The Cost of Winning

A what point does winning take priority? When does the application of rules need to be considered? I ask all of this after reading this simple yet introspective incident about a Muslim DC runner who was recently disqualified.

Now obviously there's two points to consider. The runner's and her family/friends; and, those whoe are competinging or are completely removed from the situation (this does raise some hair splits, but I'll get into that in a bit).

Juashaunna Kelly is a Senior long distance runner, with the best 1-mile and 2-mile times in the city, runs with a balaclava-type outfit (think cat-suit with a hood) that she made into half and half school colors. She wears this entirely under her school provided running outfit. The big deal? Kelly was DQ'ed at the Montgomery Invitational. Still don't get it? This race was essentially her ticket into the Collegiate Inviational in New York, a haven for college running recruitment (only the top runner make it here, so...). Why her DQ? The outfit didn't conform to the rules established by National Federation of State High School Associations. Kelly states that she has "been wearing this for three years, and I've never had a [problem]. ..I ran [here] last year without a problem". While meet officials state that they must have overlooked it last year, Kelly's mother Sarah Kelly points out, "How can you miss it? [She's the one in] orange and blue...and the fastest time."

An athlete is competing against you and your team. This athelte is quite talented. Fortunately for you and your team, you know she is in violation of the dress code standards for the race. You turn her in. Quite a scenario, right? Perhaps a bit over dramatic, but I don't understand how this became an issue this year, and not previously. I'd wager that a coach brought this up, and wouldn't budge on the issue. A DQ is a serious step. It is mentioned that the officials did explain/give Kelly her options before the DQ, but this itself comes across quite unclear in all the various reports and interviews. A DQ was the penalty prescribed by the rules, but was it too strict?

I think in the end, it was. Sure, a DQ was the ultimate penalty, but what serious competitor wants to win because the competition couldn't compete? Oh, you could say that that option was there. Was it, considering her religious beliefs? Did the bodysuit give a competitive advantage? No. I think because of this (again, it provided her a means to compete without a competitive edge while following her religious beliefs) certain considerations could have been afforded. There was no money at stake; she's proven herself a capable runner with top times this competitive season. In the end. what was the result? Sure another runner won (which wasn't reported on the national wire), but the tournament and its directors got bad press, and various outlets get to cry outrage at this travesty. That's what it is: shortchange the kid who is really good, a bit different, and "Oh hey, they are breaking this small rule; let's get 'em!". I'm sure there are those that may disagree. "Follow the rules; no exceptions. Period."

Interesting counterpoint? Well, check back later for a follow up.