Embargos for major events

[Homer]

BOF Rules state:
"Rule 3.1.2. At level 3 events and above, competitors shall declare themselves non-competitive if their aquaintance with the terrain would give them substantial advantage over other competitors. Nothing that occurred more than 24 months before the date of the event shall be atken into account."

I raise this issue now because of the up coming National Event (and Senior Home International) at Burbage Moor on December 3rd. Obviously many Sheffield-based orienteers have run/trained/raced on this area on a regular basis over their time in Sheffield. My interpretation of the rules is that anyone who has raced or trained on the area since 3/12/04 should declare themselves non-comp. What does anyone else think? And what are the other home nations reactions going to be if England select Sheffield-based athletes for their team?!

I'm not sure when it became common knowledge that the event was to be held (or at what point it became the SHI), but I suspect the answer is more recently than 3/12/04. If this is the case, is it then fair to ask people who have trained on the area between 3/12/04 and the date the event was registered to declare themselves non-comp?

Looking at the SYO website, I note that there was an evening event held there in May 2005. Should anyone who took part in that event declare themselves non-comp?

This issue has implications for many events and I'm sure everyone has their own idea as to what constitutes a "substantial advantage". I feel we need a bit more guidance from BOF (Rules Group?) on this.

[mharky]

Interesting...

I think the should declare NC.

On another note, I think there is room for an Embargos list on the BOF website, how many people actually know what areas are embargoed...???

I nice list, one the main page would be nice

[brooner]

I heard that most of the Sheffield based runners have ruled themselves out of selection for the SHI's on that basis

[FatBoy]

Looking at the SYO website, I note that there was an evening event held there in May 2005. Should anyone who took part in that event declare themselves non-comp?

What about the (co)planner?

I didn't know anything about this National event then and I suspect neither did anyone else, otherwise it wouldn't have been there surely? Loss of permissions for another area for the national event? I don't think I've ever seen an area that is embargoed used for informal events in the meantime.

For the record I'm not an SYO member though so this is only a guess (we just do so many of their summer events we thought it was about time we planned one).

[EddieH]

Most areas have ben run on before by many competitors. It used to bother me when a major event was familiar to some but not to me. Now I just accept that it is bound to happen, and familiarity does not always help - it makes one complacent.

In short I don't think that just running on an area is reason to be NC. Mapping and planning amy be different. I seem to remember that the rule re mapping used to be that the mapper could run on the area the second time it was used.

Anyway the rule is clearly abused when the same area is used for C3s on successive days!!!

[NeilC]

Anyway the rule is clearly abused when the same area is used for C3s on successive days!!!

Not if the first day was an open event - then all competitors are on an equal footing.

Wasn't too long ago that this was discussed before.

http://www.nopesport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5452

I'm sure if anyone could come up with some better wording to cover this issue then rules group would consider it. Won't be easy though.

[mharky]

How about: If you made the map, then you can't compete on it, coz you made it.

[EddieH]

Not quite Neil - some people only come on the second day!

[bedders]

Yeh but that's their own fault, they have the chance to compete on the first day the same as everyone else, so therefore they cant complain if they dont get the same advantages. So there.

[NeilC]

Not quite Neil - some people only come on the second day!

Their choice though. Competitors who study an old map or even an OS map will have an advantage over those that don't - but that is hardly cheating. We just have to try and level the playing field as best we can.

[RS]

I seem to recollect the junior squad training on it so are all they ineligible as well? Don't forget there were all natonalities except Irish in it.

[lilywhite]

Brooner said:

I heard that most of the Sheffield based runners have ruled themselves out of selection for the SHI's on that basis

That's the problem with nopesport: all unsubstantiated rumour and hear say. The England M21 team for the SHIs has already been announced and is as follows:

Rob Baker SYO
Al Buckley SYO
Matt Crane ShUOC
Oli Johnson SYO/ShUOC
Neil Northrop ShUOC
Mike Sprot SYO

Do you think the Australian Cricket Authorities will prepare the wicket at the MCG so it suits Harmison, Hoggard and Flintoff?

[Kitch]

Is that all you've got ?

[brooner]

so when you get beat on properly home turf it'll be even better for the scots

[brooner]

That's the problem with nopesport: all unsubstantiated rumour and hear say.

also, why is this a problem with nopesport? this was something heard at an orienteering event...