults...

Great answer.

Bar code tattooed on forehead.

Yawn. More "fell running were better back i'nt days when we could do whatever the hell we liked" answers. I think some of you would object to any 'rules' or guidance being introduced, what ever they said.

From what I can see, these are simply the current "rules" updated and clarified to provide sensible cover for ROs and runners alike. They aren't designed to impinge on anyone's personal freedom on the fells as far as I can see.

The 'number pinned to vest' rule might be a good opportunity for the PB van (or any other entrepreneurial kit supplier) to introduce a range of 'crop tops' for the men (as well as ladies), that the likes of peateater, luvshack, and countless others can feel comfortable wearing without risking their personal safety (dehydration etc). As well as proving a compromise by providing a top quartile garment to pin a number to, the 'new FRA approved crop top' design could be sensitive to the likes of Fozzy not getting an eyeful of male nipple. Job sorted.

Ha! Yep, that'd be fine. I'll be first in line to buy one. As long as it's figure-hugging lycra of course and I can buy matching shorts or running knickers, a la female elite road/track runners