Ruled Out, Rule Out

Rules are rules, and we should all abide by them. But, sometimes, by being extremely strict, they are not in the best interests of what the rules are for. The new false-start rule--"one mistake and you're out"-- in the sprints has prevented the world from seeing Usain Bolt display his amazing running prowess. The sport gains nothing from a rule that can produce such a result. Two other sprinters were also disqualified in other events.

There are, to be sure, rules that have been changed for the better. The one about scoring in volleyball regardless of who's serving is a case in point. Baseball needs desperately to adopt a rule for a wide use of filmed replay of controversial decisions by the umpires, so that the game is decided by what has really happened, not on account of the faulty perception of an umpire.

In the final analysis, rules should ensure that the game or sport is played fairly, without hampering its major players unnecessarily.

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