14B.2 Rider identification

This discussion has an associated proposal. View Proposal Details here.

Comments about this discussion:

Started

Already in the previous rulebook, I started the discussion about numbered shirts (https://iuf-rulebook-2022.committees.unicycling-software.com/discussions/42). Numbered shirts are crucial for player identification, especially during penalty situations or when referees need to distinguish between players.

I personally have quite the strong opinion that the rules should work for every game and situation and not just "work fine for many games". Also for games in lower leagues, situation can occur where a penalty box is appropriate and then it would be very beneficial to have numbered shirts.

This topic was also discussed in an offline meeting at EUHC2023. The final consensus was that numbered jerseys are required for all teams. To accommodate pickup teams, taped numbers on jerseys were considered an acceptable alternative, provided the shirts are of the same color. Additionally, it was agreed that the overall tournament organizers, such as at UNICON, might cover the cost of providing numbered bibs when necessary.

If you agree, I would like to create a proposal from this.

Comment

I agree, tape is acceptable, and unicon should provide bibs.

Comment

I agree with that too.

Comment

Please have a look to 

3B.3 Rider Identification
Riders must wear their race number(s) fixed at the four corners, clearly visible on their
chest and, when required, on their back so that it is visible during the race and as the rider
crosses the finish line. 

More or less everyone has been provided race number(s) and safety pins. I missed the last UNICONs, probably all competitors have for all events the same number for identification. If not, I would suggest to bring this matter to the main committee.

 

Comment

The race numbers given to players are not suitable for team sport due to possible contact. Furthermore, the rules should not only work at UNICONs but in all kind of circumstances.

In unicycle basketball, we have the rule In "A tournaments" these shirts should be clearly marked with identifying player numbers on them.

I would prefer enforcing this for all kinds of tournaments. However, if this doesn't find a majority, I'm happy with something like the rule above compared to the current rules.

Comment

on A-level these teams have most times there shirts numbered. But on B- and C-level you will have scratch teams and rest-of-the world teams. This teams are happy finding an agreed colour for their t-shirts. (They will need it perhaps only for 2 days). They have no chance to let print team t-shirts with diffent numbers (Costs are on the over side.) If safety pins are not safe enough, we could use magnets or Velcro dots for fixing or number tattoos like e.g. in triathon or permanent marker to put numbers e.g. on arms. By using registration numbers a player is identified.

This numbering and identification of readers may be a generic problem which should also spoken in the main commettee (What should the host provide?)

Comment

We have a rule that says you can't use a quick release seat clamp because of potential injury. It would be silly to have this rule but allow safety pins in a game that does involve contact.

I think if we require numbering, then we can then request tape for numbers or numbered bibs for unicon.
I doint think magnets or velcro dots will work.

We could change the wording to require players to "display identifying numbers" without saying whether it has to be on their back. This would allow players to use the permanent marker option that Herbie suggested, but also allows teams to use jerseys, and gives us the abilityt to ask for tape/bibs from UNICON.

Comment

The reason for numbering players should be to identify players quick and more easier. But first should be said what kind of number has to be used.

The player-numbers (what ever number they like) will teams bring with them and are already printed on their shirts or the regestration number for the UNICON or numbers (e.g. 1-15) preprinted on bibs. Apropos bibs - bibs, which sizes, colours and how many sets should UNICON provide?

 

Comment

If each player is identifiable so we care about listing thetypes of allowable number. I think safety pins are out for safety reasons. 

As a referee I wouldn't care if it was a numbered jersey, numbered bib or racing tattoos like in triathlon.

Comment

I think we can keep it simple and just require that players should wear a clearly visible number. Safety pins are already covered by other rules and in my opinion we do not need any clarification. But I'm also happy to include something if you feel this is needed.

I think something like the following should be enough.

"Players have to display identifying numbers."

This would already cover that there can't be twice the same number within one team, right?

I don't think we need to regulate what UNICONs need to provide. The rules are more general than just for UNICONs.

Comment

Yes, that's sufficient:

"Players have to display identifying numbers."

Should the rules give some suggestions like "numbered jerseys, numbered bibs, number tattoos.

Should the identification be uniform at least in a team? so all team members use the same type of jersey, all have their numbers on the back?

Ciao Ole

Comment

"Players have to display identifying numbers." is fine. "suggestions like ..." OK.

And on B- and C-level it will give scratch teams and rest-of-the world teams enough freedom how they do displaying their numbering, forget my "safety pins".

Comment

In my opinion, it's important to simplify or clearly ensure player identification in unicycle hockey. For me, it doesn't matter significantly whether this happens through standardized jerseys already displaying clearly visible numbers, or if numbers are temporarily applied to plain-colored jerseys using tape. The critical point is simply that every player can be clearly and easily identified during the game, regardless of their skill level.

However, I view the use of numbered bibs critically. This would require every organizing club to have a sufficient quantity of numbered bibs available, which could pose significant challenges, especially for smaller or spontaneously acting clubs. Moreover, it would render existing older bibs unusable, leading to additional bibs needing to be acquired, thus causing unnecessary extra costs.

Overall, I find it challenging to establish a rule that functions optimally while also being practical and uniformly implementable across all clubs/events. A viable compromise could be to explicitly recommend in the regulations that jerseys with fixed numbers be used, as this option is most effective in the long term. At the same time, it should be explicitly stated that temporarily applied numbers (e.g., via tape) remain acceptable, offering a practical alternative particularly for smaller clubs and spontaneous teams. Thus, it wouldn't yet become mandatory for everyone to have numbers printed on their jerseys, providing, in my opinion, a good and workable solution.


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