Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by Steve on Mon May 26, 2014 at 2:18 pm

Steve
Num Posts: 402
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Paradise Farm
First O: 1993

What is the O USA policy for any runner that stops to assist an injured or lost runner during his run? Have we ever adjusted a time downwards with or with out witnesses to account for the lost time?

Reply by Sandy on Mon May 26, 2014 at 3:07 pm

Sandy
Num Posts: 324
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run 1:15000
First O: 1993

The rules do not really allow for that.  Runners that stop to help can take a SPW (sporting withdrawal) so that a longer than usual time does not count against them in the rankings, but there are no provisions for deducting time and awarding a new time.

The way the rules actually work though is that an event director can make whatever decision they want.  So, say, the ED decides to deduct 20 minutes from someone's time due to helping an injured or lost competitor.  That would be the person's official result.  However, if someone challenges that decision and files a protest, then a jury would be convened and because the rules do not allow for time deductions, the protest would be upheld and the person would be given the option of keeping the original (longer) time or taking a SPW.

But suppose everyone on the course thought that it was perfectly fine to give the person the 20 minute deduction.  Then no one would protest and the new time would stand.

So, the short answer is that the OUSA rules do not allow for it.  But, the rules are written in a way that the ED can do what they want subject to challenges from a competitor filing a protest.

It's similar to what happens when a control is misplaced.  Let's say the event director knows it's misplaced but decides to let the results stand.  If some one protests this decision to use the course and the results, the rules are very explicit and the course must be voided.  If no one protests then the course and results can stand.  I was at an A event a few years ago where a control was badly misplaced.  No one filed a protest and the results stood even though many people lost a lot of time on that control.

Here's a link to the OUSA rules .  I'm pretty confident I have this correct, but it's possible things have changed.

Reply by Steve on Mon May 26, 2014 at 4:02 pm

Steve
Num Posts: 402
Primary Club: DVOA
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First O: 1993

As the event director yesterday at Star Village, I request that we deduct 7 minutes from Dave Urban's time on the Brown course . He stopped to assist Pat Shannon with a medical issue.

Reply by wilburdeb on Tue May 27, 2014 at 11:40 am

wilburdeb
Num Posts: 100
Primary Club: DVOA
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The 2009 WOC Relay.  An interseting story on a WOC relay race involving race leaders coming to the aid of an injured runner.  No only giving up their chance for a gold medal but also their teammates chances.

Reply by DaveUrban on Tue May 27, 2014 at 4:17 pm

DaveUrban
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From O-USA governing sanctioned events: A.33.3 It is the duty of each competitor to help anyone who is injured.

Reply by anniemac on Tue May 27, 2014 at 5:20 pm

anniemac
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There must be something in the DVOA handbook (the unwritten code of ethics) that states something about helping people in distress, in general.  I certainly found much support from concerned members about my car.  It really does make a person feel good to see that others care, and would do something to help.  I think we must be a rare cross-section of humanity!  So Dave, not only do you get time deducted but you get a gold star from me!  :)

Reply by DaveUrban on Tue May 27, 2014 at 5:33 pm

DaveUrban
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Fathher & Son Ronseberger first encountered the fallen runner and blew the emergency only