Quote Originally Posted by mountainsloth View Post
Why? If there's an analogy to use here, it would probably be the Highway Code. Must vs should. Don't comply with a must and you risk prosecution, don't comply with a should and you don't. For AL, AM, BL you must carry kit. There's no requirement to carry kit for other categories unless the RO expressly specifies. If you know that, have checked the promotional literature, website, Facebook etc and there is no mention of requirements, why would the onus be on you to turn up with kit?
I'm not arguing against the merit of kit, the need for kit or the decision of ROs to enforce kit, I'm just trying to understand why there's this grey area that can cause confusion.
True, but if you are involved in an accident on the Highway then the "should" becomes a material factor in deciding blame.....

Personally I don't see a grey area - in the absence of the RO specifying anything in advance, then assume you should take minimum kit PLUS whatever you think you might need in addition, and then see what the RO thinks on the day. I do agree that this should be made clearer in any pre-race publicity etc for the benefit of non FRA members and those who aren't familiar with the minimum kit requirements.