It seems as though everyone has a different interpretation of the rule and since I was a little fella running around at Oran Park in Sydney I have always thought the same way. Even told Gruber in Queensland one year to get his boat off the water or he will be disqualified from the event, he didn't like it but he lived with it, cause it was the same for everyone. No one has ever said to me that my interpretation is wrong, although sometimes I got abused when they didn't get their boat on the water, but this is always going to happen.
I think before the Nationals in Adelaide this year I will sit down with the guys from the Adelaide club who are organising the event and ask them how they want me to interpret the rules as they have hired me to do the job on their behalf. Then with the notes I collect, I can relay these interpretations to everyone at the drivers meeting each morning. Or on the other hand, have a Pit Dircetor each race, from the host club, who judges whether boats are launched or not.
Craig, I'm now thinking the same as you, I'd like to see more boats on the water but I think it not only comes down to this rule but its also up to the driver.
I know that I probably haven't been the best at the CD thing over the years but I'm up there on my own making decisions on the spot and sometimes I will make mistakes. If someone doesn't like a decision, then use the protest system, that is why its there.
We should probably bring this topic up at the AMPBA AGM and see if we need to change it or not and just clarify with all members what is the actual meaning of the rule.
Grub - Chicken Pox! What a great birthday present.