proposed cyclocross rule change drama

People have been getting really excited about the proposed rule change that Tom Simonson has proposed be added to the Cyclocross legislation. The proposed changes are as follows:

Page 13 of 24 Draft legislative packet – fall meeting 10/20/2006

UR06.22 5A Cyclocross obstacles – submitted by Tom Simonson
Last year we passed legislation permitting more than one set of barriers events. This legislation clarifies that this should be the exception rather standard practice, and gives some examples for obstacles and “acrobatics”.
Cyclo-cross
5A11. Races which are not UCI events, national championships, or used riders for national teams or international competition may have two additional temporary artificial barriers (3 total). The barriers must meet the specifications
5A10 and the total number of obstacles may not exceed 6. The additional temporary barriers should be done only in unusual circumstances (e.g. local tradition at a particular event or the lack of suitable terrain); the standard cyclo-cross course should have at most one set of temporary barriers.

5A12. The course may cross bridges or footbridges provided that they are a minimum of 3 meters wide and that there is a guard rail on both sides. A non-slip surface (carpet, wire mesh, or special anti-slip paint) shall be used on bridges and footbridges. A separate footbridge shall be provided for spectators.
5A13. No acrobatics on the part of the riders shall be required to overcome obstacles. This includes such items as excessively steep or slippery run-ups and steps so high that riders have difficulty climbing them.
5A14. Having consulted the Organizer, the Chief Referee may decide that artificial obstacles shall be removed if the circuit is unusually slippery.

Honestly, I’m all for it. It doesn’t force promoters/course designers to only have one set of barriers but it definitely encourages it more strongly. I’m all for having some barriers but it’s nice to have a good amount of other obstacles mixed in too.