Rename 2B.7.5 Passing to Non-Lane Races (Closed for comments)
Comments about this discussion:
Started
I would adapt the current rule 2B.7.5 analogously to 2B.7.4 and rename it to 2B.7.5 Rules for non-lane-bound races.
The individual disciplines could then explicitly state when the rules for non-lane-bound races are applied.
I would also suggest that the rule be edited/restructured so that the individual aspects of the rule are in individual paragraphs. Maybe there are further aspects that could be assigned to this rule - but I would open a separate discussion for this.
Proposal for the new rule:
2B.7.5 Rules for non-lane-bound races
1. In non-lane-bound races, an overtaking rider must pass on the outside, unless there is enough room to safely pass on the inside. Riders passing on the inside are responsible for any fouls that may take place as a result. Riders must maintain a minimum of one (24 Class) wheel diameter (618 mm as judged by eye) between each other when passing,and at all other times. This is measured from wheel to wheel, so that one rider passing another may come quite close, as long as their wheels remain at least 618 mm apart. The slower rider must maintain a reasonably straight course, and not interfere with the faster rider.
2. No physical contact between riders is allowed.
Comment
I agree to these changes.
Comment
I agree as well. The details mostly cover passing, and otherwise spacing, which may be good to describe separately. Also the text mentions "fouls", which I do not think are defined anywhere. That has always bothered me but nobody has complained that I'm aware of, so maybe leave it alone. What we may need to add is how officials should respond to a rider that gets too close. There should be some sort of signal that can be given to alert riders when they are too close. It can be hard to know which rider made the gap too small, especially on the turns. Possibly a whistle and arm motion, to warn riders they are too close. But if a bigger violation occurs, I don't think we should stop the riders mid-race. Should there be a penalty if there's a clear violation of a rider's personal space? This can only be enforced if there's a clear interloper vs. a rider who is following the track smoothly.
Comment
I like the idea of separating the passing and the spacing, because they are in fact two separate things. Since this discussion is only about the reorganization/renaming of the existing rule, I would suggest to split the sentence one:
1. In non-lane-bound races, an overtaking rider must pass on the outside, unless there is enough room to safely pass on the inside. Riders passing on the inside are responsible for any fouls that may take place as a result.
2. Riders must maintain a minimum of one (24 Class) wheel diameter (618 mm as judged by eye) between each other when passing,and at all other times. This is measured from wheel to wheel, so that one rider passing another may come quite close, as long as their wheels remain at least 618 mm apart. The slower rider must maintain a reasonably straight course, and not interfere with the faster rider.
I think you are absolutely right that the rule still has some shortcomings - especially how judges should react on too small spacing should be described somewhere. Since proposals can't be split and therefore can't be voted on separately aspects, I would like open a new discussion for this aspect.
Comment
Since Proposal 11 has passed, the discussion here is no longer relevant and I will close it.