Quarter Midgets of America Rule Change Proposal 1998
Date:1st draft 8-31-97
Submitted By: Club Name:Robert Kerr (CQMA
) Address:
City:Lansing, MI
Region:4
Rule# / Section: / Page: See list below
Rule Change Proposal (Preliminary)
Reason for change:
For a number of years, QMA has utilized the services of QM handlers to serve as judges in races where they are not otherwise involved. Having only been a member of QMA for two racing seasons, I don’t know if the system was functional in the past, or what problems lead to its institution, but for a number of reasons we should now view judges as a noble experiment which did not work.
Just a few of the problems are listed below:
First, the process of creating a committee of 5 judges, who will determine whether a driving offense has occurred has by its very nature created a time consuming, cumbersome process. Unfortunately, with this delay frequently judges will decide that it’s not worth calling an infraction unless definite damage is done.
Second, because handlers are chosen to serve as judges during a time when many may have urgent work on their own vehicle, many may choose not to call an incident so that they may return to their own car in a more expeditious fashion.
Third, some handlers may choose not to make a call so they can return to the comfort of their recreational vehicle or any other device that will shade them from the sweltering sun.
Fourth, some judges will choose not to make a call because the racing team in question might be a more prominent team within the local club or region and the judge does not want to create friction.
Fifth, yet another reason some judges don’t make a call is that they believe that, once a call is made against one driver, the handler involved might feel a need to return the favor at some future time.
The reasons listed above, along with many others, indicate that it is time to change this procedure to something more equitable, efficient, as well as one that teaches the true intent of safety on the race track. To that extent I am suggesting that QMA replace the “Panel of Judges” with a “Race Steward” as well as the existing “Flagperson” (a.k.a. Starter). The intent of these two individuals is to allow the flagperson to control the safe flow of the race from start to finish while utilizing the Steward to watch those areas of the track the flagperson can’t see from his vantage point as well as being able to watch areas of concern with a greater vigilance.
Rules Affected:
Due to the large number of rules affected, each is listed below en-mass followed by a detailed breakdown of the individual rules with their replacement.
General Rules: 1E, 7D, 8F, 10A, 11E1
Judging: Intro paragraph, 2nd paragraph, 2, 3, 4B 3rd paragraph, 4Bb
Novice Program: 1E
Current and revised wording:
General Rules-
1E :
Current Rule:
At all QMA Sanctioned Qualifying races, the Host Club and the Race Director for that meet will clearly identify the responsibilities and authorities of the Head Judge and Chief Flagman selected for the Meet.
Proposed Change:
At all QMA Sanctioned Qualifying races, the Host Club and the Race Director for that meet will clearly identify the responsibilities and authorities of the Race Steward and Chief Flagperson, otherwise referred to as Flagman, selected for the Meet.
7D :
Current Rule:
If during the initial lineup and before the green flag falls, a car should go dead on the track, they will be put back in their original position unless there is a Judges call.
Proposed Change:
If, during the initial lineup and before the green flag falls, a car should go dead on the track, they will be put back in their original position unless, in the opinion of the Race Steward or Flagperson, there is reason to act otherwise.
8F :
Current Rule:
If a car goes dead or spins to