Racing Ethics

Part A: Yes

Part B: No

Part A: yes.

Part B: no.

How is it not ethical to do that? It might be a little overdoing it at a dual meet, but if they want to do it, go for it.

It's like wearing flats to a local 5k.

If JV runners are boxing in a national qualifier, he should have no problem leaving them in the dust. As long as they JV runners don't physically touch him, it's legal. The national qualifier should be able to just drop back a few steps, cut out to lane 3 or 4, sprint past the JV runners for 10 meters, and then he's home free.

note: the jv athletes boxing in their opponent were talking strategy as the race progressed, i.e. “Don’t let him out!”

no, deliberately obstructing a competitor is explicitly forbidden in the IAAF rules. The meet director has discretion to not only disqualify the offending competitors, but even rerun the race. I suppose if there were team scoring, it may be grounds for disqualifying the team.

"I suppose if there were team scoring, it may be grounds for disqualifying the team."

Under NCAA T&F rules if a runner obstructs another competitor to help a team-mate then all the members of that team in the race can be DQ'd.

never been boxed in that I couldn't/didn't get out. Heads up runners don't let that happen in the first place - can't imagine a NCAA qual falling prey to that. But i guess that doesn't answer the question - which was answered above.

I don't see how a "JV" runner would be able to box in an all-american at any time of the race of much importance. if they are really JV, i highly doubt that they'd be around at anytime after the 800m mark.

Consider it "practice" for the big meets and learn how to avoid getting boxed in. They were doing you a favor.

no one wrote:

never been boxed in that I couldn't/didn't get out. Heads up runners don't let that happen in the first place - can't imagine a NCAA qual falling prey to that. But i guess that doesn't answer the question - which was answered above.

If their only purpose in the race is to box you in, I'm sure they could be pretty effective. In races where everyone is just running as fast as they can, box-ins are easier to avoid and get out of.