Pondering blind runner guidelines

A few weeks ago I came across the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes guidelines for blind runners.  After reading over these guidelines I thought “well hmm, that’s not how I do it.”  I could see reasons for many of the rules, but at the same time, they seemed very much “our way or nothing.” 

One such rule is having a maximum distance between runner and guide.  I can see safety implications for this rule.  I can also see, however, how you could accidently break this rule while running, and being disqualified for doing so seems unfair.  I naturally stay close to my guide because of lack of room around us.  I don’t want to have to worry about exact spacing while focusing on a race however.  

Additionally, runners can be disqualified if the guide crosses the finish line before the runner.  As long as the guide isn’t pulling the runner, why would this matter.  If you are exhausted after a hard run, why should you have to worry about who is slightly in front? 

There were specifics on how to hold the running tether, and this is where I think the organization should encourage some flexibility and experimentation.  Holding a running tether as they suggest, between second and third fingers, would be miserable for me, especially in a longer race.  The purpose is to prevent a tether that is wrapped around the hand or wrist from injuring the person if they fall, but I personally would drop the tether and tense my shoulder holding it this way.  How would that be good or safe?  You can get hurt falling no matter what, blind or sighted.  So many things concerning running are personal such as shoes, clothes, and nutrition; why shouldn’t guide running be so?

Thankfully, after more googling I also found other websites that did encourage trying different ways of run guiding.

After finding the USABA guidelines and complaining about them, I started to get concerned that they might apply to all races.  Although I had never had any trouble in races in the past, they had all been smaller, more local races.  MCM, however, is a large race with a more national focus.  I was somewhat afraid that I would unknowingly violate some rule I didn’t even know I was supposed to follow. 

Well, now after complaining about USABA guidelines, I must say their sports director was very helpful when I emailed him for more information.  He responded the next day, and we sent several emails back and forth within a few hours.  Luckily, the USABA rules only apply to races with blind/visually impaired divisions and affiliated with USABA or another similar organization.  He encouraged me to email MCM so as to make them aware and avoid any potential problems stemming from confusion of why two runners were tethered.  

The response from the MCM staff was quick and helpful.  They are assigning specific race numbers to me, Max, and Megan so we are in the same starting corral.  Otherwise, my normal run tether techniques are fine.  All he said is don’t have your guide pull you and don't have the tether overly long.  Totally understandable requests!

Hearing the response of MCM was a relief.  I pride myself on being able to come up with ways to adapt activities that work best for me and are safe.  I don’t appreciate rules that single me out from sighted individuals participating in the same activity and tell me how I need to perform to be safe.  Everyone is different, and I know what works for me better than any organization.