Revise 3C.1.2 Referee
This discussion has an associated proposal. View Proposal Details here.Comments about this discussion:
Started
The rule 3C.1.2 describes basically the tasks of the referee, but I think some points could be formulated a bit more detailed and on the other hand some aspects are missing, the most important I think is that the referee is the one, who disqualifies riders.
I would therefore suggest to clarify or complete the current aspects as follows (the proposal is practically the same as what was proposed for the track races in the last Rulebook Committee):
OLD
The Referee is the head racing o fficial, whose primary job is to make sure the competitors follow the rules. The Referee makes all final decisions regarding rule infractions.
The Referee is responsible for resolving protests. The Referee must above all be objective and favor neither local, nor outside riders.
NEW
1. The referee is the head racing official. The referee is responsible for making sure that the competition rules are observed and for deciding on all related questions that arise during the event. This applies in particular to the handling of protests, as well as to questions of interpretation of the rules.
2. The referee has full control and authority over all judges and must instruct them on all details and regulations related to the competition.
3. The referee must ensure that all necessary judges are on their assigned places. The referee may replace absent, incapacitated or inadequate judges with others and may appoint additional judges. The referee shall ensure that the judges do not interfere in the competition in a biased manner.
4. The referee can ban persons from the competition venue for the duration of the competition, if they significantly disturb the execution of the competition.
5. The referee has the exclusive right to disqualify riders in case of violations of the competition rules, with the exception of violations concerning the start. Violations of the competition rules can be determined by their own observations or in reports of the responsible judges. Violations of the competition rules have to be reported to the referee with the following information: Position and name of the judge, competition, start number of the rider, as well as a clear description of the violation.
Comment
I agree. It describes more precisely the duties and rights of the referee.
Comment
Since there were no further comments here, I would put the proposals to a vote soon and hope that all members of the committee will also take part in the vote.
Once voting has started, comments will no longer be possible here, so if there are any comments, please let me know as soon as possible.
Comment
It gives a better job description, but I wonder about the use of 'judges'. Do you mean course marshals?
We don't normally have judges on road events, so it may cause some confusion.
Comment
Currently we do not have “Course Marshals” or “Judges” defined in section 3C.1 Racing Officials. Personally, I would always refer to the people along the course who also ensure compliance with the rules as judges - but you are right that we should define this position in general.
But that only affects the current rule indirectly via the wording. I would therefore suggest leaving the proposal as it is for the time being and possibly harmonizing the terminology again in an editorial process at the end.
Comment
@Ken: I wanted to briefly ask whether you would agree with the proposal as it is, or whether changes are necessary from your point of view. I would address the topic of course marshals/judges in a separate discussion as mentioned.
Comment
I think that would be fine. The later proposal can define who the judges are- they could be course marshals, finish line officials, crank/wheelsize measurers, and other's assisting the referee to ensure rules are followed.