[PaQSO] CL Rules?

[TwelveVDC at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/10/2005 7:20:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
vze3v8dt at verizon.net writes:
> Pete,
> While the written rules do not specify to the satisfaction of all of 
> those who have this and a variety of other questions and the rules (as 
> near as I can tell) have not been changed, updated or up for vote of the 
> participants of the activity, it seems that we have already received an 
> answer to the question from the head of the Chairman of the PA QSO Party 
> as follows:
> 
>   And when in doubt, ask me. Voice of reason or not, I am the one  to 
> judge.
>   - 73 de Mike KB3EIA -
> 
> So, the way I read it, plan your opertation, explain your situation to 
> Mike and he will either qualify or disqualify accordingly.  On the other 
> hand, if you plan your operation, operate under the assumption that it 
> will be close enough, and then find out afterward that the operation was 
> not "close enough" for Mike's okay, then shame on you.  However, at that 
> point it would be difficult to change everyone's log who already has it 
> marked as a county line station as well, so Mike would have to deal with 
> that as well. 
> Again, it seems quite clear that while everyone here has opinions on the 
> subject, at this time Mike's is the only one that counts.  Somebody has 
> to ultimately step up and be responsible for making the decision, and 
> Mike seems to have done so.  Any problems with that  -- talk to Mike 
> about it!
> 
    Mark,
    It it were so clear, there would have never been a question that prompts 
so much well-considered discussion.  The *Rules* of anything formally 
organized are written ahead of time, in order to leave no questions.  The function of 
judges and referees is to determine if the already penned *Rules* have been 
followed.
   My point is, if there is no *Rule* specifying a provision or prohibition, 
(and in this case what's clear is that there ain't) then the Chief Supreme 
Almighty Grand Pooh-Bah himself will have a difficult time enforcing an unwritten 
rule, (known as opinion) and leaves the door effectively open to claims of 
bias.  Who wants that when there's a solution?
  How could everyone not benefit if this was put this to bed by having the 
rules say, "Your SO239 connector has to be ON the county line."  Or, "50 feet", 
or "42½ meters", or "RHP from the known CL."  Something so the poor guys 
aren't praying they won't get DQ'd.
  I'm not trying to write a rule; I'm saying here's an opportunity for Mike 
and the BOD of the sponsor to help the hardest working guys of all, that's all. 
 It's one of those things that may be unfair if not impossible to address 
case by case afterwards.  No matter what it would say, it'd still be fair because 
everyone can, or has to use it.
   I hope Mike doesn't think I'm trying to put him on the spot.  I'm really 
not.
                                                                   -Pete

P.S. Did you recognize anyone in that lager fueled discussion?    8-)
       Glad you made it home safely.  Good to work you in POT.