NCAA Rules Clarification

2008 Track & Field Rule Book

Rule 5 Section 5 Article 3g

Well that sure is a stupid rule.

Without reading the rule, couldn't this be done without using that wording. Like instead of saying a rabbit just say "a person in the race." I don't see how they can actually DQ anyone if you follow a runner, that runner dies, you later lap him, and then he picks it up to try and finish with you and happens to lead you to the finish.

5k runnr wrote:

Well that sure is a stupid rule.

Why do you think so? Seriously.

Cash wrote:

Without reading the rule, couldn't this be done without using that wording. Like instead of saying a rabbit just say "a person in the race." I don't see how they can actually DQ anyone if you follow a runner, that runner dies, you later lap him, and then he picks it up to try and finish with you and happens to lead you to the finish.

That's brilliant! I'm sure the purpose of the rule is to prevent someone from being called a "rabbit" so as long as you don't call him that he can still pace you and no one will ever pick up on what is really happening.

Cash wrote:

Without reading the rule...

Don't you think it would have been smarter to have read the rule before criticizing it?

wondering wrote:

5k runnr wrote:

Well that sure is a stupid rule.

Why do you think so? Seriously.

As far as I am know, there is no NCAA rule against pacing, or having a rabbit in a race specifically to aid a runner to procure a time. If it's cheating to get help in a race during the "hard part" (let's say the last 4 laps of a 5k) by having a lapped runner be your pacer, then why is it legal to be able to have a pacer for the first 7 or 8 laps? It's not like it's easy to go through the first 3k of a race completely by yourself on pace for a fast qualifying time. There's no doubt that having a pacer is easier than running alone. So why is it allowed at all? In my opinion, if you allow pacers, why can't they just be lapped and keep aiding the runner after they've recovered a little? I think they should ban pacers, or allow them to do whatever they please, including the lapping situation I described. The bottom line is, the person ran the time.

The exact wording of the rule:

Rule 5, Article 3, section g. The referee, after consulting with the appropriate officials, shall disqualify a competitor who: g. is paced or assisted by lapped competitors or those about to be lapped.

Coach with a Brain wrote:

2008 Track & Field Rule Book

Rule 5 Section 5 Article 3g

For those of us that don't have a rulebook, could someone please share what this article states?

Cashless wrote:

Don't you think it would have been smarter to have read the rule before criticizing it?

I missed the part where I criticized it, I was asking a question. As far as I know, asking a question isn't considered criticizing. My question was answered though, but thanks for your great response and your wise posts on this forum.

Cash wrote:

I missed the part where I criticized it, I was asking a question.

So what wording were you referring to when you wrote "couldn't this be done without using that wording"?

It seems as if you don't like the wording they have in there. Of course, how you would know what that wording is without having read it is a good question.