Lane Infringement
This discussion has an associated proposal. View Proposal Details here.Comments about this discussion:
Started
In discussion X, which is about renaming the current rule 2B.7.4 Lane Use, the discussion came up about how strict lane use rule violations should be punished. I think there are some questions on this topic that we should discuss independently of the rule renaming - while preparing this discussion it occurred to me that a subdivision as it is done so far into lane-bound and non-lane-bound races may not be the most sensible structuring at all.
From my point of view, there are two main aspects to be discussed on this topic:
1. Even in non-lane-bound races it should be forbidden to ride on or inside the inner lane marking of lane 1 in the turn, logically. Usually there is a small border here, so that accidental driving on or over it is unlikely, but sometimes there is just a normal lane marking here, where it would be easy to do. So I think we should include something in the rules here for the non-lane-bound races as well.
2. Should there be other exceptions (besides the one already described in 2B.7.4 Lane Use) when leaving the lane does not lead to disqualification? In athletics, for example, it is allowed to step over the lane markings on the straight, just as it is allowed to step over the outer lane markings on the bend - which is very reasonable from my point of view.
Klaas already said that the IUF rules used to be more relaxed here in the past - in the IUF Rulebook 2010 leaving the lane did not lead to a disqualification, instead it was required that the rider returns to his lane immediately. I wouldn't want to soften the rule that much, but I think certain exceptions make sense and I think athletics offers a good example here.
Comment
I agree to your (1).
As to (2): The two allowed ways of lane leaving in athletics sound good to me for our Rulebook, on the condition that no other rider riding properly in their own lane is disturbed, e.g. falls or has to swerve because someone comes in their lane. In that case the offending rider should be DQ'd, I think. Doesn't have athletics such exceptions?
Or is it strange to allow something only if it has no consequences?
Comment
At the (current) end of Discussion 7, you wrote you would open a separate discussion about safe passing distance (one wheel diameter), and how judges should respond if they see an infringement. Do you want to include it here, or separately?
Comment
Regarding your first comment: In athletics there are exceptions that lead to a disqualification even if leaving the lane is actually permitted -especially, if another athlete is obstructed by leaving the lane or a substantial advantage is gained by doing so. If we agree in principle that we want to adopt the rules for leaving the lane in the same or similar way, then we should of course also think about the exceptions in which the referee can still disqualify a rider.
Overall, however, especially point 1 leads us to the fact that the division into rules for lane-bound and rules for non-lane-bound races no longer really makes sense, because leaving the lane then suddenly affects both types of races. In that case, it would probably make more sense to create a new rule on Lane Infringement.
Concerning safe overtaking I would start a new discussion, because this has nothing to do with leaving the lane, but is a separate topic, or rather belongs to the obstructions in a certain way.
Comment
Your paragraph 1: I agree.
Your paragraph 2: The term "lane infringement" doesn't sound right to me if there are no lanes to be observed (as in 800m). I rather think that we should prescribe for non-lane-bound races that the riders cannot ride inside the inner perimeter of the track (as if this wasn't obvious to begin with). All the other lane infringement rules then only apply to lane-bound races, unless I miss something.
Your paragraph 3: I will hold my comment for now.
Comment
Regarding the name: I simply took it from athletics, where it is the heading for TR17.3 - 17.5.
I also like the division into rules for lane-bound and non-lane-bound races very much, because I think it makes it very clear for the athletes which rules apply to the corresponding race. And I've also been racking my brain as how to reasonably divide the rules for lane Infringement into these two groups with the appropriate exceptions. However, the exceptions mean that a lot of the text would be duplicated. So I don't know if a division into the two groups is really the most sensible thing to do.
Enclosed are two suggestions - once as a common rule (as in athletics) and once divided into rules for lane-bound and non-lane-bound races. Then we can discuss together the advantages and disadvantages of both options:
Option 1 - one rule:
2B.7.1.X Lane Infringement
1. In all races:
1.1 that are lane-bound, riders may not leave their assigned lane. This also applies to any section of a race that is lane-bound. Riding outside of a lane means that the tire of the unicycle touches the ground outside of its assigned lane. Riding on the markings is allowed.
1.2 that are non-lane bound, riders may not leave lane one to the inside. This also applies to any section of a race that is non-lane-bound. Leaving lane one to the inside means to drive on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border.
If a rider violates this rule, they or in case of a relay competition, their team shall be disqualified. This does not apply to cases described in paragraph 2.
2. A rider or, in the case of a relay competition, their team, shall not be disqualified if the rider:
2.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to go outside their lane or on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
2.2 drives outside heir lane on the straight or outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
Option 2 - divided into rules for lane-bound and non-lane-bound races:
2B.7.1.2 Rules for lane-bound races
1. In all lane-bound, riders may not leave their assigned lane. This also applies to any section of a race that is lane-bound. Riding outside of a lane means that the tire of the unicycle touches the ground outside of its assigned lane. Riding on the markings is allowed. If a rider violates this rule, they or in case of a relay competition, their team shall be disqualified. This does not apply if the rider:
1.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to go outside their lane or on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
1.2 drives outside heir lane on the straight or outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
[...]
2B.7.1.3 Rules for non-lane-bound races
1. In all non-lane bound, riders may not leave lane one to the inside. This also applies to any section of a race that is non-lane-bound. Leaving lane one to the inside means to drive on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border. This does not apply if the rider:
1.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to go outside their lane or on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
1.2 drives outside heir lane on the straight or outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
[...]
It becomes clear now that we are not completely consistent with regard to leaving the lane if we normally allow driving on the line (as it is currently), since this is not usually possible with the inner boundary of lane 1. Since the inner boundary line in athletics does not count as part of the corresponding lane, touching the line there is already considered as leaving the lane. I think it makes sense to adjust our definition here as well.
Comment
I like option 1 (one rule) better, after all. This is mainly because the exceptions are the same for lane-bound and non-lane-bound races, and have to be repeated if the rule is split as in option 2.
Some editorial suggestions:
* change "drive(s)" to "ride(s)". A unicycle is ridden, not driven.
* Change "lane one" to "lane 1". This reads better to me.
* Change "outside of its assigned lane" to "outside of the assigned lane". In my view, the lane is not assigned to the unicycle, but to the rider.
* Change "heir" to "their". Occurs once in option 1, and twice in option 2.
* I don't understand why you would include the sentence "This also applies to any section..." (occurs multiple times). To me, the first sentence already implies that it applies to the whole race, and thus to any section of the race.
* In 2.2 of option 1 (and similarly in 1.2 and 2.2. of option 2) I would continue on the same line after "on the bend", and perhaps capitalise the two "and's" that follow (i.e., AND AND). This makes clearer that both conditions have to be met to avoid DQ.
* Perhaps add to "If a material advantage is gained" "and/or another rider is obstructed".
To your last paragraph: I agree to disallow riding on the line (with the exceptions mentioned). This makes it more consistent between lane 1 and the other lanes, and also more consistent with athletics. Besides, if riding on the line would (continue to be) allowed, two tires (or at least two tire contact points) could be in the same location, namely on the line between two lanes, while both riders comply with the rules.
Comment
The amount of text duplication is also what I don't like about option 2. However, I'm still unsure if option 2 it's not easier for the riders to understand.... It would be interesting to hear the rest of the committee's opinion on this.
Thank you for the editorial comments.
Regarding your comment 5: I included the sentence "This also applies to any section..." because the pragraph 1.1 (in option 1) starts with "In all races that are lane-bound, [...] - but 1.1 is also valid for e.g. the part of a 800m race that is run in lanes, provided the appropriate start variant is chosen. Thus, paragraph 1.1 is also valid for all parts of a race (that are mixed in terms of lane binding) that is lane-bound. And this is exactly what the second sentence says (Which I honestly took from athletics rules).
Regarding your comment 6: I have intentionally not placed the part "and does not gain a material advantage [...]" without a paragraph after the sentence "[...] on the bend", because the part refers to paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 (in option 1). If it were placed directly after 2.2 without a paragraph, I think it would no longer be so clear, since it would no longer be apparent from the formatting where paragraph 2.2 ends and the general part continues.
Comment
What about the other committee members?
I would really appreciate it if there were more participation in the discussions. The further development of the rules is important and a careful discussion can save us from having to make adjustments again in two years.
Comment
On the question of which way to split out the rules that are common to lane and non-lane, I always approach it from the point of view of a non-English speaking reader, who is reading a variation of what is written here (in another language). While much of that is the responsibility of the person(s) doing the translation, I always assume there may be additional loss of comprehension due to the change of wording, so to not layer too many ideas into one section.
Having shared that, I think that points me to Option 2. While it does repeat some info, the structure is less complicated.
For passing/overtaking, the rules are basically the same as long as the lane vs. non lane-bound rules are followed. Whether we call it passing or overtaking, the rules for that should include being passed/overtaken as well. Both riders must cooperate in the process for it to be safe and sportsmanlike.
I agree that we should stick with existing Athletics rules wherever it works for us; less for us to have to explain why, in those areas where we don't.
From Klaas:
"...on the condition that no other rider riding properly in their own lane is disturbed, e.g. falls or has to swerve because someone comes in their lane. In that case the offending rider should be DQ'd, I think. Doesn't have athletics such exceptions?
Or is it strange to allow something only if it has no consequences?"
I believe it is okay to allow "something", i.e. a lane violation, if it has no consequences. If it doesn't interfere with another rider, and doesn't shorten the rider's distance to the finish line, it's not necessary to disqualify. That penalty should be reserved for mistakes that lead to a material change (or potential change) in the outcome of the race. Otherwise, as Klaas also detailed, a DQ is in order. For example, what we see as a swerve may also be accompanied by a loss of composure, speed and confidence that are not visible, but could affect the outcome. The rider causing that is eligible for DQ.
On the topic of riders riding close together, "lane infringement" might be called "spacing", as riders must not violate each others' personal space.
For riding on the lane lines, we should stick with the Athletics rules, if appropriate. If not appropriate, my belief is that in lane-bound races, riders should not ride on the paint (again, if they go on it briefly no big deal). There should be plenty of room within the lane to ride freely, short of another rider causing interference. Also, riding on the paint, if it doesn't interfere with another rider or provide the racer with a material advantage, should not be punished.
Sorry, not putting it into Rulebook language, but hopefully providing some more useful opinion.
Comment
I find the reasons for option 2 understandable and I also think it is very preferable for riders if it is easy and clear to see which rules apply to which races.
At the same time, however, I consider it extremely important with a subdivision according to option 2 that we do not have further rules that actually only apply to either lane-bound or non-lane-bound races, because then I think it becomes confusing for the riders again. Then rather a division according to option 1 and within each rule the subdivision according to lane-bound or non-lane-bound races.
Regarding riding on the line, we agree to follow the athletics rules and already prohibit riding on the line - so it is also consistent regarding lane 1 and the inner marking. I would then revise the rule proposal to that effect.
Comment
Jan commented on two of my comments (4 posts up), and I now agree.
As to the issue option 1 version option 2, that is: at which level to split between lane-bound and non-lane-bound rules, I'm "riding on the line" :-)
Comment
I have revised the proposals according to the feedback, in particular I have adjusted that like in athletics already riding on the line is prohibited. I think this also helps the judges, because I believe that it is easier to see when someone rides on the white line with a (mostly) black tire than when someone touches the other side of the white line again.
I left it with both options for now, because it might depend on the exact wording of the other rules (e.g. passing), which of the two options fits better to the rest of the rules. The content of both options should be identical anyhow.
I also wondered whether we should integrate the exception for the relay, that the lane may be left to pick up the baton. I would not leave the other exceptions defined for the relay today, because leaving the lane to the inner side even within the takeoverzone means shortening the distance. To the outer side leaving the lane is allowed with the new rule anyway. What do you think about this?
Option 1 - one rule:
2B.7.1.X Lane Infringement
1. In all races:
1.1 that are lane-bound, riders may not leave and ride outside their assigned lane. This also applies to any section of a race that is lane-bound. Riding outside of a lane means that the tire of the unicycle touches the marking of the assigned lane, this means riding on the markings is not allowed.
1.2 that are non-lane bound, riders may not leave lane 1 to the inside. This also applies to any section of a race that is non-lane-bound. Leaving lane 1 to the inside means to ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border.
If a rider violates this rule, they or in case of a relay competition, their team shall be disqualified. This does not apply to cases described in paragraph 2.
2. A rider or, in the case of a relay competition, their team, shall not be disqualified if the rider:
2.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to leave their lane or ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
2.2 rides outside their lane on the straight or rides outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
2.3 leaves the track during a relay competition to pick up the dropped baton
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained and/or another rider is obstructed, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
Option 2 - divided into rules for lane-bound and non-lane-bound races:
2B.7.1.2 Rules for lane-bound races
1. In all lane-bound races, riders may not leave and ride outside their assigned lane. This also applies to any section of a race that is lane-bound. Riding outside of a lane means that the tire of the unicycle touches the marking of the assigned lane, this means riding on the markings is not allowed. If a rider violates this rule, they or in case of a relay competition, their team shall be disqualified. This does not apply if the rider:
1.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to leave their lane or ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
1.2 rides outside their lane on the straight or rides outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
1.3 leaves the track during a relay competition to pick up the dropped baton
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained and/or another rider is obstructed, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
[...]
2B.7.1.3 Rules for non-lane-bound races
1. In all non-lane bound, riders may not leave lane 1 to the inside. This also applies to any section of a race that is non-lane-bound. Leaving lane 1 to the inside means to ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border. If a rider violates this rule, they or in case of a relay competition, their team shall be disqualified. This does not apply if the rider:
1.1 is pushed or forced by another person or object to leave their lane or ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border, e.g. to avoid being involved in a crash, or
1.2 rides outside their lane on the straight or rides outside the outer line of their lane on the bend
1.3 leaves the track during a relay competition to pick up the dropped baton
and does not gain a material advantage by doing so and does not obstruct another rider in the process. If a material advantage is gained and/or another rider is obstructed, the rider (or team) shall be disqualified.
[...]
Comment
Under Option 1, I think the second sentence of 1.1 can be deleted. I commented on this in a previous post and you explained why it's there, but I think your argument only applies to races that are (partly) non-lane-bound.
The same comment holds for the second sentence of 1 under Option 2, 2B.7.1.2.
This sentence can also be deleted from Option 1, in 1.2.
On the other hand, something is missing from 1.2. Maybe rephrase like:
1.2 that are non-lane-bound,
1.2.1 riders may not leave their assigned lane in any lane-bound section of the race, such as the first part of 800m
1.2.2 riders may not leave lane 1 to the inside during the entire race. Leaving lane 1 to the inside means to ride on or inside the kerb or line marking of the border
We can simplify "may not leave and ride outside" to either "may not leave" or "may not ride outside". Leaving the assigned lane and riding outside it always go together, assuming someone starts in the correct lane.
In other places in the proposed text we do not have "leave" next to "ride outside", but we still mix them up, like in 1.2 and 1.3. Or is this on purpose?
By "leaves the track" in the three bold sentences, I think you mean to write "leaves the lane".
In 1 under 2B.7.1.3, add the word "races" after "In all non-lane-bound".
Comment
Yes we should allow for riders to leave the lane for a dropped baton. This should come with a notice that riders in that situation must look both ways before crossing the Autobahn (especially in transition zones) because if they impede another team they are double-screwed.
Sorry, that's not good rulebook language. Generally if you drop the baton your team is screwed, but not necessarily if there are younger age groups, etc. I'm out of time tonight and will spare you more words on this; the suggested language looks great.
Comment
Klaas, what you describe that would be missing in 1.2 (i.e. your paragraph 1.2.1) is exactly what is covered by the sentence in 1.1 that you want to delete.
An 800 m race (with the corresponding start variant) is not a non-lane-bound race from the beginning, but only from the breakline and before that it is a lane-bound race. The paragraph 1.2.1 therefore makes no sense under 1.2, because in a non-lane-bound race there is no lane-bound part. Either a race is lane-bound, non-lane-bound, or one part is lane-bound and another part is non-lane-bound.
The reason I used "may not leave and ride outside" is the following:
Paragraph 2.2 was not comprehensible to me without using "rides outside". ("2.2 leaves their lane on the straight or leaves the lane to the outer outside of their lane on the bend") sounds very ambiguous - but in the bend it is crucial that it is the outer side and not just outside the lane. In my opinion, "rides outside" is a nice and clear way to express this.
On the other hand, 1.2 is in my opinion easier to formulate with "to leave" and especially in 2.3 a rider can take the baton without riding and therefore "to ride" would not apply here - hence the use of both terms. But I am also open for other suggestions.
Comment
Ah, the unclarity arises from the question what "that is lane-bound" (in that sentence) refers to. I took it as to refer to "race", but now I understand it refers to "section".
I won't be the only reader who finds this unclear. I see two possible ways to improve it, either:
(1) Change the beginning of 1. to "In all races or sections of races:" . In that case, the "offending" sentence can be deleted; or:
(2) Change the "offending" sentence to "This also applies to any race section that is lane-bound." For ease of understanding, I'dd still add "e.g. the initial part of 800m with a staggered start".
On the issue of "may not leave and ride outside": I see your point. I was just trying to get rid of some unnecessary words, but they don't really hurt me. If they have a function, leave them in. Maybe someone else sees another way to word it, though.
Comment
In general, the lane-bound refers to the race - but there are races that are neither lane-bound nor non-lane-bound - but only in parts one or the other. But I like your suggestion (1) to clarify the whole thing already in the leading sentence of 1.
If someone has a good idea regarding the "may not leave and ride outside", I'm happy about suggestions for improvement - but currently I don't see a really satisfying alternative.
Comment
Since there seems to be no other comments or suggestions for improvement here, I would create an official proposal.
Comment
I just realized that we still have the two options - I would go with option 1 since it looks like we have for the passing rule also a subdevision in lane-blund and non-lane-bound racres, so it makes more sense to have the option 1 structure everywhere.
Comment
OK with option 1.
Comment
I have created an official proposal here and hopefully all comments have been taken into account. If you notice anything else, please let me know so I can revise the proposal.
Comment
A couple of things, some of which I could have noticed earlier.
(1) "touches the marking of the assigned lane". I think it is clearer as "touches the marking on either side of the assigned lane".
(2) Maybe change "border" to "track border", to distinguish from (lane) marking (occurs twice)
(3) in 2.1, remove line break between "a" and "crash"
(4) The phrase "or, in the case of a relay competition, their team" is not followed by a comma in 1.2, while there is a comma in 2.
Maybe we can use brackets instead (in both instances), I think it is clearer. That is:
"A rider (or in the case of a relay competition, their team) shall"...
Comment
Thanks for the comments, I agree with all of them - I have revised the proposal accordingly.
Comment
The review period for the proposal has now been over for quite a while and since there were no further comments or suggestions for improvement, I assume that all committee members are in agreement with the proposal.
I will now open the voting and hope that all voting members of the committee will also participate in the voting.