Posted by Anthony Hall on Mar 14, 2017; 11:02pm
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/Proposed-rule-change-for-discussion-tp5709168p5709174.html

Hi All,

Good discussion so far.  I do understand regarding the "Grey" area, but I think that it is preferable to the current "Open Slather".  I am against selective legislating for such a large and open area.  You either define it as "Call of Shot only" .... which we already know was not what the majority wanted, leave it open as it is, or allow a "Spirit of the Competition" rule.  

There are examples of where specific actions would not breach the spirit....for example if say a total newbie was shooting and missed the plate to the left with their first sighter shot and had no idea how to adjust for that and an experienced competitor like Dave Groves reached over and wound on 3 minutes of windage for them and told them to fire again..... Or if someone is teaching a Junior, or assisting an older person who is struggling with eyesight or dexterity in their hands etc...."Spirit of the Fly" allows for this, legislated rules do not.

I believe that the "Spirit of the Competition" will be effective, as it calls for a warning before any further action, and additionally allows the competitor to lodge a protest which needs to be determined by a committee (of at least 3).  This negates any one individuals interpretation, and the disputes committee usually comprises of two very experienced competitors plus the appointed rules delegate.

I have seen the "Spirit of Cricket" rule effectively applied and a conviction enforced where someone had not broken any specific defined law of the game....but had manipulated and deceived to a level that it was determined they had breached the spirit.  It is quite a powerful statement.  Also a very effective tool in that if a competitor is warned that their actions may be breaching the spirit of the competition, they will think very hard about wether to continue that particular action.

To me even if not used a lot (or at all) it would be effective enough to have it in the rule book and in the same paragraph specifically mention excessive coaching.

Or do we just leave it totally alone ?

Would love to hear more opinions.

Cheers

Anthony