Should a high school runner, or a runner at any level for that matter, be DQ'd for cutting a corner in a race where no advantage is gained?
Mt Sac Girls Team Sweeps today. Race winner from Arcadia (Holly Lung) cut the last corner before entering the gauntlet. Clearly visible when watching the race video (see 12:25 mark in FloTrack video). Clearly gave her no unfair advantage as she had the race in the bag (won by 9 seconds).
Aside from when the DQ should have been made or if the proper official saw the infraction, should the runner be DQ'd in a situation like this? If she were neck and neck with the 2nd runner and only won with a lean at the tape, then should she be DQ'd? Does margin or victory or impact on the overall results make a difference?
With a DQ, Arcadia GIrls drop from 3rd to about 8th in the team results.