RE: 2006 OBRA rule changes

mike.m-@obra.org

2006-01-22



UCI went to the "points for laps" rule because they figure that spectators

are too stupid to figure out the laps/points thing. Personally I don't like

the rule because I think even stupid people can figure out this basic

concept. After all, they are able to comprehend the rules of football,

hockey and basketball which are a whole lot more arcane. Generally the

results will be the same under both methods but if there is a difference it

will be in a bad way (to my mind) under the UCI rule. For example, this

year at the Worlds if the women that ended up winning the Points Race had

not placed in the last sprint and if the one that finished second had won

the last sprint then the second women would have won despite being a lap

down on the winner who took a lap solo. I don't think anyone should ever be

a lap up and lose (or conversely a lap down and win).



On the other hand, this has been the UCI and USCF rule for several years and

one could make the argument that we should comply if only so riders don't

need to remember a different rule only in Oregon.



Mike Murray

-----Original Message-----

From: Gregory Leblanc [mailto:gleb-@linuxweasel.com]

Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 19:26 PM

To: mike.m-@obra.org

Cc: 'OBRA Remailer'

Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] 2006 OBRA rule changes





On Sun, 2006-01-22 at 18:34 -0800, mike.m-@obra.org wrote:



Below are the rule changes that I am going to propose at the annual meeting

on February 5. Most of these are to keep OBRA rules in line with USCF

rules. Please comment as you see fit.





[snip]



Special consideration

Change:



19.3.10 - POINTS RACE

.For standard points races this is usually every five laps, or every 2 km.

For standard Points races in each sprint, the first four riders shall

normally be awarded points in order of finish as follows: 5 points, 3

points, 2 points, 1 point. The number of points may be doubled on the final

sprint or on intermediate sprints as designated by the official. Any rider

who gains a lap on the main field will receive 20 points. Any rider who

loses a lap to the main field will lose 20 points. .



Finish.

.

(b) Laps gained shall take precedence over points in determining final

placings. Points determine the final placings of riders who are equal on

laps. When riders are tied on both laps and points,"





I know UCI is using this rule, and I'm guessing that USCF is as well, based

on the first line of this message. I'm not personally very big on this

change, though I certainly don't take laps in points races, which should

mean it gives me a better chance against the folks that do. Anybody know

why UCI et. al went to this rule?

    Greg