Mini mass starts

[FatBoy]

Does anyone know if there's any rules about timing of these?

I ended up in one on Sunday despite the fact our team had only been out 1hr40, and the winner of our class (short) finished at 1hr32 - after all remaining runners were called into the pen. The second place team wasn't even back when I was forced out. Also only a half our between 2nd leg and 3rd leg mass starts wasn't kind - our team having just missed the 2nd leg one I was always going to be in the 3rd leg one.

We finished 22nd out of 29 (competitive) teams. Our little inter-SPLOT competition spoilt by the fact I had not only to pass the other two teams but then pull out a further lead of 13 mins (only managed 5 mins).

[Simon]

Mini-mass Starts: competitors awaiting previous lap runners who are long overdue should be started in a mini-mass start to avoid the competition going on too long. Arrangements for mini-mass Starts must be publicised in the Event Details. The planning and organisation should be such as to minimise the numbers of competitors likely to be involved. Exceptionally a mini-mass start may be delayed.

Those involved in mini-mass starts must have their team numbers recorded by an official, and their control cards endorsed with a punch. The starter must record the actual time of start.

Participation in a mini-mass start shall not disqualify a team unless previous notice has been given that this will be the case [Rule 8.6.3].

8.6.2 At events with a mass start or chasing start the order in which the competitors cross the finishing line shall determine their position (or their team's position) in the results.

8.6.3 Participation in a ‘mini mass start’ at relay events shall not disqualify a team unless previous notice has been given that this will be the case. The total aggregate time of the runners shall decide the results of teams involved in ‘mini mass starts’, rather than the finish position as defined in 8.6.2.

Mini Mass-Starts will be held as appropriate and announced over the P.A system. They will use a punching start.

I do not know the reason why the MMSs were held so early. However, I guess, that the poor weather was part of the reason - to reduce the length of time people were waiting around.

I would have thought that 12 for the first and 12:30 for the second would have been better and would have been more in keeping with the statement that the 'planning and organisation should be such as to minimise the numbers of competitors likely to be involved'.